To accept QR-code payments, create the code through a payment provider or payment-link checkout—not with a generic QR generator. The provider connects each scan to a supported checkout and your business account. First choose whether customers should enter an amount or pay for a specific item or service; then create the code, test its destination, and verify transactions in your provider account.
Choose the kind of payment you want customers to make
A QR code is usually a shortcut to a payment page, not a payment account in itself. A provider-generated code can open its payment flow, while a generic QR image only encodes a destination and does not establish how you will receive or reconcile money. PayPal describes both a business QR code and payment links that open its hosted checkout (PayPal business QR codes; PayPal QR checkout documentation).
| Checkout style | What the customer does | Useful for |
|---|---|---|
| Reusable merchant QR | Scans the code, enters the amount, and pays. | Markets, counters, appointments, and other sales where the amount varies. PayPal describes this amount-entry flow on its US QR page (PayPal QR codes). |
| QR code for a payment link | Scans to a checkout configured for an item, service, event, or other purpose; the link may include a set price and details. | Fixed-price products, deposits, classes, events, or donations. PayPal supports product details, images, pricing, and customer notes; Square offers links for payments, items, events/classes, or donations (PayPal Payment Links; Square payment links). |
Decide the behavior before printing. A reusable code offers flexibility but asks the customer to enter the amount. A configured link gives more context and can present a specific price, but you may need a separate link for different products or purposes.
Create a QR code through your payment provider
The examples below are based on provider documentation for US-facing services. Eligibility, available payment methods, app features, and menu labels can vary by country, account, and software version. If you already use another processor, ask it or your acquiring bank whether it supports merchant-presented QR payments; the U.S. Payments Forum advises merchants to consult their acquirer or service provider for implementation details (U.S. Payments Forum QR-code FAQ).
#1 Best Overall
PayPal: reusable business QR
- Sign in to your PayPal Business account and use PayPal’s business QR setup to create your unique code.
- Display or share the provider-generated code where customers can scan it.
- Tell customers that they will scan the code, enter the purchase amount, and complete payment through PayPal.
PayPal says its US business QR code has no setup fee or monthly cost, and lists a transaction fee of 2.29% plus $0.09 per completed QR transaction on the page accessed October 4, 2026. That is a US-listed rate, not a worldwide price; check current terms for your account and country (PayPal QR codes).
PayPal: payment link with a QR code
- In your Business account, start a Payment Link and enter the product or service information.
- Set the relevant price and checkout details, such as shipping or tax where available.
- Use PayPal’s build-and-share flow to generate the link, then share or display its QR code.
PayPal says Payment Links can include product details, images, pricing, and customer notes. Its US page accessed October 4, 2026 lists rates of 3.49% plus $0.10 for PayPal/Venmo payments, 4.99% plus $0.10 for Pay Later, and 2.99% plus $0.10 for debit cards, credit cards, and Apple Pay. These are Payment Link rates, not the QR transaction rate above; payment-method availability and eligibility vary, and fees may change (PayPal Payment Links; PayPal QR checkout documentation).
Rank #2
- Ideal for Gifting
- Ideal for a bookworm
- Compact for travelling
Square: create a payment link and share its QR code
- Sign in to Square Dashboard and open Payments & orders (or the corresponding Payments menu), then select Payment links.
- Select Create link and choose the purpose, such as collecting a payment, selling an item, an event or class, or a donation.
- Enter a customer-facing title and the relevant amount and details, then save the link.
- Choose the option to share the link as a QR code and display or send it to customers.
Square also documents creating selected link types in its POS app. Some settings are Dashboard-only; Square says international links do not support tax and shipping fee settings. Its processing fees vary by plan, so check the current terms for your account rather than assuming a single rate (Square payment links; Square pricing).
Compare providers on the details that affect your checkout
- Country and eligibility: Confirm that your business and account qualify, and that the specific QR or link feature is available in your region. PayPal notes regional variation in its payment documentation (PayPal QR checkout documentation).
- Payment methods: Check which methods customers can actually use with your account. PayPal lists PayPal, Pay Later, Venmo, Apple Pay, and major cards for Payment Links, but availability varies by region and account (PayPal Payment Links).
- Fees: Compare the rate for the exact flow and payment method, including any fixed per-transaction amount. PayPal’s listed QR and Payment Link rates differ; Square says its rates vary by plan. Review the provider’s live pricing and terms for your location (PayPal QR pricing; PayPal Payment Link pricing; Square pricing).
- Point-of-sale fit: Consider whether staff can use the flow easily, whether sales are visible in the reports you need, and whether the provider integrates with your existing POS. Square documents link-level sales reporting and controls; operational choices such as POS integration and connectivity also affect implementation (Square payment links; Deloitte discussion of QR codes in retail).
Test the code and train staff before relying on it
- Scan it as a customer. Use a suitable phone camera or QR scanner and inspect the destination and business identity before paying.
- Check what checkout presents. Confirm that the amount-entry screen or configured item, price, and details match what you intended.
- Confirm a real payment in your business account or POS. Do not treat a customer’s screenshot as proof of payment. The U.S. Payments Forum identifies screenshots of already-used codes as a potential risk and recommends customer and employee awareness (U.S. Payments Forum QR-code FAQ).
- Explain the process and display the code clearly. Train staff on what customers should scan and how staff will confirm payment. PayPal advises customers to scan the displayed code directly rather than rely on a screenshot; the Forum recommends point-of-presence signage (PayPal QR codes; U.S. Payments Forum QR-code FAQ).
A printed countertop holder is optional: it displays the code but does not create the payment flow. PayPal supports placing codes on in-store signage, and the U.S. Payments Forum recommends visible signage (PayPal QR codes; U.S. Payments Forum QR-code FAQ).
Account for local rules and changing terms
The provider instructions and prices above are primarily US-facing and may not match another country’s availability, fees, payment methods, or account requirements. Before displaying a code, confirm current provider terms for your location and account, and check your local tax and reporting obligations for the sales you collect. A QR code makes checkout easier to reach; it does not determine how a sale should be recorded or reported.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- It can be a gift option
- Comes with secure packaging
- Helpful in various ways
Rank #4
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