Going Cashless: How to Use a QR Code for Payment

By using a QR code for payment, you can promote a safer and more convenient payment method without the need for tangible cash–a scan is all it takes.

Who would’ve thought that you could now pay for your purchased goods without carrying cold cash around?

With QR codes, you can directly send your payments to the merchant’s bank account or online wallets without the need to manually input his credentials—which we all know is prone to errors. 

Learn more about this life-saving trick from this guide offered by Free QR Code Generator.

What you should know about cashless payment?

Cashless payment is not really anything new. This has been around for years since the invention of credit and debit cards. But today, especially through retail QR code, cashless and cardless shopping are both possible.

In simpler terms, anyone can now buy anything they want just by scanning a QR code using their own mobile devices.

A QR code is a type of barcode that users can scan with a smartphone to access information. You can create this code from a free QR code generator.

The impact of cashless payment was proven even more effective during the pandemic, where cash is deemed one of the top carriers of viruses. So technically, going cashless is considered way hygienic.

How do I create a QR code for payment?

Unfortunately, no one can create a custom payment QR code since it has to be connected to one’s e-wallet or bank account. 

If you’re a merchant who wants to practice accepting online payments, here are the things you should consider:
1. You need to have an online wallet account that supports in-app QR code generation, such as Venmo, Paypal, or WeChat.

2. Open an account. It will require some of your personal details, complete name and phone number. In your account dashboard, check for your personal QR code. You can usually find it upon clicking your name.

3. Download your QR in your device, so you can print it and use it in your store or shop.

List of global wallet providers with scan to pay feature

Check out these leading mobile wallets globally, who have also integrated the QR technology into their systems:

WeChat

This app is described to be as an “app for everything” in China because apart from payment, you can also use this to send instant messages and for social media purposes.

When you log in to your WeChat app, right in your Me section, you will find your personal WeChat QR code for payment. You can send or have it scanned by anyone to send you digital money. It will go directly to your account.

WeChat also comes with an in-app scanner, so there’s no reason for anyone to not make that payment *wink*

Paypal

Paypal also integrated the PayPal QR code technology in their app. It started as a movement to help farmers and restaurant businesses in maximizing digital payment to help them recover from the pandemic.

Just make sure that the other party also has a Paypal account with sufficient balance, so he/she can send you payments. No need to struggle finding someone’s PayPal.Me link.

Venmo

Venmo, a Paypal-owned app is also another means of electronic fund transfer. When you connect all your bank accounts and debit cards to your Venmo account, all transactions will be free of charge.

However, you will incur a 3% charge when paying using your credit card. Even so, the use of Venmo is still a more convenient method of payment compared to manual swiping of your cards that requires you to still input your PIN.

Like PayPal, Venmo is also a QR code payment app. You can find your Venmo QR code in your dashboard and save it in your gallery for scanning purposes.

Gcash Overseas

Gcash Overseas is not as widely known as the first three mentioned, but it’s actively used in many countries, like USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Italy, UAE, Germany, and many others.

But just like the previously mentioned wallet systems, Gcash also has its own in-app QR code that users can download and share to everyone for faster fund transfers.

It eliminates the need to manually input the receiver’s number and name, making it a faster alternative.

Benefits of using a QR code for payment-sending and receiving

Wondering what could be in a QR code that makes it a great payment tool? Check out the list below:

Fast and convenient method

One of the benefits when you scan and pay via QR codes is that it’s fast and convenient. You don’t have to fumble with cash or wait for the cashier to process your card. 

It’s also a safe way to make payments, as you don’t have to hand over your physical card or cash to the merchant that can either go missing or misplaced.

Accessible worldwide

The QR code for payment is also becoming more widely accepted, with more and more merchants adding the option to their checkout process. It is especially true in countries where QR code payments are more common, such as China and India. 

Some merchants in these countries have stopped accepting cash payments altogether, making QR code payments the only option.

Notice that many establishments have also adopted QR code advertising in their business, naturally, they’d also go for QR code as payment method. 

Secured payment

A QR code for payment eliminates the hassle of human errors when encoding bank details since you only have to scan a code.

Sending a huge amount of payment to wrong receivers is a common issue encountered whenever you manually type details.

You’d often see on check out sections along with other QR codes, like hotel and resort QR code that contains services offers—so you can directly pay when satisfied.

One wrong digit and you’ll lose your money in a blink of an eye. In some instances, these funds may be retrieved, but for the unlucky ones, the might never be returned.

Hygienic and safe

During the pandemic, one of the rules set by the government was to avoid close contact, such as paying by cash. These coins and paper bills circulate all around the world and are potential carriers of viruses.

Digital payment keeps us clean and protected from unseen viruses brought about by exchanging and swiping cards.

Things to remember when you scan and pay via QR code

Keep a few things in mind if you’re about to scan a QR code to pay:

1. To scan a QR code on Android without an app, and even with iPhone, first install a reliable and secure QR code reader app on your phone. It’s also a good idea to check with your bank or digital wallet provider to see if they offer any security features or fraud protection. 

2. Another thing to consider is the fees associated with using QR codes when paying. Some digital wallet providers charge a small fee for each transaction, while others may offer free payments. 

3. Never scan to pay a QR code that’s not  provided by the actual merchant or official store. Fake QR codes might be distributed around to fool buyers and to facilitate QR code scam stunts, designing them to look exactly just like the real one. So it’s important to always double check and ask.

How to create a custom QR code using Free QR Code Generator

Just a reminder that you cannot create your own payment QR code. There’s no way to customize one, unless you’re the payment app provider.

However, if you wish to use QR codes for a different purpose, there are lots of QR code solutions that you can use. Follow the steps below:

1. Visit Free QR Code Generator website. Sign up for an account to freely use dynamic QR codes, don’t worry it’s free for the whole trial period.

2. Choose among the available QR code solutions on the website. There’s vCard, social media, URL, file QR code, and more.

3. Provide the required data and hit the generate QR code button.

4. Customize your QR code design using the available customization features on Free QR Code Generator. Be as creative as you can.

5. Test your QR code after customization to ensure that it works fine. After doing so, you can finally download, share, and deploy your QR code.

Pay as fast as 1-2-3 with a QR code scan

No more bringing a bulky wallet from now on; all you need is your smartphone. Make sure to load up your e-wallet also to avoid delays whenever you’re out shopping.

Let a QR code for payment do the job for you, so you can save yourself from the hassle and stress that comes with long checkout lines.

For other QR code concerns and needs, head to Free QR Code Generator today and sign up for an account. 

Don’t be left behind in the continuous technological growth of today. Start exploring the wonderful yet convenient world that the QR code technology has to offer! 

Frequently Asked Question

How do I get a QR code for my bank account?

The availability of bank QR codes varies from bank to bank. Some banks don’t offer this feature, so to be sure, kindly visit your respective banks and inquire. 

However, as a general suggestion, open your bank app. In your settings section, check for traces of QR code. If your bank offers that feature, you should instantly see the code in your profile.