TL;DR
- A payment QR code is only as good as the page it opens. Make it fast, obvious, and mobile-first.
- Prefer a dynamic QR code so you can change the payment link later without reprinting.
- Track scans with UTM tags and use a dedicated landing page for higher conversion.
- Put the QR code next to a clear offer: what people get, price, and a fallback option.
If you want a QR code you can edit later (and track), create one with QRShuffle.
When payment QR codes work best
Payment QR codes shine when someone already wants to buy, but friction kills the moment:
- a tip jar at a cafe
- a donation at an event
- a service business invoice on paper
- a market stall sign
- a booth at a conference
The job is simple: take someone from "yes" to "paid" in one scan.
The 3 payment QR code options (and which one to choose)
1) Link directly to a payment provider
Examples:
- PayPal.me links
- Stripe Payment Links
- a hosted checkout page
Pros:
- fastest setup
- less maintenance
Cons:
- harder to track cleanly
- you are locked into one provider
2) Use your own landing page that routes to payment
This is often the best conversion setup.
Pros:
- you control the message and trust
- you can offer multiple methods (card, bank transfer, PayPal)
- you can track scans and conversion events
Cons:
- requires a landing page
If you care about conversion, read: landing page speed for scans.
3) Use a dynamic QR code that you can change later
If you are printing anything (posters, stickers, packaging), assume you will want to change the link at some point.
Dynamic QR codes let you:
- swap payment providers
- update prices or offers
- reroute to a new landing page
Without reprinting.
If you are new to this, start here: dynamic QR code and dynamic vs static QR.
What link should the QR code open?
Use this rule:
- If people already trust you and just want to pay: link directly to checkout.
- If you need to explain value: link to a landing page first.
What the landing page should include
Keep it short and clear:
- what they are paying for
- the amount (or a simple amount selector)
- one big button: Pay now
- a second option: alternative method (for example bank transfer)
- support link if something fails
Avoid extra navigation. Do not send people to your homepage.
Tracking: how to measure what is working
Most people guess. You can measure.
Add UTM tags
Add UTMs to your destination URL so you know:
- where scans came from (poster, table tent, invoice)
- which design converts better
Start here: UTM tags for QR codes and QR code campaign tracking.
Consider a dedicated QR per location
If you have multiple physical locations or campaigns, create separate QR codes:
- one for each store
- one for each booth
- one for each flyer batch
Then you can compare scan volume and conversion per place.
If you want deeper tracking, read: QR code analytics.
Print and placement rules (so it scans)
Even the best payment flow fails if the code does not scan.
Use these basics:
- keep high contrast (dark code on light background)
- do not shrink it too small
- keep a clean quiet zone
Helpful guides:
Security: protect customers from confusion
Payment QR codes are a trust moment.
Protect it:
- avoid shortening services that look sketchy
- use your brand name on the sign
- include a fallback URL in text
More on this: QR code security and quishing.
Checklist: high-converting payment QR code
- Use a dynamic QR code (so you can edit the link later)
- Link to a fast, mobile-first landing page or checkout
- Show the amount and what people get
- Add UTMs for tracking
- Print at a scannable size with good contrast and quiet zone
- Include a fallback option (short URL or tap-to-pay)
Create your payment QR code with QRShuffle
If you want a payment QR code you can:
- edit later without reprinting
- track with analytics
- duplicate for multiple locations
Create one in QRShuffle.