Accepting payments via QR codes has become a fast, secure, and mobile-friendly solution for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re running a café, managing an online store, or offering freelance services, using QR codes to accept payments helps you reduce friction at checkout, minimize hardware costs, and deliver a seamless customer experience.

With the rise of mobile wallets, contactless payments, and remote transactions, QR codes are not only a trend—they’re essential. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to accept payments via QR codes, what tools you need, and how to optimize your setup for better performance and customer satisfaction.

What Does It Mean to Accept Payments via QR Codes?

To accept payments via QR codes means providing your customers with a scannable code that links directly to a secure payment page. Instead of manually entering payment details, users simply scan the code using their smartphone camera or payment app and complete the transaction instantly.

There are two types of QR codes typically used for payments:

• Static QR Codes: Fixed payment information, often used for donations or set-price services.
• Dynamic QR Codes: Editable, trackable, and customizable codes ideal for real-time transactions and personalized experiences.

Accepting payments via QR codes works both online and offline—on websites, social media, invoices, print ads, or storefronts.

Benefits of Accepting Payments with QR Codes

Businesses that accept payments via QR codes enjoy a range of benefits, including:

• Faster Checkout Process: No card swiping, typing, or logins required.
• Improved Mobile Experience: Perfect for today’s mobile-first users.
• Cost-Effective: No expensive POS terminals or card readers are needed.
• Secure Transactions: Encrypted URLs and secure payment gateways protect customer data.
• Offline-to-Online Integration: Turn receipts, signs, or flyers into payment channels.

Accepting payments via QR codes is especially useful for small businesses, freelancers, and pop-up vendors who need flexible and affordable payment solutions.

Step-by-Step: How to Accept Payments via QR Codes

Ready to start? Here’s how to accept payments via QR codes in just a few simple steps.

Step 1: Choose a Payment Platform or Gateway

Select a provider that supports QR code payment links. Popular options include:

• Qrizo (for dynamic QR codes with analytics)
• PayPal
• Stripe
• Square
• Shopify or WooCommerce plugins

Each offers different levels of customization, branding, and tracking.

🔗 Related: Best QR Code Payment Solutions for Small Businesses

Step 2: Generate a Payment Link or Checkout Page

Log in to your platform and create a unique payment link. This could be:

• A one-time product checkout
• A donation or tip page
• A customer invoice
• A subscription plan

Make sure your page is mobile-optimized and secured with HTTPS.

Step 3: Create a QR Code from the Link

Use a QR code generator to convert your payment link into a scannable code. Qrizo’s QR Code Generator lets you create both static and dynamic codes, add your logo, customize colours, and track usage.

🔗 Try it now: QR Code Generator

Step 4: Share the QR Code with Customers

You can now display or share the QR code across:

• Product packaging
• Posters or menus
• Emails and invoices
• Websites and landing pages
• Social media and ads

Tip: Add a short description next to your code like “Scan to Pay” or “Complete your checkout instantly.”

Step 5: Monitor Payments and Optimize

Once you start accepting payments via QR codes, use tracking tools to monitor:

• Number of scans
• Payment completion rate
• Devices used
• Scan location and time

Qrizo’s analytics platform gives you real-time insights to refine your strategy and increase conversions.

Accepting Payments via QR Codes in Different Business Models

QR code payments work across a wide range of industries and formats. Here’s how to use them in various business contexts:

For Retailers and Restaurants

• Place QR codes at checkout counters for contactless in-store payments
• Add codes to menus for table-side ordering and instant payment
• Use window signage to enable 24/7 ordering and prepayment

For eCommerce and Online Sellers

• Offer QR codes on product pages as an alternative checkout option
• Use codes in email campaigns to recover abandoned carts
• Generate payment QR codes for subscription renewals or upgrades

🔗 Explore more: QR Codes for Shopify & WooCommerce Stores

For Freelancers and Creators

• Add QR codes to invoices or business cards
• Accept donations or service payments on the go
• Use codes in Instagram or TikTok bios to monetize directly

 

Dynamic vs Static QR Codes: Which Should You Use?

When you accept payments via QR codes, it’s important to choose the right type of code:

• Static QR Codes are fixed. Once created, they cannot be edited. Ideal for simple use cases like accepting tips or donations.
• Dynamic QR Codes are editable and trackable. You can update the destination URL, add personalization, and collect usage data.

Dynamic QR codes are highly recommended for businesses that want full control and analytics. With Qrizo, you can create branded dynamic codes that adapt to your campaigns.

🔗 Learn more: Dynamic vs Static QR Codes

Best Practices for Accepting Payments via QR Codes

To get the most from QR code payments, follow these proven best practices:

• Use secure payment gateways with HTTPS URLs
• Brand your QR codes for trust and recognition
• Place codes where they’re easy to scan, especially on mobile
• Include clear instructions for users (e.g., “Scan to Pay”)
• Test codes regularly across devices and browsers
• Use analytics to optimize your QR code strategy over time

Avoid generic black-and-white codes without context—branding and intent dramatically improve scan and payment rates.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Accepting QR Code Payments

Avoid these pitfalls that could cost you sales:

• Not verifying QR code links before going live
• Forgetting to optimize landing pages for mobile
• Skipping analytics and missing out on user behaviour insights
• Using low-resolution codes that won’t scan
• Failing to provide instructions or context

With a platform like Qrizo, you can avoid these errors and streamline your entire QR code payment process.

The Future of Accepting Payments via QR Codes

QR code payment adoption is only going to increase in the coming years. New trends include:

• Integration with mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and digital banking apps
• AI-driven personalization of QR code landing pages
• Real-time payment confirmations via smart receipts and notifications
• Cross-platform syncing for consistent experiences online and offline

Now is the time to integrate QR code payments into your business and future-proof your customer journey.

Final Thoughts: Start Accepting Payments via QR Codes Today

Accepting payments via QR codes offers small businesses, online sellers, and service providers a powerful way to reduce checkout friction, improve security, and meet customers where they are—on mobile.

Whether you’re adding QR codes to invoices, storefronts, or product pages, the process is simple and scalable. With tools like Qrizo, you can create dynamic QR codes that are branded, trackable, and integrated into your existing payment flow.

Start today—accept payments smarter, faster, and with more visibility.

Internal Links

• QR Code Generator
• How to Use QR Codes for Online Payments
• Best QR Code Payment Solutions for Small Businesses
• QR Code Analytics and Tracking
• QR Codes for Shopify & WooCommerce Stores