How to Set Up a QR Code for Payment: A Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses

While the credit card checkout process has certainly come a long way thanks to technologies like NFC and Tap to Pay, certain situations (like self-service checkouts, events, and pop-ups) may call for alternative methods, such as QR code payments. QR codes as a mode of payment are growing in popularity, with the QR code payments market expected to grow 66.8% from 2026 to 2031 according to Juniper Research.

To set up a QR code for payment, you’ll need a merchant account with a payment provider that supports QR payments. From there, you can generate a code through your provider’s app or dashboard, display it on your screen or print it out, and run a test transaction to make sure everything works.

In this guide, we’ll focus on how businesses can use a QR code to accept payment, rather than how customers pay with one. We’ll walk you through both options: creating a QR code for individual transactions and setting up a reusable code that customers can scan at any time.

What You Need Before You Set Up a QR Code for Payment

1. A merchant account with a payment provider that supports QR code payments.  
2. A linked business bank account to receive payouts from your payment provider.
3. A smartphone, tablet, or computer to generate and manage your payment QR codes.
4. An internet connection for both you and your customers to process payments.
5. A printer and display space (optional) if you plan to print a reusable QR code for customers to scan.

Unlike personal payment apps like Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle, which typically require customers to use the corresponding app, merchant QR codes can direct customers to a checkout page where they can pay by card or digital wallet without downloading anything. 

If you don’t have a merchant account yet, Kurv offers a self-service application with quick approval for many low-risk businesses, so you can immediately cross off item #1 on the list above. 

Static vs. Dynamic QR Codes: Which One to Use

What’s the difference between static and dynamic QR codes? A dynamic code is generated for a single transaction, with the amount built in. A static code stays the same and can be printed and reused. (Elsewhere, “dynamic” can mean an editable code that redirects to a URL you can change. Here, it means a code created for one specific payment.)

The right option depends on how and where you accept payments. Consider the following.

One thing to consider is what happens when your payment details change. If your printed QR code links to a hosted payment page, you should be able to update that page through your provider’s dashboard without reprinting the code, provided the page URL stays the same.

Ultimately, you don’t have to choose just one. Many businesses use dynamic QR codes for individual sales and static codes for signage and self-service payments.

How to make a QR code for payment in the Kurv Merchant App

Curious about how to make a QR code for payment? If you’re using the Kurv Merchant App, you can generate one in three steps. Open the app and select Take Payment, enter the transaction amount, and choose QR code as your payment method. The app instantly generates a code that customers can scan to complete their purchase.

Let’s take a closer look at the process:

1. Select Take Payment. Open the Kurv Merchant App on your smartphone or tablet and tap Take Payment on the home screen.
2. Enter the transaction amount. Type in the total you want to charge, then tap Proceed to Payment.
3. Select QR code. Choose QR code from the available payment options, and the app will instantly generate a code for that transaction.

Once the code appears, turn your screen toward the customer so they can scan it using their phone’s camera. They’ll be taken to a secure checkout page where they can choose to pay by card or digital wallet and confirm the transaction, no need for them to download an app or create an account. 

You’ll receive a real-time payment confirmation in the Kurv Merchant App, and the transaction will also appear in the Kurv Merchant Portal along with a digital receipt.  

How to Create a Printable QR Code for Payment

The steps above describe how to generate a dynamic code for each sale. Now let’s dive into how to create a QR code for payment that you can print and reuse. When scanned, this code opens your hosted payment page, where the customer enters the amount or picks what they’re paying for.

Below are the steps for creating a printable QR code for payment using the Kurv Merchant App. 

1. Sign in to the Kurv Merchant Portal on your computer or launch the Kurv Merchant App on your mobile device.
2. On the left sidebar menu, navigate to ‘Dashboard’, then ‘Payment link’, and it will display your unique QR code for you.
3. Click on the green print button below the QR code to open the page to print and download your code. 
4. Add it to your signage. Place the QR code on a counter sign, table card, flyer, or receipt where customers can easily scan it.
5. Test your QR code. Scan the printed code with your phone and complete a test transaction to make sure everything works.

Kurv also lets you generate QR codes for specific locations, events, and customers and track their transactions individually. If you send invoices through Kurv, there’s even less to set up. Every invoice automatically includes its own payment QR code, so customers can simply scan and pay.

How to Print and Display a Scan to Pay Sign

Ready to print your QR code for payment? Make sure it’s visible and easy to scan. The QR code needs to be large enough for customers to scan comfortably from where they’re standing.  

