Payment QR code
Let people pay you with a scan. The reliable way to do this is to encode a payment link from a provider you already use. Here's how that works, an honest note on bank and EMV merchant codes, and how to build one safely.
Payment links (the practical method)
The simplest, safest payment QR code is a URL QR code pointing to a checkout link from a payment provider. Most services give you one:
PayPal: https://paypal.me/yourname/25
Stripe: https://buy.stripe.com/your_payment_link
Other: your provider's hosted checkout URLScanning opens the provider's secure payment page, where the customer completes the transaction. You never handle card details yourself — the provider does — which is exactly what you want.
A note on bank and EMV merchant codes
You may have seen standardized merchant codes — EMVCo QR (used by many banks and wallets) or country schemes like UPI in India or PIX in Brazil. These encode structured payment data in a specific format. Important: those codes are issued and validated by your bank or payment network, not freely hand-built, and getting the format or checksum wrong can route money incorrectly. If you need a bank-grade merchant code, get it from your acquirer or wallet provider rather than generating the raw string yourself.
For anything involving direct bank transfer formats, use the code your financial provider gives you. A generic generator is the right tool for a payment link, not for constructing regulated transfer payloads.
When to use it
- Market stalls and pop-ups — a printed code by the till for quick payment.
- Invoices — a "scan to pay" code on a bill.
- Donations and tips — link to a fixed or open-amount checkout.
- Service businesses — collect payment on site without card hardware.
Gotchas & safety
- Anyone can read the destination. Make sure the link goes only to your legitimate, secured payment page.
- Watch for sticker fraud. Scammers cover real payment codes with their own. Place codes where they can't be tampered with, and check yours periodically. See are QR codes safe.
- Verify before customers do. Scan your own code and confirm it lands on your correct payment page with the right amount.
- Use HTTPS provider pages only. Never encode a link to an unsecured or unfamiliar payment endpoint.
Setting an amount or reference
Many payment links let you pre-fill the amount or attach a reference, which speeds checkout and helps you reconcile payments. Support varies by provider, so check yours:
- Fixed amount. PayPal.me accepts an amount in the path (
paypal.me/yourname/25); Stripe payment links and hosted invoices can be created for a set price. The customer can't fat-finger the total. - Open amount. Leave the amount off for tips or donations where the payer decides.
- Reference or note. Some providers let you pass an order number or memo in the link, so an incoming payment is easy to match to an invoice.
- Currency. The link uses your account's currency — make that clear to customers paying from abroad.
Whatever you pre-fill, scan and complete a small test payment yourself before going live.
Make a payment QR code
Copy your provider's payment link, paste it into the Link tab, and export the code for an invoice or counter card.
Generate a payment QR code
Use the PayPal tab for a PayPal.Me code, or paste any provider's secure payment link, then export — free, private, no account.
Open the PayPal generatorFrequently asked questions
How do I make a QR code to get paid?
Encode a payment link from a provider like PayPal or Stripe as a URL QR code. Scanning opens their secure checkout page where the customer pays — you never handle card details directly.
Can I generate a bank or UPI/EMV payment code here?
For standardized bank or EMV merchant codes, get the code from your bank or payment network. Those formats are validated by the provider, and a hand-built string can route money incorrectly. A generic generator is right for payment links.
Are payment QR codes safe?
The code is only as safe as its destination. Use a reputable provider's HTTPS page, place printed codes where they can't be covered by a fraudulent sticker, and verify your own code regularly.
Can I set a fixed amount?
Yes, if your provider's link supports it — for example PayPal.me lets you append an amount. Otherwise the customer enters it on the checkout page.