The Best QR Code Payment Apps: A Like-for-Like Comparison

Please note that the information about the payment providers in this article was taken from their respective websites on 14th April 2025. This information is subject to change.

Since open banking came into existence back in 2016, the UK has been driving innovative payment solutions that benefit business while offering consumers better, more convenient ways to pay.

QR code payments are a key innovation in contactless, digital payments, that can facilitate instant pay-by-bank transactions, with no hardware or card terminals required – at a fraction of the cost of the big card networks.

Here, we’re digging into the best QR code apps for UK businesses, comparing payment methods, availability, fees and costs.

What are QR code payments?

QR codes have been pretty common since the early 2020s, and most consumers are now au-fait using them. The little squares (or sometimes circles) are packed with a matrix code storing complex information that can be scanned and decoded with smartphone cameras. 

Once scanned they direct users to a secure payment gateway where they can authorise the transaction and check-out via the associated payment method. It will typically involve entering card details, using a digital wallet or payment app, or authorising the payment directly via the user’s banking app.

Benefits of using QR code payments

QR code payments act as a bridge between physical and digital transactions. They are a quick, convenient, user-friendly payment method that can be completed in just a few clicks, while protecting sensitive data with encryption technology.

Meanwhile business benefit from an instant digital payment solution, typically not requiring hardware or card readers, and often facilitating instant bank transfers. They are a hugely cost-effective alternative to card networks, that still enable you to meet consumer demand for contactless payments.

The exact benefits for merchants however depends entirely on the payment service provide (PSP) behind the QR code interface. So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of the top QR code apps.

How to choose the best QR Code App 

Here are some key considerations that can help you choose the best QR app:

• Security: Does the provider comply with global security standards and local regulations. Do they use features like end e­nd-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication?
• User Experience: Is the user face intuitive, with a quick and easy check-out? Likewise, is the set-up process straightforward for businesses, with easy generation of codes.
• Costs: Initial setup costs, transaction fees, monthly fees and other expenses.
• Hardware Requirements and integration: As well as being an additional cost, hardware can make your QR code payments less portable and versatile, and compatibility with existing point-of-sales systems (POS) more difficult. Your app should integrate into your payment ecosystem.
• Data Services: Is data being managed and utilised to provide insights and analysis?
• Availability for Offline Payments: UK business who mainly operate offline need a payment app that supports that – many apps only work via online checkout and can’t be used for in-person transactions.
• Payment Methods: The associated payment method with QR code providers has a huge effect on the efficiency of the process, with open banking checkouts offering instant transactions, while card payments will take the usual prolonged settlement period.
• Monthly Contracts: Some payment apps have a minimum sign-up term, while others work on a rolling month contract.

Comparison of Top QR Code Payment Apps in the UK

This best QR code apps list is by no means extensive but covers four of the most well-known in the UK.

Best QR code apps at a glance:

Noda

• Overview: A comprehensive, all-in-one payment solution powered by open banking.
• Security & Compliance: PSD2 compliant and FCA registered (Financial Conduct Authority). Uses advanced encryption technology and multi-factor authentication, with additional layer of banking-level security.
• Costs, fees and contracts: No set-up costs, no monthly fees, no contract and no technical skill required. Just an ultra-competitive £0.20 per transaction.
• Hardware required: No.
• On-boarding process: Meet your Noda representative for a short demo, complete a Merchant Application Form (MAF) and generate QR codes within a day.
• QR code payment method: Open banking – the most efficient check-out process for QR codes. Customers authorise payments directly in their banking app, for instant account-to-account payments.
• Settlement Times: Instant.
• Available for in-store/in-person sales: Yes. Merchants receive an instant payment notification to their Noda dashboard.
• Market suitability: Ideal for offline businesses like cafes, restaurants and shops, and accepting in-person payments on-the-go at tradeshows, pop-up markets and fayres. Can be printed or shared digitally on screens, or via SMS/chat/email, therefore also works for e-commerce.
• Trust pilot reviews: 4.4 (Excellent).
• Additional features and products: Instant payment links, no-code payments, card payments, check-out forms, open-banking payments and a dedicated manager with 24/7 customer support. Plus, AI-powered data enrichment services.

