How it works: TWINT and QR payment in acupuncture and natural healing practices in Switzerland

TWINT via QR code is often the cheapest and simplest payment solution for Swiss acupuncture and naturopathy practices – without a terminal, without a monthly subscription, and with a fee of 1.25% + EUR 0.30 with QR Pay (Free plan) or 1.25% + EUR 0.18 via Payment Link (Standard). A static QR code can be set up in minutes and covers the majority of Swiss direct payments.

This guide shows you how to set up TWINT QR in your practice, which variants exist, and why the QR code is often more sensible for Swiss complementary medicine practices than a traditional terminal.

1. Why TWINT is particularly well-suited to complementary medicine practices

With over 6 million users, TWINT is the most widely used mobile payment method in Switzerland. TWINT is particularly popular in complementary medicine practices because many patients already use the app for other payments and because the process feels especially natural after a treatment: no pulling out cards, no holding up terminals – simply scan the QR code and pay. This fits the calm, non-clinical setting of many TCM and naturopathy practices.

Many practices already accept TWINT today – but via a private mobile number or a personal TWINT account. This is problematic for larger amounts: no structured accounting, no automated transaction reports, and no possibility for refunds via the system. A professional TWINT setup via a PSP resolves all of this.

2. Comparison of three TWINT variants

Variant A: Static TWINT QR code (via Payrexx QR Pay)

A static QR code is created once in the Payrexx Dashboard, printed out, and placed in the practice. Patients scan the code, enter the amount themselves, and confirm. The payment appears immediately in the Payrexx Dashboard. Fee: 1.25% + EUR 0.30 per transaction (Payrexx QR Pay on the Free plan, as of October 2026). No monthly subscription required. The simplest entry-level solution.

Variant B: Dynamic TWINT via Payment Link

A Payment Link with the exact amount is created in the Payrexx Dashboard and sent to the patient via SMS or WhatsApp. The patient clicks the link, selects TWINT, and pays. Advantage: The amount is predefined – no entry errors possible. Fee Online Standard: 1.25% + EUR 0.18. Ideal for variable amounts after the session.

Variant C: TWINT via Tap to Pay Android

With the Payrexx Tap to Pay app on an NFC-enabled Android smartphone, TWINT can be triggered directly in the app. Patients scan the QR code on the practitioner's Android device using the TWINT app. Fee: 1.30% on the InStore plan (1.25% with Better Fees). iPhone is not supported. Good for practices that already have an Android device and use Tap to Pay for card payments.

3. Setting up a static TWINT QR code: Step by step

Setting up a static TWINT QR code via Payrexx QR Pay takes less than 15 minutes:

• Create a Payrexx account (free, 30-day trial period, no credit card required)

• Create a new QR code in the Dashboard under 'QR Pay'

• Enter the practice name and optional payment purpose

• Download the QR code and print it in high quality (min. A6 format)

• Laminate it and display it prominently in the practice – at reception, on the treatment table, or at the checkout

• Perform an initial test payment with your own TWINT

Recommendation: Print the QR code in two sizes – a large one for the reception area and a small laminated one to take along for home visits or mobile appointments.

4. TWINT refunds and bookkeeping

All TWINT payments via Payrexx appear immediately in the Dashboard with the date, amount, and optional reference text. This enables seamless bookkeeping without manual entry. CSV export for your accountant is possible at any time.

You can issue refunds directly in the Payrexx Dashboard with just a few clicks. This is particularly important for practices that accept upfront payments for treatment series: If a patient needs to cancel the series, the remaining amount can be refunded quickly.

TWINT does not support pre-authorisation. This means: TWINT is not suitable for no-show fees. A credit card (Visa, Mastercard) with pre-authorisation is required for this. If you want to protect against no-shows, it is best to combine TWINT QR for standard payments with a credit card guarantee during online booking.

5. Combining TWINT and cards: The recommended setup for solo practices

For most TCM and naturopathy practices in Switzerland, this setup is ideal: A static TWINT QR code as the main solution for on-site payments, supplemented by Tap to Pay on Android for card payments (Visa/Mastercard Debit) for patients who do not use TWINT. Payment Links via WhatsApp for subsequent payments or herbal remedy orders following the session.

This setup requires no monthly subscription (Free plan for QR Pay and Payment Links, InStore plan for Tap to Pay), no POS terminal, and no complex integration. Total fixed costs: EUR 0. Total fees per EUR 130 session via TWINT: EUR 1.93 (QR Pay) or EUR 1.69 (Tap to Pay).

6. Common mistakes with TWINT setups in practices

The biggest mistake: Accepting TWINT via a personal mobile number or a private TWINT account. This results in missing transaction receipts, no refund options, and an unclear bookkeeping situation. Switching to a professional business TWINT setup via a PSP takes less than an hour and should not be delayed.

Another mistake: Printing the QR code in too low a resolution. Smartphones sometimes struggle to scan low-resolution QR codes. Always print the high-resolution version downloaded from the Payrexx Dashboard.

Checklist: Setting up a TWINT QR code in a complementary medicine practice

• Create a Payrexx account (free: Free plan for QR Pay, InStore plan for Tap to Pay)

• Activate QR Pay and create a static QR code for the practice

• Download the QR code in high resolution and print it laminated

• Install the Payrexx Tap to Pay app on an Android device for card payments

• Carry out initial test payments with TWINT and card before going live with the solution

• Prepare a Payment Link template for herbal remedy orders and subsequent payments

• Deactivate the previous private TWINT connection or separate it clearly from the business solution

• Test the CSV export from the Dashboard for the first monthly accounts

Payrexx QR Pay is included in the Free plan. TWINT via QR Pay costs 1.25% + EUR 0.30 – no monthly subscription, no contractual tie-in, no terminal. For solo practices with predominantly Swiss patients and 10–20 sessions per week, this is the cheapest and simplest entry into cashless payment.