QR-Code Payments are one of the most efficient and simplest ways to conduct online payments. QR-Code payments first experienced a surge in 2017 when Apple introduced active QR code scanners in smartphones. Statistics show that the use of QR-Code Payments will increase by 22% by 2025 compared to 2021.

A survey by Mobilieron also found that around 67% of respondents believe that QR codes make life in a contactless world easier. So if you want to offer a user-friendly payment experience in-store or in e-commerce, a variety of payment options such as QR-Code Payments are essential.

At Payrexx, QR codes and digital wallets have long been among the most popular payment methods that our merchants use to accept payments. But why are QR codes such an effective contactless payment method? And how do QR-Code Payments actually work? We will explain this for you in this article.

What is a QR code?

QR stands for Quick Response. It is a two-dimensional barcode that contains information such as contact details, a website link, or payment information.

QR codes can be used for a variety of purposes — they can lead customers to menus, provide access to websites, or facilitate payments.

The use of the QR code is very simple by scanning it with the smartphone camera, without having to laboriously enter information on your mobile phone.

What is a QR code payment system and how does it work?

At first glance, one might think QR codes work like barcode scanners, but there is a crucial difference: QR codes can be scanned both on paper and on screens.

This versatility of the QR code makes it very practical for use on all types of surfaces as well as on a phone screen.

Payment operates like a normal POS terminal (Point of Sale): The customer scans the code with the smartphone and once the camera recognizes the QR code, a push notification is displayed directing the customer to a secure payment screen where they can choose to pay with Mastercard, Visa, PostFinance, TWINT, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay or one of the over 200 payment methods we offer at Payrexx.

With a payment provider like Payrexx, businesses can transform their smartphone into a POS terminal and accept payments without investing in hardware. The QR codes can also be printed and used or displayed on-site.

Learn more about how we help businesses accept QR-Code Payments at Payrexx.

Are QR codes a secure payment method?

QR-Code Payments are one of the safest payment methods. That is because they offer three layers of security:

1. Debit/Credit Card

   Your customer's payment goes through a card network like Visa or Mastercard, ensuring a secure and stable transaction.

2. Local Payment Methods

   By using local payment methods, you give your customers the option to pay with their preferred payment method. When your customers can use the service they know and trust, they will also feel secure in their payment transactions.

3. Tokenization

   QR-Code Payments are tokenized and encrypted, meaning that no payment data is stored with the merchants.

These layers of security make it incredibly difficult for fraudsters to steal personal data or make a customer a victim of fraud.

How can I make a QR-Code Payment?

Making a QR-Code payment with Payrexx is very quick and easy.

1. As a user, you simply need to scan the QR code with your phone and a notification will be displayed.

2. Once you click on the notification, you'll be redirected to a separate payment page where you can select your preferred payment method.

At Payrexx, we accept over 200 payment methods for you to choose from. As a merchant, you can offer your customers many different payment options, thus reaching a much broader audience.

Learn more about the available payment methods at Payrexx.

What are the benefits of QR-Code Payments?

Simple Setup and No Expensive Hardware

If you are trying to keep costs down or are looking for a more versatile solution, bulky card readers are an expensive method of handling payments.

With QR codes, it is ten times easier and faster to set up a payment solution. If you use a QR-Code payment system like Payrexx QR Pay, you can generate a personalized payment QR code with just a few clicks and start accepting payments immediately.

Moreover, you no longer need to keep track of different systems and manage multiple Excel spreadsheets. With Payrexx, you have all your payments on a single Dashboard.

Receive Payments Faster

Nowadays, customers no longer have the patience to wait for their items — whether it is an online delivery or an in-person order, QR-Code Payments help you accelerate payments and thus increase the number of customers you can serve.

Better Security

When using multiple payment systems that all meet different regulations and requirements, it is often difficult to ensure security.

With Payrexx, you have a single centralized payment system that guarantees and prioritizes payment security.

QR-Code Payments are also inherently more secure than other transactions, such as with cash:

With a QR-Code payment, all information is encrypted, and no customer data is saved in a file.

Payrexx is also PCI Level 1 compliant, which means we meet the highest security requirements of the credit card industry.

What are the most popular uses for QR codes?

QR codes are popular in many industries and situations:

Gastronomy: QR codes are popular in restaurants or hotels — guests can scan a QR code at the table or in the room and then order and pay for food or other services online.

Flyers: QR codes can be placed on flyers distributed on the street or indoors. When scanned, consumers are directed to an online shop with more information.

Market Stalls/Street Sales: Vendors can use QR codes to shorten queues and waiting times by allowing customers to order and pay via an online ordering system from their mobile phones.

Checkouts: Encourage your customers to pay contactlessly online by displaying a QR code on your checkout.

Businesses with Many Sales Employees: Instead of buying a separate card reader for each employee, QR codes are a better and more cost-effective way to accept payments.

Do you want to try QR Payments yourself? Sign up for free at Payrexx and test the QR Pay Tool for 30 days for free.

Sources:

Statista: QR Code payments by Region 2025