18 September, 2023
In today’s fast-paced digital world, online payments have become the norm for many. While cash cannot be completely replaced, making payments via smartphones has become the preferred mode to save time. Among other digital payment modes, scanning and paying with QR codes is gaining significant traction. You may have come across these unique square patterns almost everywhere, from retail stores to restaurants and even in public transportation. But what exactly are QR codes and what is the process to scan to pay with them? Read ahead to understand.
How QR Code payments work
QR codes, short for Quick Response codes, are two-dimensional barcodes that you can scan using your smartphone. They consist of three black squares arranged on a white background. The typical alignment is small squares on the upper and lower left corners and another square on the upper right corner. The rest of the grid involves an arrangement of pixels.
QR codes can store various types of information, such as website URLs, contact details, text, or payment information. Unlike linear barcodes that are read through laser barcode scanners from paper, QR codes are scannable from both paper and screens. This makes them an efficient means to accept payments. Hence, most merchants display QR codes on their point-of-sale (POS) system for processing instant payments.
You can make QR code payments by scanning the QR code on the merchant’s store via Online Payment App like PayZapp. After successful scanning, the app decodes the information like the recipient’s name, payment amount, and additional transaction data encoded within the QR code. You will then receive a prompt to pay. After executing the operation, the app will send you a payment alert.
How to scan and pay with a QR Code
The step-by-step process to scan and pay through a QR code is explained as follows:
Open a mobile payment app
Download a mobile payment app like PayZapp from your smartphone’s app store. As an HDFC Bank customer, you can install and register on the app with your bank details to link your bank account in PayZapp. Once done, you can use it to make contactless payments via Unified Payment Interface (UPI) by scanning a QR code.
Position the QR Code
You will find an option to ‘Scan QR code to pay’ on PayZapp’s dashboard. Select the option and launch the QR code scanner. You can then position your smartphone’s camera in front of the QR code. Ensure that the entire QR code is visible within the scanning frame on the screen.
Scan the QR Code
When you position your camera to align with the QR code, the app will automatically scan the code. Once scanned, the app will process the code and display payment details.
Retrieve payment information
After successful processing, the app will decode the QR code and retrieve the payment information within seconds. It typically includes the recipient’s name and the transaction amount. In some cases, you might have to enter the amount manually.
Confirm the payment
You can review the payment information and ensure its accuracy, such as the payment amount, recipient’s name, and any additional transaction details. Once satisfied, you can confirm the payment.
Authorise the transaction
Once you select to ‘Pay’, PayZapp will prompt you to authenticate your payment. The process involves entering your UPI PIN of four or six digits. Post payment completion, the app will display a confirmation message on your screen.
Verify with the merchant
Lastly, you can check the transaction details displayed on the screen and verify the same with the merchant. Besides, both you and the merchant will receive real-time notifications confirming payment for easy processing.
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Tips to securely pay with a QR Code
You can follow the below mentioned tips to make secure QR code payments:
Download trustworthy payment app
There are a range of mobile payment apps available with QR code scanning feature. You should consider reliable apps backed by a trustworthy institution. For example, PayZapp is backed by HDFC Bank, that allows you to make a host of payments including recharges, bill payment, fund transfer to bank accounts, etc., securely.
Update the app regularly
Software updates often include security patches and bug fixes, ensuring a safer payment experience. Hence, it is critical to keep your payment app up to date with the latest software versions. You can set the updates to download automatically.
Beware of phishing attempts
Due to the popularity of QR code payments, they are used almost everywhere. Recognising the widespread usage, scammers have started creating fake QR codes to steal your payment details. You can avoid falling prey to their tactics by verifying the source of the QR code and only scanning codes from trusted entities.
Use secure Wi-Fi networks
When you scan to pay via QR codes, ensure you use password-protected and secure Wi-Fi networks. Avoid making payments over public Wi-Fi connections, as they may be vulnerable to unauthorised access.
Set a strong PIN
The UPI PIN you use helps in authenticating your transaction and avoiding any unauthorised usage. As it plays a crucial role in protecting your payment information, you should ensure it is unique and not easy to replicate. Also, ensure to cover the PIN while entering it for maximum security.
Benefits of using QR Code as a payment method
Paying with QR codes lets you enjoy the following benefits:
Quick and hassle-free payment experience.
Elimination of the need to carry cash or banking cards.
Secure payments due to encryption and tokenisation.
Versatile payments, such as retail purchases, bill payments, donations, and online web-based transactions.
Accessibility at various POS terminals in India.
Instant receipt of payment through alerts and notifications.
Automated record-keeping in the transaction history on the payment app you use.
Scan QR Codes and pay effortlessly with PayZapp
QR codes present a convenient means to pay merchants offline and online. You simply need to scan the code, and your payment gets processed in a matter of minutes. For a quick and secure payment experience, you need a robust mobile payment app like PayZapp from HDFC Bank. It not only lets you pay effortlessly but also gives you instant alerts and access to the transaction history on-the-go. You can sign up on PayZapp easily by completing your KYC, linking your Debit or Credit Card, and registering for UPI.
Make QR code payments with PayZapp anywhere and everywhere and receive instant alerts!
*Terms and conditions apply. The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circ*mstances.
