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

TWINT via QR code is often the cheapest and easiest payment solution for Swiss acupuncture and naturopathic 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 are available, and why the QR code often makes more sense for Swiss complementary medicine practices than a traditional terminal.

1. Why TWINT fits complementary medicine practices particularly well

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 very natural after a treatment: no pulling out a card, no holding out a terminal – simply scan the QR code and pay. This suits the calm, non-clinical setting of many TCM and naturopathic practices.

Many practices already accept TWINT today – but via a private mobile number or personal TWINT account. This is problematic for larger amounts: no structured accounting, no automated transaction reports, and no option for refunds through 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 input errors possible. Online Standard fee: 1.25% + EUR 0.18. Ideal for variable amounts after a 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% with 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 of charge, 30-day trial period, no credit card required)

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

• Enter practice name and optional purpose of payment

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

• Laminate it and place it clearly visible in the practice – at the reception, on the treatment table, or at the cash desk

• Carry out 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 with you on home visits or mobile appointments.

4. TWINT refunds and bookkeeping

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

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

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

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

For most TCM and naturopathic practices in Switzerland, this setup is ideal: A static TWINT QR code as the primary 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 follow-up payments or herbal remedy orders after 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 when setting up TWINT in a practice

The biggest mistake: Accepting TWINT via a personal mobile number or a private TWINT account. This leads to missing transaction receipts, no refund options, and an unclear accounting situation. Switching to a professional business TWINT 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 of charge: 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 orders and follow-up 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 bookkeeping

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