Payment QR Codes: Standards, Platforms, and Implementation
QR-based payments are the dominant payment method in China, India, and Southeast Asia, and are growing rapidly in Western markets. Understanding the different standards and integration approaches is essential for merchants.
Key Takeaways
- The merchant displays a QR code (printed or on screen).
- For small businesses accepting QR payments:
- QR code tampering:** Fraudsters overlay stickers with their own QR codes on merchant displays. Inspect physical QR codes regularly.
- Tourists from QR-dominant markets (China, India) expect QR payment options abroad.
- Drawback: the customer must enter the amount manually, which introduces errors.
Global Payment QR Standards
| Standard | Region | Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| EMVCo QR | Global | Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay |
| UPI QR | India | Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm |
| Alipay QR | China/Global | Alipay |
| WeChat Pay QR | China/Global | WeChat Pay |
| PIX QR | Brazil | All Brazilian banks |
| PromptPay QR | Thailand | All Thai banks |
| PayNow QR | Singapore | DBS, OCBC, UOB |
Customer-Presented vs. Merchant-Presented
Merchant-Presented (Static)
The merchant displays a QR code (printed or on screen). The customer scans it, enters the payment amount, and confirms. Simple to implement — a single printed QR code can last months. Drawback: the customer must enter the amount manually, which introduces errors.
Customer-Presented (Dynamic)
The customer displays a QR code on their phone screen. The merchant's POS terminal scans it and processes the payment for the exact amount. Faster, more accurate, but requires a scanner device on the merchant side.
Implementation for Small Merchants
For small businesses accepting QR payments:
- Register with a payment processor that supports QR codes (Stripe, Square, local alternatives)
- Generate a static merchant QR code linked to your account
- Print and display at the point of sale with clear signage
- Verify payments via the processor's app notification before completing the transaction
Security Considerations
- QR code tampering: Fraudsters overlay stickers with their own QR codes on merchant displays. Inspect physical QR codes regularly.
- Screen capture fraud: A customer shows a screenshot of a previous successful payment instead of initiating a new one. Always verify via the payment processor's real-time notification.
- Amount manipulation: In merchant-presented mode, verify the amount shown on the customer's confirmation screen before completing the sale.
Cross-Border Payments
Tourists from QR-dominant markets (China, India) expect QR payment options abroad. Services like Alipay+ and EMVCo interoperability allow merchants with a single QR code to accept payments from multiple international wallets.