According to Bitly’s guide to QR code size, a good rule of thumb is to make your QR code roughly one-tenth of the intended scanning distance. Take a look at these quick guidelines:

These sizes are calculated from the 10:1 ratio, using the far end of each distance range, so treat them as starting points. Always test your printed code at the actual scanning distance before displaying it.

To make sure your QR code scans reliably, keep these guidelines in mind:

• Use high contrast. Print a dark QR code on a light background rather than reversing the colors.
• Leave some white space. Keep a clear margin around the code, so that phone cameras can recognize it.
• Use a high-quality image. Download a high-resolution or vector file to prevent blurring when resizing.
• Avoid glare and distortion. Choose matte finishes and keep the code away from folds, curves, or reflective surfaces.

You should also have clear instructions on your sign. Add a simple line that says “Scan to Pay,” along with your business name and the payment options you accept. Place your sign where customers are ready to pay, such as near the register, on restaurant tables, at a service counter, or at the front of an event booth. If you’re serving a large crowd, consider displaying multiple signs so customers don’t have to line up to scan a single code. Finally, check your printed QR codes regularly to verify they haven’t been tampered with. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has warned about scammers covering legitimate payment QR codes with fraudulent stickers that redirect customers to fake websites. With that in mind, keep signs in secure holders or behind the counter when possible, and periodically scan them yourself to confirm they still lead to your payment page.

How to Test Your QR Code Before Customers Use It

Before you start accepting payments, make sure your QR code works as expected. Here’s a quick checklist to follow:

1. Scan the code on different devices—i.e., both an iPhone and an Android phone—to make sure the code scans properly.
2. Confirm that the QR code directs you to the correct checkout page and displays your business name.
3. Use your own credit or debit card to complete a small transaction.
4. Check that the payment appears in your merchant app or dashboard, then issue a refund.
5. Print the QR code at its intended size and scan it from the distance customers will typically stand, using the lighting conditions at your location.

Remember to retest your QR code whenever you reprint it or make changes to your payment page. If you have employees who handle payments, be sure to walk them through a test transaction so they can confidently guide customers through the process.

QR Code Payment Setups by Business Type

The right QR code payment setup for your business depends on how you serve customers and collect payments. Here’s a breakdown of which setup works best for different business types.

Invoices and remote payments

If you need to collect payments from customers who aren’t physically present, you can include a QR code on your invoices.

Every invoice generated through Kurv automatically includes a payment QR code that customers can scan to complete their transaction. This works well for collecting deposits, following up on quotes, or getting paid after a service call.

Events, fundraising, and donations

If you’re collecting payments or donations at an event, consider setting up a static QR code that lets people enter their own payment amount. You can print several copies and place them around your venue. You can also keep printed copies on hand as backups in case your phone or tablet runs out of battery.

Recurring payments from a single scan

QR codes can also be used to set up recurring payments for memberships, subscriptions, and ongoing services.  

To do this, link your QR code to a recurring payment setup. Customers scan the code once, enter their payment details, and authorize the recurring charges. From there, payments are processed automatically according to the agreed billing schedule, without requiring customers to scan the code again.

QR Code Not Scanning? Common Issues and Fixes

If your QR code isn’t working, the issue could be anything from poor print quality to a weak internet connection. Here’s how to troubleshoot common QR code payment problems.

It’s also worth having a backup payment method (e.g., Tap to Pay or payment link via text) for customers who can’t scan your QR code.  

How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a QR Code for Payment?

Do you have to pay for a QR code? Generating the code itself is typically free. What you do need to pay for are the credit card processing fees on each transaction. Some providers may also charge a monthly software fee. 

If you’re looking into free options for generating QR codes for your small business, there are several QR code generators out there that allow you to create those codes and link to a web address. However, these solutions do not process payments, so you still need a merchant account. 

Check with your merchant services provider to see if they offer QR code payments. Ask about their per-transaction rate, monthly fee, and whether you need to be on a specific plan.

With Kurv, you can start accepting QR code payments without purchasing additional hardware or paying a separate setup fee. QR Scan & Pay is included in Kurv’s payment processing tools, and QR payments are charged at Kurv’s online transaction rate, starting at 2.90% + $0.25 for qualifying businesses.

Start Accepting QR Code Payments With Kurv

Ready to start accepting QR code payments? Kurv makes it easy with QR payments built into the Kurv Merchant App and Merchant Portal. 

Generate a QR code for a single transaction in just three steps, or print a reusable code for your counter, table, or booth. Customers can pay by card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay without downloading an app or visiting a third-party website. 

Kurv also supports one-time and recurring payments, automatically adds QR codes to invoices, and provides real-time payment notifications and reporting in one dashboard. With a self-service application, automatic approval for many low-risk businesses, and U.S.-based support, getting started is simple.