PayPal

• Overview: A widely recognised digital payment platform offering QR code payments for quick and secure transactions. Available globally, including the UK.
• Security & Compliance: Transactions are monitored 24/7 to prevent fraud, with buyer and seller protection. Uses advanced encryption technology and multi-factor authentication. Adheres to global security standards.
• Costs, fees and contracts: No setup costs; fees of 1.5% of transaction plus £0.10 fixed fee for £10+, 2% plus £0.05 of transaction for £10 and below. No monthly fees; pay-as-you-go.
• Hardware required: No.
• On-boarding process: Create a PayPal account, generate QR codes via the PayPal app, and start accepting payments.
• QR code payment method: Digital wallets, cards, and bank transfers. Customers scan the QR code and use the PayPal app to complete payment. As such, users need to have a PayPal account to be able to checkout.
• Settlement Times: Funds are sent directly to the merchant’s PayPal account, typically within minutes. It then takes 1 – 3 business days to transfer funds from PayPal to your bank.
• Available for in-store use: Yes.
• Market suitability: Ideal for businesses of all sizes, including retail, hospitality, and services. Suitable for both online and offline transactions.
• Trust pilot reviews: No UK specific review available.
• Additional product and features: Integration with various e-commerce platforms, digital wallets, card payments, invoicing, Pay in 3, POS System, recurring payments, virtual terminal. 

SumUp

• Overview: A user-friendly payment solution offering QR code payments for contactless transactions. Popular among small businesses in the UK.
• Security & Compliance: Transactions are secured with encryption technology and comply with PCI standards.
• Costs, fees and contracts: No monthly charges or contracts; 1.69% per in-person transaction, 2.5% transaction fee for online payments.
• Hardware required: No.
• On-boarding process: Create a SumUp account, generate QR codes via the SumUp app, and start accepting payments.
• QR code payment method: Supports payments via credit and debit cards. Customers scan the QR code, enter their card details and complete the payment on SumUp’s secure website.
• Settlement Times: Funds are typically available within 1-3 business days.
• Available for in-store/in-person sales: Yes. Merchants can check sales history in their SumUp app.
• Market suitability: Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, including cafes, restaurants, shops, and services.
• Trust pilot reviews: 4.0 (Great).
• Additional features and products: Mobile card readers, invoicing, and payment links.

Square

• Overview: A versatile payment platform offering QR code payments for contactless transactions. Widely used by businesses in the UK.
• Security & Compliance: Transactions are protected with encryption technology and propriety tokenisation; compliant with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard).
• Costs, fees and contracts: 1.4% + 25p for UK cards or 2.5% + 25p for non-UK cards per online and offline transaction. No monthly fees; pay-as-you-go model.
• Hardware required: No.
• On-boarding process: Create a Square account, generate QR codes via the Square app, and start accepting payments.
• QR code payment method: Credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Square Pay.
• Settlement Times: Funds are typically available within 1-2 business days.
• Available for in-store/in-person sales: Yes.
• Market suitability: Great for restaurants and other in-person dining with interactive QR code menus and table mapping. Also good for business that don’t require a full website, and for remote ordering.
• Trust pilot reviews: 4.0 (Great).
• Additional features and products: POS terminals and mobile card readers, invoicing, payment links, built-in data tools, website building.

Conclusion

QR code payments are a great way to reach more customers, wherever you set up shop. From farmers markets and festivals to beauty salons and on-the-go plumbing payments, in-store, or online, your customers simply scan, pay and go.

But you need to work with the right payment app for your business. Open banking QR code payments like Noda’s offer the ultimate efficiency for both you and your customers. Benefit from instant bank transfers, market-beating fixed-fee transaction costs and an easy onboarding process that can have you generating QR codes within a day.

Speak to Noda today and get started with the one of the best QR code apps for your business.