QR Code Payments are one of the most efficient and easiest ways to conduct online payments. QR Code payments experienced their first boost 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 revealed 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 even enable payments.

The use of QR Codes is very simple by scanning with the smartphone camera, without the need to laboriously input information into your 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 on both paper and screens.

This versatility makes the QR Code very handy for use on all types of surfaces as well as on a phone screen.

The payment works like with 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, companies can turn their smartphone into a POS terminal and accept payments without investing in hardware. 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 safe payment method?

QR Code payments are one of the safest forms of payment. This is because they offer three levels of security:

1. Debit/Credit Card

   Your customers' 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 safe during their payment transactions.

3. Tokenization

   QR Code payments are tokenized and encrypted, meaning no payment data is stored with the Merchants.

These security layers 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 fast and easy.

1. As a user, you just need to scan the QR Code with your phone and a notification will appear.

2. Once you click on the notification, you will 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 appealing to a much broader demographic.

Learn more about the payment methods available at Payrexx.

What are the advantages of QR Code Payments?

Easy 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 way to accept 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 instantly start accepting payments.

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

Accept payments more quickly

Today, customers no longer have the patience to wait for their items—whether it's an online delivery or an in-store order, QR Code payments help you speed up payments and thereby increase the number of customers you can serve.

Better security

With the use of multiple payment systems, each complying with different regulations and policies, it is often difficult to ensure security.

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

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

In a QR Code payment, all information is encrypted and no customer data is stored in any file.

Moreover, Payrexx is PCI Level 1 compliant, meaning 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 commonly used in restaurants or hotels—guests can scan a QR Code at the table or in the room and then order and pay for meals or other services online.

Flyers: QR Codes can be placed on flyers that are distributed on the street or indoors. When scanned, they direct consumers to an online store with more information.

Market Stalls/Street Sales: Vendors can use QR Codes to reduce queues and waiting times by allowing customers to order and pay through an online ordering system from their phone.

Checkout Counters: Encourage your customers to pay online contactlessly by displaying a QR Code on your cash register.

Businesses with many sales employees: Instead of purchasing an individual card reader for each employee, QR Codes are a better and more cost-effective way to accept payments.

Want to try QR Payments yourself? Sign up at Payrexx for free and try the QR Pay tool for 30 days for free.

Sources:

Statista: QR Code payments by Region 2025