QR Code Payments: The Complete Guide
Accept contactless payments without expensive hardware. Here's how QR code payments work and how to set them up for your business.
How QR Code Payments Work
QR code payments let customers pay by scanning a code with their phone instead of swiping a card or handling cash. The QR code contains payment information — either a link to a payment page, a wallet address, or instructions for a payment app.
The process is simple:
- Customer opens their phone camera or payment app
- They scan your QR code
- Payment details appear on their screen
- They enter the amount (or it's pre-filled)
- They tap to confirm and pay
Why Small Businesses Use QR Payments
Low Cost
No card reader to buy. No monthly terminal fees. Just print a QR code and you're ready to accept payments.
Contactless
No touching shared surfaces. Customers use their own phone. Important for hygiene-conscious customers.
Fast Setup
Get your payment QR code in minutes. Print it, display it, start accepting payments the same day.
Works Anywhere
Farmers markets, food trucks, pop-ups, home services — anywhere you can display a printed sign.
QR Payment Options for Small Businesses
PayPal QR Code
PayPal offers free QR codes for businesses. Customers don't need a PayPal account — they can pay with any card through the PayPal app.
How to get your PayPal QR code:
- Open the PayPal app
- Tap "Scan / Pay"
- Select "Show to get paid"
- Save or print your QR code
Fee: 2.29% + $0.09 for in-person QR payments
Venmo for Business
Popular with younger customers. Venmo business profiles get a unique QR code that customers scan to pay instantly.
How to get your Venmo business QR code:
- Create a Venmo Business Profile in the app
- Go to your business profile
- Tap the QR code icon
- Save and print
Fee: 1.9% + $0.10 for business payments
Cash App for Business
Cash App provides a $Cashtag QR code. Customers scan and send payments directly. Simple and widely used.
How to get your Cash App QR code:
- Open Cash App
- Tap your profile icon
- Your QR code appears — tap to save or share
Fee: 2.75% for business payments
Square QR Codes
Square lets you create QR codes that link to checkout pages, menus, or specific items. Professional option with full POS features.
How to create Square payment QR codes:
- Log into Square Dashboard
- Go to Payments → Payment Links
- Create a link for a product or custom amount
- Download the QR code
Fee: 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction
Create a Custom Payment QR Code
If you have your own payment page, online store, or want to link to a specific checkout URL, you can create a QR code that points directly to it.
Good uses for custom payment QR codes:
- Link to your Stripe payment page
- Direct to your Shopify or WooCommerce checkout
- Point to your invoice or booking system
- Connect to a donation page
Tips for QR Payment Success
Print Large Enough
QR codes should be at least 2 inches square for countertop signs. Larger for wall displays or menus.
Add Clear Instructions
Print "Scan to Pay with Venmo" or "Scan for PayPal" so customers know what to expect.
Test Before Printing
Always scan your QR code with multiple phones before printing a batch. Make sure the payment flow works.
Offer Multiple Options
Not everyone has PayPal. Consider displaying QR codes for 2-3 payment apps to accommodate different preferences.
Create Your Payment QR Code
Generate a custom QR code for your payment link, donation page, or checkout URL. Free, high-resolution, ready to print.
Create Free QR CodeFrequently Asked Questions
Are QR code payments safe?
Yes. QR payments through established apps (PayPal, Venmo, Cash App) use the same security as their regular payments. Customers confirm the payment on their own device before it goes through.
What if a customer doesn't have the payment app?
They'll need to download it first. That's why it helps to offer multiple payment options or keep a card reader as backup.
Can I create a QR code for a specific amount?
With Square and some payment links, yes. PayPal and Venmo QR codes are usually for any amount — the customer enters the total.