How QR payment codes work: an easy way to get paid anywhere.

Using QR codes for payment can be a game-changer for businesses. Whether you sell face-to-face or online they can provide a simple, secure way for customers to pay. They are easy to create and seamless to use for quick payment without the need for any complex payments integration.

What is a QR code (and how does it work)?

A QR code (QR stands for Quick Response) may look like a random mix of black-and-white squares, but each slice contains several layers of information.

Because a QR code can hold far more information than a barcode, it can be safely connected to payment processors like PayPal. With QR codes, you can start accepting payments in just a few minutes, without physically handling cash, signing receipts, or even interacting face-to-face. The scanning process allows the payment app to decode the information and initiate the transaction, enabling swift and convenient cashless payments.

QR codes: safe, simple and secure for payments

Once you create a QR code, you can start taking payments immediately. Just print your unique QR code on paper, stickers and signage, and then display it or send it by email or social media – it’s easy for customers to scan.

For your customers a QR code provides a friction-free way to pay. Scanning the code takes them to a secure, end-to-end encrypted, payment page where they can choose from a range of payment options. If you sell overseas, your customers can pay in 200 markets and 22 currencies, making it even easier for them to pay in their currency of choice.

Here are just some scenarios where a QR code could be the perfect answer for payments.

QR codes for remote selling

Whether you sell goods or services online, at home or overseas, a QR code is a fast and easy way to direct customers to your payment page. You can create (and save) a QR code for each of your standard SKUs, or a specific one for each project.

Send them by email, in a text message or over social media to your customer. Your customer scan the code with their phone camera and they’ll be taken to a payment page showing your product (or project) name and price (in the currency you chose), along with payment options including cards, Apple Pay and PayPal. Customers don’t even need a PayPal account to pay you.

QR codes for events and pop-up stores

If you sell in-person at temporary locations like trade fairs, events or pop-up stores, QR codes can provide an easy way to get paid. No need for point-of sale terminals or card readers – all you need is your smartphone. Store the QR code on your phone: just open the app, tap on the QR code button, and show your code. Customers scan it and you get paid.

You can even simply print out and display a QR code to choose the amount to be paid based on your customer’s purchases – much easier and safer than paying in cash for your customers and for you.

QR codes for service-based businesses

For services providers like website designers, developers, copywriters, personal trainers and more, presenting a QR code for customers to scan is a quick in-person solution to get paid instantly. They last indefinitely so you only need to create one code and let your customers scan it to pay.

Getting started with PayPal QR codes

Creating a QR payment code using PayPal Pay Links and Buttons is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide.

• Log in to your PayPal business account and select No-Code Checkout.
• Click “Create a product or service” then from the dropdown select one of:
• Single product or service – for a single, set-price item
• Variable product or service – to let customers choose from a list of options.
• Customer defined – to let customers pay what they want; a great option for letting them pay multiple invoices or pay a tip.
• Next, fill in the product or service details: a text description, optional product ID, currency, price and list of options (if you chose variable).
• You tick whether you wish to collect a delivery address and add delivery fee, tax and any notes for the customer. You can also customise a Thank You page for the customer to see once they’ve paid.
• Throughout the process you see a preview of the payment page as you complete the options.
• When you have completed all the details, go to the top right and click Create It.
• No-Code Checkout creates your QR code along with a text-based Payment Link and web code for a checkout button all at the same time. These options appear on the next screen.
• Your QR code is on the second tab, ready for you to download
• On the first tab is text-based payment link
• o The last two tabs contain code for two versions of the checkout button for you to copy and then paste into your web page.
• Your QR codes are saved automatically, along with the pay links and buttons, so you can easily edit them and/or re-use them in the future.
• Tip: To be sure you know when you have received a payment, make sure you’ve selected this option under Notifications in your Account Settings

With QR codes, you can start accepting payments in just a few minutes. No need for additional equipment, no need for technical resources or know-how. Simply present the code for your customers to scan.

Start exploring QR codes with PayPal Pay Links and Buttons.