How to Accept QR Payments: Technologies and Tips

QR code payments allow businesses to accept contactless payments instantly. Customers simply scan a payment QR code using their smartphone camera or banking app, confirm the amount, and the transaction is complete in seconds.

This form of payment is quickly gaining popularity, with predictions suggesting that the UK QR code payments market will reach £3.1 billion by 2033.

For UK businesses, understanding QR payments and how to accept them is key to working with a flexible, low-barrier payment solution that can help build trust, confidence, and growth.

What Are QR Payments 

A QR code, short for Quick Response code, is a two-dimensional barcode that stores information as a pattern of pixels in a square grid, readable by any smartphone camera or QR code scanning app. 

While QR codes were originally used to store URLs or product information, they have also found application in the payments space.

As a payment method, a payment QR code links directly to a payment request, which contains the merchant’s account details and, in some cases, a pre-set transaction amount. 

When a customer scans the QR code using their banking app, mobile wallet, or smartphone camera, they are taken to a payment confirmation screen where they authorise the transaction.

How QR Code Payments Work  

PR code payments go through the following step-by-step process:

• The merchant generates a QR code – The merchant creates a payment QR code through their payment provider, banking app, or integrated POS system.
  
• The customer scans the QR code – The customer uses their smartphone camera, a dedicated QR code scanning app, or their mobile banking or wallet app to scan the QR code displayed by the merchant.
  
• Payment is authorised and confirmed – The customer is sent to a secure payment confirmation screen within their banking app or digital wallet. They verify the amount and confirm the payment, typically authenticated via biometric verification or a passcode. The transaction is then processed through a payment network.
  
• Funds are transferred to the merchant account – Once the payment is confirmed, the funds are transferred to the merchant’s account. 

QR code payments work for both in-person and remote scenarios. 

In a physical setting, the merchant displays a QR code on a screen, printed card, or at a point of sale for the customer to scan. For remote payments, the QR code can be embedded in an invoice, email, or online checkout. 

This dual-use flexibility makes QR code solutions one of the most versatile and efficient payment methods available to small businesses today.

Types Of QR Payment Methods 

Not all QR code payments work in the same way. 

Here are the different types of QR payment methods you should know about.

Static QR codes

A static QR code contains fixed merchant details, usually the account number or payment destination, but does not include a pre-set amount. 

The customer enters the payment amount manually on their device before confirming. 

Static codes are simple to generate QR code materials for and can be printed and reused indefinitely. This makes them a cost-effective option for merchants with straightforward, variable-amount transactions.

Dynamic QR codes

A dynamic QR code is generated for each transaction and contains both the merchant details and the specific amount to be paid. 

The customer does not need to enter the amount manually, which reduces the risk of human error and creates a more seamless payment experience. Dynamic codes are especially well-suited for hospitality, retail, and other environments where transaction speed and accuracy are crucial.

In-store QR payments

In-person QR code payments are displayed at a physical point of sale – on a screen, a printed stand, or a device – for customers to scan at checkout. 

This is one of the most common use cases for touch-free payments in retail and hospitality settings.

Remote QR payments

Remote QR code payment solutions allow merchants to embed a payment QR code in a digital invoice, email, or online checkout page. 

This is particularly useful for freelancers, consultants, and service businesses who need to collect payment without meeting the customer in person. 

Remote ordering QR codes are also widely used in hospitality for advance orders and pre-payment.

How To Accept QR Payments 

Setting up QR code payments for your business is quick and easy. 

Here is how it works.

Step 1: Set Up a Merchant Account or Payment Solution

The first thing you’ll need is a merchant account or a payment platform that supports QR payment functionality. This typically involves registering with a payment service provider, completing identity verification, and linking your business bank account. 

Many platforms now offer rapid onboarding, meaning you can be ready to accept payments within a day or two.

Step 2: Generate a QR Code for the Payment

Once your account is set up, use your payment provider’s app, web dashboard, or integrated POS system to create QR code payment requests. 

For dynamic codes, enter the transaction amount and any other details before generating the code. 

For static codes, your provider can supply a fixed code linked to your merchant account that you can display permanently.

Step 3: Present the QR Code to the Customer

Display the QR code to your customer on a screen, a printed card or stand, a receipt, or embedded in a digital invoice. 

For in-store use, ensure the code is clearly visible and positioned for easy scanning. For remote payments, add the QR code payment link to your invoice or email.

Step 4: Customer Scans and Confirms Payment

Next, the customer scans the QR code using their smartphone camera or banking app. 

They are directed to a payment confirmation screen where they review the amount and authenticate the transaction using Face ID, fingerprint, or a passcode. 

The entire process takes seconds and requires no physical contact.

Step 5: Receive Payment Confirmation and Funds

Finally, both you and the customer receive a quick payment confirmation QR notification once the transaction is approved. 

The funds are transferred to your merchant account according to your provider’s settlement schedule. 

What Payment Methods Can Be Accepted Via QR Codes  

One of the practical benefits of QR codes is their compatibility with a wide range of payment methods:

• Debit and credit cards via digital wallets;
• Mobile wallets;
• Banking apps supporting QR payments.

