June 1, 2026
Setting Up QR Code Payments for Your Small Business
Accepting QR code payments is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to modernize your small business payment options. No expensive terminal, no monthly fees — just a printed QR code.
This guide walks through setting up QR payments step by step.
What You Need
| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Business bank account | Free | For receiving payments |
| Payment provider account | Free | Square, Stripe, SumUp, etc. |
| QR code from provider | Free | Included with account |
| Printed QR code | $0.10-1 | Print on paper, card, or sticker |
| Phone or tablet | (optional) | To receive payment notifications |
Step 1: Choose a Payment Provider
Comparison
| Provider | QR Fee | Settlement | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Square | 2.6% + $0.10 | Next day | US businesses, retail |
| Stripe | 2.9% + $0.30 | 2-day | Online + in-person |
| SumUp | 1.69% | Next day | European businesses |
| PayPal (QR) | 1.9% + $0.10 | Instant (fee) | Small, casual businesses |
| Local bank QR | 0-1% | Instant | Countries with QR systems |
Recommendation: For most small businesses, Square or your local bank's QR system offers the best balance of cost and features.
Step 2: Create Your Account
Sign up with your chosen provider:
- Provide business information
- Link your business bank account
- Verify your identity
- Receive your merchant QR code
Step 3: Get Your QR Code
Your provider will give you a QR code. Options:
- Static QR code: Same code for every transaction (customer enters amount)
- Dynamic QR code: New code per transaction (amount pre-set)
Static QR Code
Pros: Print once, use forever. No electricity needed. Cons: Customer must enter the amount manually.
Best for: Street vendors, market stalls, donations.
Dynamic QR Code
Pros: Amount is pre-set. Faster checkout. Cons: Requires a device to generate the QR code per transaction.
Best for: Retail stores, restaurants, cafes.
Step 4: Print and Display
Where to Display
| Location | Why |
|---|---|
| Checkout counter | Most visible spot |
| Front window | 24/7 payment option |
| Each table (restaurant) | Pay at table |
| Drive-through window | Contactless payment |
| Delivery vehicle | Payment on delivery |
Display Options
| Option | Cost | Durability |
|---|---|---|
| Paper print in acrylic stand | $5-10 | Good (indoor) |
| Laminated card | $1-3 | Moderate |
| Vinyl sticker | $3-8 | Excellent |
| Metal/acrylic sign | $15-40 | Excellent |
| Digital display | $50-200 | Excellent + dynamic |
Step 5: Train Your Staff
Staff should be able to:
- Point customers to the QR code
- Explain how to pay (which app, how to scan)
- Confirm payment received (notification on phone)
- Handle payment failures
Step 6: Test Before Going Live
- Print the QR code at intended size
- Scan with your own phone
- Make a test payment of $1
- Confirm funds arrive in your account
- Test with different phone types (iPhone, Android)
- Test in different lighting conditions
Accepting QR Payments
Customer Experience
- Customer wants to pay
- You point to the QR code (or show on screen)
- Customer scans with their banking app
- Customer enters amount (if static QR)
- Customer confirms payment
- You receive notification
- Transaction complete
What to Say to Customers
"If you'd like to pay by QR code, just scan this with your banking app and enter the amount."
Case Study: Local Bakery
A small bakery started accepting QR payments.
Setup cost: $0 (used Square, printed QR on existing receipt paper)
Results at 3 months:
- 35% of transactions via QR code
- Average order value: $12.50 (cash: $8.20)
- Customers without cash: 20 new customers/week
- No payment disputes
Setting Up Your QR Payment System
Set up QR payments for your business — learn how to accept QR code payments with a simple printed code.
Conclusion
QR code payments are the easiest way to accept digital payments at your small business. Free to set up, low fees, and works with any customer's phone.
Start accepting QR payments — set up your payment QR code in minutes.