5 Best QR Code Payment Platforms in the UK [2025 Guide]

QR code payments are quickly becoming a reliable and cost-effective payment method for UK businesses. As more customers rely on mobile phones to shop and pay, scanning a QR code has become just as common as tapping a card, but with lower fees and better flexibility for merchants.

According to recent reports, 94% of UK adults now own a smartphone, and more than 40% use mobile-based contactless payments. QR codes build on this habit, allowing customers to scan and pay in seconds with no hardware, PINs, or passwords.

For businesses, this opens up a simpler way to accept payments at tills, on receipts, in kiosks, or even at mobile locations like pop-ups or service vans. Whether you’re running a high street store or offering click-and-collect, QR code payments for UK retailers offer a faster, more affordable alternative to cards.

In this guide, we compare the top QR code payment platforms in the UK based on speed, cost, features, and how easily they work with retail operations. We’ll also cover what QR payments are, where they work best, and what to consider before choosing a provider.

What Are QR Code Payments and How Do They Work?

QR code payments let customers pay by scanning a unique code using their smartphone. After scanning, they’re taken to a secure payment page or directly to their banking app to authorise the transaction. There’s no need for a card reader, PIN code, or mobile wallet app.

This method works well both in-store and online. For example, retailers can place QR codes at tills, on packaging, or in emails and invoices. Once scanned, the customer sees the amount and confirms payment in a few taps.

In the UK, many businesses now prefer QR payments because they reduce hardware costs, avoid card fees, and make checkouts faster. These payments can be powered by digital wallets, card-based links, or Open Banking rails that move money directly from the customer’s bank to yours.

Why UK Businesses Use Open Banking–Based QR Code Payments

Open Banking–powered QR code payments are becoming a preferred alternative to traditional card terminals across the UK. They offer a mobile-first, cost-effective, and secure way to collect payments, whether in-store, online, or at point-of-service counters. Here’s why more UK businesses are making the shift:

Lower Costs

• No need to invest in card readers or physical terminals
• Avoid rising card processing fees from major networks
• Many providers offer fixed or usage-based pricing models

Flexible Placement

• QR codes can be displayed at tills, self-checkout stations, or service desks
• Businesses can print them on receipts, invoices, or packaging
• Suitable for countertop stands, customer screens, or printed signage

Faster Checkout

• Customers scan and confirm payment in a few seconds
• Helps reduce queue times during peak hours
• Ideal for high-traffic retail, hospitality, and service settings

Mobile Usage

• Aligns with consumer habits; most shoppers already use smartphones for payment
• No app install required in most cases
• Compatible with both Android and iOS devices

Security and Compliance

• Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) applied through Open Banking or banking apps
• End-to-end encryption protects transaction data
• Reduced chargeback risk compared to card payments

Real-World Use Cases

Businesses across different industries are implementing QR code payments in ways that suit their operating model:

• Retailers: Use QR codes for faster checkout and contactless payment at the till
• Cafés and food vendors: Display QR codes at the counter or print them on menus
• Trades and mobile services: Include QR codes on paper invoices or digital receipts
• Event vendors and pop-up shops: Accept payments without setting up terminals or opening merchant accounts

📚 Checkout Process Optimisation for Businesses

Top 5 QR Code Payment Platforms for UK Businesses in 2025

Provider	Fees & Pricing	QR Payment Method	Payout Speed
Finexer	Usage-based pricing, no setup fees	Open Banking (Scan to Pay, API, links)	Instant bank to bank transfer
Stripe	~1% per Pay by Bank transaction	Open Banking via Payment Links & QR Codes	7–14 days initially, then 1–4 days; instant optional
Square	1.75% per QR payment	Card, Wallet, Square Pay QR	1–2 business days
SumUp	1.69% in-person, 2.5% online	Card-based QR (mobile & countertop)	1–3 business days
PayPal	1.5% + £0.10 (or 2% + £0.05 for under £10)	Wallet, card, and PayPal QR	Instant to PayPal balance; 1–2 days to bank

1. Finexer

Finexer is a UK-built QR code payment platform that helps businesses accept instant payments through customers’ bank apps — no card terminals, no mobile wallets, and no third-party checkout layers. Customers scan a dynamic QR code, approve the payment using face or fingerprint ID, and the funds are transferred directly to your business account.

