QR code payment in France: what is it and how does it work?

Everything you need to know about QR code payments in France: how to make a payment using this method? How can merchants set it up? What are the advantages and strengths of this option?

If you're looking for a convenient way to make payments easily in France or abroad, consider the Wise card. You can use it to pay with your phone or smartwatch while saving money on currency conversions.

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QR code payments in France: how do they work?

A QR code (or Quick Response code) is a black and white square pictogram that you scan with a mobile device.

It can be used for bank transactions. After scanning the code, the user (customer or merchant) accesses a sales page to finalize the operation.

This type of payment requires at least a mobile phone, a QR code, and a money transfer app.

Payment can be made in 2 different ways:

• The customer scans the merchant's QR code.

• The merchant scans the customer's QR code.

Whichever method is chosen, the payment is made via a dedicated app.

Case #1: The customer scans the merchant's QR code

The merchant needs to have a payment app installed and have generated their QR code beforehand.

They then ask the customer to scan the code. The customer will be taken to a payment page where they will need to enter the payment details.

The operation is then validated by the merchant through the payment app.

This method is not very common in France. However, it is extremely flexible, as the QR code can be displayed on a screen, on paper, or on a point-of-sale terminal.

Case #2: The merchant scans the customer's QR code

For this type of payment to work, both the merchant and the customer must have the same payment app. The merchant uses the professional version, while the customer has the personal version.

After calculating the transaction amount, the merchant launches their payment app. The customer does the same and generates a QR code.

The merchant then scans the customer's QR code, and the customer confirms the transaction.

Note: The merchant doesn't have to use their smartphone to scan the code. They can use their terminal's scanner.

QR code payments: which providers offer them in France?

L’Addition: QR code payments for restaurants

L’Addition is a payment system for restaurants and cafes that offers a feature called "payment at the table." This involves a QR code found on the bill.

At the end of the meal, the customer simply needs to scan the code. They will be redirected to a payment interface where they can pay the bill or split it among the diners.

Paying by QR Code with Lydia

Lydia is a payment provider that supports QR codes.

To make a payment, open the Lydia app, enter the amount, and your security code. A QR code will then be automatically generated.¹

Present this code to the merchant so they can scan it using their tablet, smartphone, or scanner. An internet connection is not required for this type of payment.

PayPal: another way to pay by QR code

PayPal allows merchants to offer QR code payments. Customers simply need to scan the code to complete the payment.²

The provider also offers sales kits to businesses, including badges and stickers with their QR code.

QR code payments: the advantages

Simplicity and speed

QR code payments allow those who don't use a digital wallet to pay with their smartphone, provided they have installed the app beforehand.

Transaction security

Digital payments are an alternative to cash payments. They save merchants the hassle of making bank deposits and customers from carrying cash.

The buyer doesn't need to enter their details, making it a fully secure payment method.

Improved customer shopping experience

After payment, the invoice can be sent directly to the customer's smartphone.

The transaction can also be automatically recorded to calculate loyalty benefits. The possibilities are numerous.

Universal payment method

With QR codes, there's no need for a payment terminal or bank card. All you need are two smartphones, each equipped with a camera. It's the most universal payment method available today.

QR code payments vs. contactless mobile payments: which is more advantageous?

QR code payments are not widely adopted in France. The reason is simple: they offer no decisive advantage over contactless mobile payments.

It's more likely that a customer already has their card saved on a mobile wallet than that they have the same app as the vendor to make a payment.

While QR code payments allow you to retrieve your receipt directly on your smartphone, this is a relatively minor benefit for the customer.

Meanwhile, Wise is compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. You can pay contactless using any compatible smartphone or smartwatch.

Not only is this solution more flexible than QR code payments, but it's also more cost-effective: when you pay in foreign currencies, conversions are made at the mid-market rate rather than at a marked-up rate, as is common with most traditional bank cards.

Pay contactless with the Wise card

Sign up for Wise and get a debit card for just €7 (including delivery fees). It allows you to pay contactless from your mobile or smartwatch (subject to compatibility).

Traveling abroad? Pay with no fees if you hold the transaction currency in your account. If your balance is insufficient, a conversion will be necessary, using the mid-market rate with fair, transparent fees.

If you are in Singapore, you will have the option to pay by QR code using your Wise app.

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This article is a translation of the original article published in French and was translated within 365 days of publication. While the content has been translated for accessibility, the data and sources referenced have not been updated since the original publication date.