This high level of compatibility makes them a genuinely flexible payment option for diverse customer payment preferences.

Sending Receipts And Payment Confirmation  

As mentioned earlier, when a QR code transaction is complete, both the merchant and the customer need confirmation that the payment has been successful.

Most QR code payment platforms allow merchants to send a digital receipt to the customer automatically via SMS or email immediately after payment is confirmed. 

At the same time, the merchant receives real-time notification of the completed payment through their app or dashboard. 

This enables immediate reconciliation and reduces the risk of disputes or confusion over whether payment has been received. For businesses managing high transaction volumes, this instant visibility is a significant advantage over cash or invoice-based payment methods.

Benefits Of Accepting QR Payments For UK Businesses  

For UK businesses, accepting QR payments can create new and rewarding opportunities and benefits, including:

• Contactless and hygienic payments – QR code payments require no physical contact between customer and merchant – no card machine to handle, no PIN pad to touch, no cash to exchange. For businesses in food service, healthcare, or any setting where hygiene is a priority, this is a powerful advantage.
  
• No need for physical POS hardware (in some cases) – A printed QR code or a smartphone screen is enough, making QR payments an accessible entry point for sole traders, market stallholders, pop-up businesses, and anyone who wants to implement QR code payments quickly and at low cost.
  
• Faster checkout experience – QR code ordering and payment eliminates several steps from the traditional checkout process – no card insertion, no PIN entry, no receipt printing required, which is ideal for businesses in high-footfall environments.
  
• Suitable for small businesses and mobile services – QR payments offer a simple, professional way for customers to pay with QR at the point of service, without the need to carry a card reader or chase invoice payments after the fact.
  
• Low overheads – Compared to traditional card terminal infrastructure, QR code solutions typically involve low fees for payments and minimal setup costs. 

These advantages make QR payments a popular choice for both merchants and consumers. 

Limitations And Considerations  

At the same time, there are a few drawbacks to consider:

• Customer familiarity and adoption in the UK – While QR code adoption has grown significantly, not all customers are comfortable or familiar with scanning a payment QR code, particularly older demographics.
  
• Internet and mobile dependency – QR code payments require both the merchant and the customer to have a working internet or mobile data connection. In areas with poor connectivity, like rural locations, basement venues, or areas with limited mobile signal, this dependency may be burdensome.
  
• Security awareness and fraud risks – As with all digital payment methods, QR code payments carry some security considerations. Merchants should ensure their QR codes are generated through verified, reputable payment platforms.

Despite these possible challenges, QR payments remain an attractive payment method for a range of sectors. 

Common Use Cases For QR Payments

Some niches and sectors can benefit more from QR payments than others. 

For example, this payment method is very popular in the restaurant and hospitality space in the UK. Dine-in service QR codes placed on tables, for instance, allow customers to access an interactive online menu, order and pay via QR without waiting for a server, and even split bills easily between multiple devices. 

This form of payment is also popular among freelancers, including:

• Consultants;
• Designers;
• Photographers;
• Personal trainers;
• Other self-employed professionals. 

Embedded in an invoice or displayed on a smartphone, the QR code can be a simple, instant way to collect payments at the point of service. 

In addition, market traders, craft sellers, and pop-up retailers can benefit. For example, a printed QR code on a stand is all you need to accept cashless transactions from customers who don’t carry cash. 

Managing QR Payments And Cash Flow  

For UK businesses, the practical benefits of QR code payments extend beyond the transaction itself.

As noted earlier, unlike cash or cheque payments, QR code transactions generate instant digital confirmation on both sides. This means merchants always know exactly when a payment has been received, reducing the administrative burden of chasing outstanding payments.

In addition, most QR code payment platforms provide a centralised dashboard where all transactions are recorded and searchable in real time, simplifying and improving bookkeeping and VAT reporting.

For small businesses looking to implement QR code payments alongside broader payment acceptance infrastructure, platforms like myPOS offer QR payment request functionality combined with instant settlement of funds, a business account with IBAN, and access to a full suite of POS and payment tools. 

This kind of integrated approach means merchants can manage all their payment methods, including card, contactless, and QR, from a single platform, with real-time access to settled funds and centralised transaction tracking.

Conclusion

QR code payments have moved from novelty to mainstream, and for good reason. 

They offer UK businesses a flexible, low-cost, and genuinely touch-free way to accept contactless payments in person and remotely, without the overhead of traditional card terminal infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What payment methods can you accept with a QR code?

QR codes can help you accept different types of payment methods with a variety of cards, including Visa and Mastercard, as well as Google Pay, Apple Pay, and other mobile wallets.

Can you send receipts to customers who’ve paid with a QR code?

Once you’ve generated a QR code and your customer has paid you, you can easily send them a digital receipt via SMS or email so that they have proof of the transaction.

Do you need a myPOS merchant account to receive payments via QR code?

In order to receive payments with a QR code with myPOS, you need to be an approved merchant. However, our simple onboarding process makes the entire process simple.
Once verified, you also get a variety of value-added benefits such as instant settlement of funds, a free Visa business card, and a free merchant account with an IBAN to help you manage and access your funds with ease.