It’s designed for both in-store and remote retail use, supporting everything from till-side payments and click-and-collect to invoice and WhatsApp-based checkouts.

By using Open Banking instead of card rails, Finexer helps UK businesses save up to 90% in transaction costs compared to traditional card payments. It also supports full integration with EPOS systems, real-time refund handling, and reconciliation through API or dashboard.

Security & Compliance

• FCA-authorised
• PSD2-compliant infrastructure
• Secure user authentication via the customer’s banking app (Face ID or fingerprint)
• Encrypted data handling across all payment flows

Costs, Fees & Contracts

• No setup fees
• No overhead cancellation fees
• Usage-based pricing per transaction (flat, predictable)
• No long-term contract required

Hardware Required

• No card terminals or merchant hardware needed
• QR codes can be displayed on screens, printed receipts, or shared via tablet or mobile

Onboarding Process

• Fastes Onboarding in the UK Market
• Merchant dashboard and API access provided during onboarding
• White-label support and 3-5 weeks of integration assistance for EPOS or kiosks

QR Code Payment Method

• Dynamic QR codes generated per transaction
• Customers complete payment via their bank app (no need for separate login or password)
• Supports both static and dynamic QR formats based on merchant use case

Settlement Times

• Instant fund transfer to merchant bank accounts via Faster Payments
• Refunds processed within the same banking day

In-store & Remote Use

• Ideal for tills, self-checkout, delivery handoffs, or click-and-collect stations
• Works equally well in mobile checkout, invoices, or WhatsApp/email link formats

Market Suitability
Finexer is purpose-built for UK-based retailers, cafés, field service providers, delivery teams, and ecommerce businesses that want to eliminate card fees, simplify reconciliation, and maintain control over the payment experience.

2. Stripe

Stripe offers a flexible QR code payment option designed for businesses already using its platform for online or in-person transactions. It supports both card and wallet-based checkouts, making it a good choice for brands that want to keep all payment types in one system, including QR-triggered ones.

Security & Compliance

• PCI DSS compliant
• Tokenised payments and fraud prevention built-in
• Supports Strong Customer Authentication (SCA)

Costs, Fees & Contracts

• Standard card fees apply: 1.5% + 20p for UK cards (variable by use case)
• No setup fees or monthly charges
• No contract lock-in (pay-as-you-go)

Hardware Required

• No QR-specific hardware required
• Can be displayed on screens or printed via POS
• Optional Stripe Terminal hardware available for hybrid setups

Onboarding Process

• Stripe account required
• QR codes can be generated via the Stripe Dashboard or API
• Developers can use Checkout or Payment Links to trigger dynamic QR codes

QR Code Payment Method

• Supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, and card-based payments
• QR codes launch a secure Stripe-hosted checkout page
• Customer completes payment via wallet or card

Settlement Times

• Standard Stripe payout schedules: 2–7 business days (depends on risk level and business history)
• Wallet payments settle within 1–2 days on average

In-store & Remote Use

• Can be used in-store by displaying QR on customer screens or paper receipts
• Works well for click-and-collect, appointment bookings, or service payments

Market Suitability
Best for businesses already using Stripe for ecommerce or subscriptions, and now looking to add QR code payments across online and offline touchpoints without adding a separate provider.

3. SumUp

SumUp offers a lightweight QR code payment option designed for small businesses and sole traders in the UK. It’s particularly suited to in-person payments, letting customers scan a QR code and pay using their card details on a secure checkout page — no terminals or apps required.

Security & Compliance

• PCI DSS compliant
• Encrypted transaction processing
• Certified with global and UK payment security standards

Costs, Fees & Contracts

• 1.69% per in-person transaction
• 2.5% per online transaction (including QR code payments)
• No setup fees or ongoing monthly charges
• Pay-as-you-go model

Hardware Required

• No hardware required for QR payments
• QR codes generated directly via SumUp app or business dashboard
• Optional: SumUp card readers and terminals available for hybrid setups

Onboarding Process

• Register a SumUp Business account
• Generate and display QR codes in-store, on invoices, or through printed materials
• Customers scan and pay via a secure SumUp-hosted page

QR Code Payment Method

• Customers scan the code, enter their card details, and confirm the transaction
• No app download or wallet login required
• Does not support Open Banking or Pay by Bank

Settlement Times

• Payouts typically processed in 1–3 business days
• Linked to merchant bank account

In-store & Remote Use

• Works well in cafés, salons, trades, and pop-up stalls
• QR codes can be printed, displayed at the till, or added to invoices

Market Suitability
Best for UK small businesses that want a simple, card-based QR payment solution without complicated setup. Ideal for tradespeople, food trucks, and local retailers.

