A payment QR code lets customers pay you by scanning — no card reader needed, no cash fumbling, no typing bank details. For small businesses, freelancers, market vendors, and anyone who takes payments in person, it's the cheapest and fastest way to accept digital payments.
Here's how to create a payment QR code for every major platform.
PayPal
PayPal offers a direct payment link format called PayPal.Me.
Get your link: Go to paypal.me. If you haven't set up your PayPal.Me link, create one — it looks like https://paypal.me/yourbusiness. You can also add a specific amount: https://paypal.me/yourbusiness/25 pre-fills $25.
Create the QR: Paste the PayPal.Me link into qree.app and generate your QR code. When scanned, the customer's phone opens PayPal with your profile and the payment amount (if specified). They tap "Send" and you're paid.
PayPal's built-in QR: PayPal also has a QR code feature in their app (under "Receive" or "Get Paid"). But this QR only works if the payer also has the PayPal app installed. A QR linking to your PayPal.Me page works in any browser — more universal.
Venmo
Venmo (popular in the US) has its own profile links.
Get your link: Your Venmo profile URL is https://venmo.com/yourusername. You can also create a payment-specific link with an amount and note: open Venmo → tap your profile → share your Venmo link.
Create the QR: Paste the Venmo link into qree.app. When scanned, the customer opens Venmo (or the Venmo website) with your profile ready for payment.
Tip: Add a suggested amount and note in the Venmo link if possible — it reduces friction. "Scan to pay $15 for your order" with a pre-filled amount means one fewer step for the customer.
Cash App
Cash App uses a $cashtag for payments.
Get your link: Your Cash App profile link is https://cash.app/$yourcashtag. Replace $yourcashtag with your actual tag.
Create the QR: Paste the link into qree.app. Scanning opens Cash App for the payment.
Revolut
Revolut (popular in Europe) has Revolut.Me links.
Get your link: Open Revolut → Profile → Revolut.Me → set up your link (e.g., https://revolut.me/yourbusiness). You can set a fixed amount or leave it open.
Create the QR: Paste the Revolut.Me link into qree.app. The customer scans, opens the page, and pays via Revolut or card — the payer doesn't need a Revolut account.
This is particularly useful for European businesses. Revolut.Me accepts card payments from anyone, not just Revolut users.
Bank Transfer (IBAN)
For direct bank transfers, there's no universal URL format like PayPal.Me. But you can create a QR code that displays your bank details.
Option 1: EPC QR Code (European standard). The European Payments Council defines a standard QR format for SEPA transfers. When scanned, it opens the user's banking app with the IBAN, recipient name, amount, and reference pre-filled. Not all banking apps support this, but most European banks do.
The format is text-based — you'd encode a specific string in the QR. Some generators handle this format directly.
Option 2: Link to payment page. Create a simple payment page (Stripe Payment Link, your website with a payment form) and encode that URL as a QR code. The customer scans → page opens → they pay via card.
Option 3: Display bank details. Create a QR code that displays your IBAN, account name, and reference as plain text. The customer scans, sees the details, and manually initiates the transfer. Less automated but works universally.
Stripe Payment Links
If you use Stripe, create a Payment Link in your Stripe Dashboard. It generates a URL like https://buy.stripe.com/xxxx that takes customers to a hosted payment page. Encode this URL as a QR code.
Benefits: accepts all major cards, supports recurring payments, includes receipts, and you get Stripe's full reporting. Works worldwide and the payer doesn't need any specific app.
Where to Display Payment QR Codes
At the register / counter. The most natural placement. A printed QR code next to the card reader. "Prefer to pay by phone? Scan here."
On invoices. Freelancers and service providers: add the payment QR to your PDF invoice. The client opens the invoice, scans the QR, pays immediately. Faster than "I'll transfer it when I'm at my computer."
At market stalls. Farmers markets, craft fairs, food markets. Not everyone has a card reader. A payment QR code on a small sign handles cashless transactions with zero hardware.
On flyers and posters. For donations, event tickets, or tipping. You can also combine payment QR codes with coupon QR codes to drive promotional sales. "Enjoyed the performance? Scan to tip" at a street performance or open mic night.
On tables. Restaurants without table-service payment systems. The QR on the table lets customers pay when they're ready without waiting for the check.
On product packaging. For tips, donations, or additional purchases. "Loved this? Leave a tip for the maker" on artisanal product packaging.
One QR for Multiple Payment Methods
If your customers use different platforms (some prefer PayPal, others Venmo, others card), create a simple landing page with buttons for each option. Then create a QR code linking to that page.
The page shows: "Choose your payment method: PayPal | Venmo | Card | Bank Transfer." One QR, all options covered.
Alternatively, use a tool like Linktree or a simple page on your website.
Tips
Specify the amount when possible. Pre-filled amounts reduce friction and errors. A QR that opens PayPal with $25 pre-filled gets paid faster than one where the customer has to type the amount.
Display the amount next to the QR. Even if the link pre-fills the amount, show it visually: "Total: $15 — Scan to pay." The customer knows what to expect before scanning.
Test with a real payment. Send yourself a small payment through the QR to confirm everything works. Do this before displaying the QR to customers.
Consider fees. PayPal, Venmo, Stripe, and Revolut all have different fee structures. Know your costs per transaction before choosing a platform.
Dynamic QR for seasonal pricing. If you change prices seasonally (market stall, pop-up), use a dynamic QR code. Update the payment link with the new amount without reprinting.
Create Your Payment QR Code
Go to qree.app, paste your payment link (PayPal.Me, Venmo, Revolut.Me, Stripe, or any URL), and download your QR code.