How to Create and Use a Payment QR Code: Complete Guide

QR codes have become an increasingly popular payment option, and many small businesses use a QR code to accept payments.

The QR code payment market will grow substantially in the coming years. According to Research and Markets, the global QR industry will grow at a CAGR of 17.2% through 2030.¹ Moreover, 30% of global smartphone users used a QR code payment option in 2025.²

Using a QR code for payment can be a convenient option for both companies and consumers.

This article will discuss the benefits of using a QR code to accept payments and discuss factors that companies and consumers should consider.

What Exactly is a Payment QR Code?

A payment QR code is a type of barcode that helps companies rapidly receive payment information from a customer. Companies used these tools to help facilitate payments via a mobile phone or other devices. Many consumers prefer using a QR code for payment because of the speed and convenience.

There are two types of QR codes for payment, including static codes and dynamic codes. The main difference between these two codes is that static codes can’t be altered once the code is generated, while dynamic codes can be altered.

How to Use Payment QR Codes: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

It is easy for companies to create a QR code for payment if their provider offers this feature. For example, Wise Business customers can get a payment QR code when they set up Quick Pay.

Quick Pay is available to all Wise Business accounts that have:

• A currency with account details.
• Enabled 2-step authentication.
• Completed business account verification.

Once your Wise account is set up, you can get your Quick Pay link or QR code by:

• Going to Payments.
• Select Quick Pay.
• Select Get started to see your link and QR code

You can now share your link or QR code with anyone. When they click the link or scan the QR code, customers will be directed to log into Wise and pay you — even if they don't have your account details.

Customers who want to use a payment QR code need to scan the code provided by the business. They have the option of either using a smartphone camera to scan the code, or within other payment apps.

Once the QR code is generated, the customer will need to:

• Scan the QR code that the merchant has created
• Input their payment information
• This information is transferred to the customer's card issuer. Customers may also use other types of payment apps.
• The payment results are transmitted to the company after the customer’s payment is confirmed.

Popular QR code payment apps, such as PayPal, Venmo, or Square, can make the process easier for customers. You can also use Wise to make payments using a QR code. Wise customers can benefit from convenient, cost-effective payment methods in multiple currencies. In particular, Wise can help customers enjoy the mid-market exchange rate when they make QR transactions in foreign currencies.

What to Be Aware of When Taking QR Code Payments

The goal of a QR code payment is to provide a quick and secure way for customers to make payments with their mobile devices. While this process is generally very straightforward and stress-free, customers can occasionally run into issues.

There are many reasons why a QR code payment system may not work correctly. The QR codes may be incomprehensible due to the low quality of the image or color/contrast issues. Businesses should also make sure there is not a problem with the initial link customers click, as well as the rest of the payment process.

Other issues that customers need to account for include security concerns, hidden fees, and scams. The best practice to avoid this is to avoid QR codes in suspicious locations (i.e., spam emails and outdoor locations) and ensure that the QR code is actually from the intended company.

Staying Secure: Are Payment QR Codes Safe?

It's important to ensure the payment QR code is safe before you open it. To avoid any types of scams or security issues, be sure that the QR code is legitimate. If you receive an email or see a QR code in a random location outside, it is best to ensure that this QR code is actually from the company and not a scam. Many scammers will even place fake QR codes on restaurant menus or send emails with fake QR codes.

If you use an app to make a QR code payment, make sure the app offering is secure. You can also use your phone’s camera app to avoid downloading third-party QR code apps.

What Are the Different Types of QR Code Payments?

Some of the main QR code payment methods include merchant POS codes, peer-to-peer transfer QR codes, and other QR codes used for online purchases.

Merchant POS codes: These codes enable contactless payments by allowing customers to scan a QR code with their mobile device.

Peer-to-peer transfer QR codes: This allows companies to display a QR code on popular apps like Venmo or PayPal. The customer can open the QR code through these apps and then make a payment.

Online purchases: Businesses can also link QR codes to their online checkout process, allowing customers to pay by entering their banking info or by using a third-party app.