4. Square

Square is a widely used payment platform offering QR code support for in-person, online, and mobile transactions. It’s a strong fit for UK merchants who want a simple way to accept card-based QR code payments with added tools for POS, ecommerce, and service-based sales.

Security & Compliance

• PCI DSS certified
• Built-in encryption and fraud detection
• Compliant with UK and global data handling standards

Costs, Fees & Contracts

• No monthly fees or setup charges
• 1.4% + 25p per UK card payment
• 2.5% + 25p for non-UK or online payments
• Pay-as-you-go model, no contracts

Hardware Required

• No hardware needed for QR code payments
• QR codes can be generated via the Square app or POS software
• Optional: Square Reader, Terminal, and Register for hybrid checkout

Onboarding Process

• Create a free Square account
• Enable QR codes via the dashboard or mobile app
• Start accepting payments by displaying QR codes on screen, print, or receipts

QR Code Payment Method

• Customers pay using debit/credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Square Pay
• QR code triggers a hosted checkout flow where the customer completes the transaction
• Does not support Open Banking or account-to-account payments

Settlement Times

• Payments typically settle in 1–2 business days
• Instant transfers available for a fee

In-store & Remote Use

• Used widely in cafés, salons, and events
• QR codes can be printed, displayed, or shared via link
• Also used on invoices or in Square’s digital checkout tools

Market Suitability
Best for small to medium-sized UK businesses that want QR code payments backed by a well-established POS system, especially in hospitality, events, and local retail.

5. PayPal

PayPal offers QR code payments as part of its broader digital wallet and checkout ecosystem. It’s a convenient option for businesses that want to enable wallet-based QR code payments without investing in hardware or complex integrations. Popular with small retailers, food vendors, and service providers.

Security & Compliance

• Global PCI DSS compliance
• Fraud detection and buyer/seller protection built-in
• Multi-factor authentication and encrypted transactions

Costs, Fees & Contracts

• No setup or monthly fees
• Transaction fees:
  • 1.5% + £0.10 for payments over £10
  • 2.0% + £0.05 for payments under £10
• Pay-as-you-go model

Hardware Required

• No hardware required
• QR codes are generated and managed via the PayPal app or business dashboard

Onboarding Process

• Create a PayPal Business account
• Access QR code generation in-app or online
• Display QR codes on printed materials or digital screens

QR Code Payment Method

• Customers scan the code and pay through their PayPal wallet
• Supports cards, bank accounts, and balance-based payments
• Requires the customer to have a PayPal account to complete the transaction

Settlement Times

• Funds typically settle in the merchant’s PayPal wallet within minutes
• Transfers to a linked bank account take 1–3 business days

In-store & Remote Use

• Suited for markets, cafés, pop-up events, and on-the-go services
• Works for both in-person payments and remote payments shared via link or QR

Market Suitability
Best for small and mobile UK businesses that want a familiar brand, simple setup, and access to PayPal’s customer base. Works well for those already using PayPal for ecommerce or invoicing.

Choosing the Right QR Payment Platform for Your Business

If you’re looking to adopt QR code payments in the UK, your choice should depend on three core factors: cost, speed, and setup flexibility.

• Finexer is ideal for businesses that want instant account-to-account settlements, lower transaction costs, and full Open Banking compliance, especially if you’re operating in a high-volume or mobile-first environment.
• Providers like Stripe and Square may suit businesses already using their broader payment ecosystems, but often come with delayed settlement and card processing fees.
• For simple, branded wallets like PayPal or SumUp, you’ll trade speed and savings for familiarity.

Finexer’s QR-based Open Banking payments can reduce your transaction costs by up to 90%, while offering real-time access to funds and usage-based pricing with no setup fees.