How to create a QR code to accept touch-free payments

If you have a PayPal Business account, it’s easy to create, print, and share a QR code that’s unique to your business. You can use the same QR code for all of your customers’ in-store or on-the-go purchases; there’s no need to create a separate code for each transaction. Your customers will need an account with PayPal to pay you.

Don’t have a PayPal Business account? Sign up here.

What is a QR code?

First, it’s helpful to understand what a QR code is and how it works. In short, a QR code – also known as a Quick-Response Code – is a two-dimensional barcode that you can scan with the camera on your smartphone or with QR-code reader apps. Once scanned, the QR code redirects you to a website or other destination.

Using a QR code to accept payments works in the same way. You can create a PayPal-generated QR code for your business. When your customer is ready to pay, they simply scan the QR code, which will redirect them to PayPal. Once logged in to their account, your customer enters the amount to pay, selects a funding source – like a bank account, credit or debit card – and completes the payment.

How to use QR codes

We’ve put together a few suggestions for how you can use QR codes to sell your products and services. Whatever the use case, remember to ask your customer to show you their purchase confirmation. We've built interactive elements into the confirmation screen, so you can verify that the transaction is complete and legitimate.

Post a QR code in your store window

If you have a physical storefront, you can print a QR code that’s specific to your business and put it in your store’s window.

Post a QR code at the point of sale in your store

If your physical storefront is still open, you can print your unique QR code and post it at your checkout counter. When your customers are ready to pay, they can simply scan the QR code with their smartphone and pay you without having to interact with your point-of-sale terminal.

Attach a QR code to deliveries or packages

For businesses providing curbside service, attach your QR code to the packages your customers pick up. If your business offers a delivery service, you can attach your QR code to your deliveries.

How to create a PayPal-generated QR code for your business

You can create a PayPal QR code from the PayPal Business app (available in the Apple App Store and Google Play) or from the web.

Create a QR code from the PayPal Business app

1. Download the latest version of the PayPal Business app on your smartphone or tablet. Open the app.
2. From the Home screen, click the More icon in the menu at the bottom of the screen.
3. In the expanded More menu, click QR Codes to generate your unique code.
4. Click Okay on interstitial pop-up.
5. Click the download symbol to save the QR Code as a photo on your device. You can also edit your QR code by clicking the edit symbol. If you would like to set up a Tip Jar QR code, swipe left.
6. The PayPal app will ask to access your photos. Select Allow Access to All Photos.
7. Print out your QR code and display it in your storefront, at your checkout, or attach it to deliveries and order pick-ups.

Create a QR code from the web

1. Navigate to https://www.paypal.com/au/webapps/mpp/qr-code-download.
2. Click the Get Your QR Code button at the top of the page.
3. Log into your PayPal account.
4. Once the page reloads, click the Download Your QR Code button. Your QR code will download to your computer as an image file.
5. Save your QR code, print it out, and display it in your storefront, at your checkout, or attach it to deliveries and order pick-ups.

Ask your customer to show you their confirmation screen, so you can confirm they sent you the correct amount and that the transaction is legitimate. You’ll see the transaction in your PayPal Business account or in the PayPal Business app listed under Activity.

That’s it! You can now share your unique QR code with your customers.

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