The QR code is merely the interface, and the actual money transfer takes place through your bank. Any potential issues with your card or bank could cause payment issues, even if the QR code is functioning correctly. If the QR code does not initially work, you may need to check your camera app or internet quality to ensure this isn’t causing the issue.

Are there fees associated with QR code payments?

Businesses typically pay transaction fees when they offer card payment options for their customers. Offering a QR code payment is a great option, as many customers prefer the convenience.

Some companies, like Stripe and Venmo, offer contactless payments with a QR code. The fees are generally similar to card transactions, and there is an extra flat fee for the contactless option on top of the percentage charge.⁸,⁹

Another important consideration to address is international payment fees. When you use QR codes and make payments in foreign currencies, your bank or payment app may have an unfavorable exchange rate. Wise is an excellent tool for international QR code payments, as customers of Wise can take advantage of the mid-market rate and avoid hidden fees.

FAQ Section

Is it safe to pay with a QR code?

Yes, it is safe to use QR codes as long as the code comes from a trusted source. For example, many restaurants offer QR code menus with payment options. Companies may also send these QR codes by email or have them on their website. To avoid scams, be sure to ensure that the QR code comes from a trusted source. Scanning a QR code in a random public space or from a spam email can lead to scams.

Can I use any QR code scanner for payments?

In order to use a QR code scanner for payments, you will need to have some type of app installed on your phone. You can use popular apps like Venmo or Stripe to make payments with your QR code. There are also other QR code apps that you can download. If your smartphone has a built-in camera app, you can use this to access a URL and make a payment if the company offers this option online. Whatever option you choose, you need to ensure that it is compatible with the QR code payment system.

What's the difference between QR code payments and contactless card payments (NFC)?

While both payment options are contactless, there are several differences between QR code payments and contactless card payments. QR codes use a camera scan, either through a customer’s camera app or other banking or payment apps. NFCs use close-range radio communication to process payments.

Conclusion: Should Your Business Use Payment QR Codes?

Small businesses should strongly consider offering QR code payment options for their customers for many reasons. In many cases, QR code payment options may be cheaper for your business and more convenient for customers. Moreover, this payment option is often faster, which can improve your turnover time and free up time for your employees.

As mobile payments continue to grow in popularity, offering a QR code payment option can improve the customer user experience and also help your business cut costs. Businesses should take steps to ensure that their offerings are secure and compatible for customers. While customers should be wary of security issues, QR code payments are a helpful payment method that can make things easier for consumers.

Discover Wise: Convenient Payment Options

Offering your customers quick and convenient payment options is a must in 2026. Popular options such as mobile payments and QR codes have become more popular in recent years. Moreover, many businesses are also beginning to increasingly send and receive international payments.

Wise is a powerful solution that can help companies offer their customers the best payment options available. Customers can make quick and convenient payments and your business can avoid costly currency conversion fees on international payments.

Receive payments with Wise Business

Wise is not a bank, but a Money Services Business (MSB) provider and a smart alternative to banks. The Wise Business account is designed with international business in mind, and makes it easy to send, hold, and manage business funds in multiple currencies. You can get major currency account details for a one-off fee to receive overseas payments like a local. You can also send money to 140+ countries.

Sources:

1. Analysis of the Global QR Code Payments Market 2025-2030 and 41 Industry Players Including Apple Pay, Cash App, Google Pay, Klarna, PayPal, Paytm, PayU, PhonePe, Skrill, Stripe, Venmo, WeChat Pay, Zelle
2. The Rise of QR Code Payments: Why Small Businesses Should Care | Xiva
3. QR codes explained: How they’re used for payments | Stripe
4. A Comprehensive Guide to QR Payments - How to Accept QR Code Payments for Your Business - Plastiq
5. Why Is Your QR Code Not Working? 13 Causes and Fixes (2026 Guide)
6. 12 of the Most Common Reasons Your QR Code Isn’t Working
7. NeverScanQRCodes | Information Security
8. Pricing & Fees
9. Contactless Payments | QR Code Payment | Venmo
   All sources checked May 2026