What is a payment QR code?¶

A payment QR code is a machine-readable container for payment instructions or a link. It starts or populates a payment route; it does not itself prove recipient identity or value movement.

Encoded data can be fixed or transaction-specific¶

The code may contain a payment address, merchant ID, handle, amount, currency, reference or URL. Static codes repeatedly supply the same destination, while dynamic codes can represent a particular request and expire or change status.

Scanning normally opens an application or webpage for review and approval. The encoded destination, provider request and resulting transaction are distinct records.

Preserve both image and payload¶

Retain the original file, document, message, poster or device context and record when and where it appeared. Extract the encoded data through a safe, authorised method rather than relying only on a later photograph.

Provider records can identify the account or request behind the payload. Compare that mapping with transaction and contextual evidence before attributing the recipient or user.