QR Code Payment for Restaurants

Restaurants were at the forefront of QR code usage during coronavirus, when the once novel squares were introduced as a contactless approach to menus.

While menus might have returned to our tables, QR codes stuck around and evolved into a revolutionary way for diners to instantly settle their bills.

Here we explore the growing role of QR code payments in restaurants, how they’re used and why implementing Noda’s open banking-powered QR code payments can significantly benefit your business.

The Evolution of QR Codes in Restaurants

Initially, restaurant QR codes typically led to a PDF version of the menu. Nowadays, they facilitate a far more advanced suite of operations:

• Access to real-time menus, including daily specials
• Placing orders, with customised requests and an itemised bill preview
• Paying the bill in seconds, without waiting for servers or card machines

How do restaurant QR code payments work?

Restaurants that use QR codes to pay offer their customers a quick, user-friendly interface to initiate contactless payments.

They work through a Payment Service Provider (PSP) which enables restaurant businesses to generate unique QR payment codes. Customers scan the codes using their smartphones or payment apps and are directed to a secure payment gateway from where they can authorise the transaction via the associated check-out method.

The efficiency and functionality of QR code payments depend on the PSP and the associated QR code payment method. Typically, QR codes direct users to pay via:

• Credit and debit cards: Users manually enter their card details, as with any online check-out form.
• Digital/mobile wallets: Transactions are authorised with mobile wallets like ApplePay or Google Pay.
• Payment apps: Commonly known examples include Amazon Pay or PayPal.
• Banking apps: If the PSP is an open banking platform, like Noda, bills are settled via direct bank transfer.

How to pay using QR codes at restaurant

QR code restaurant payments enhance both operational efficiency and the customer experience. Here’s how they can be integrated into your restaurant's workflow:

Pay at the table QR codes: By scanning the code placed on tables customers can view the menu, place and customise their order, and pay directly from the table after finishing their meal. A streamlined ordering and payment process that cuts down wait times.

Display QR codes on bills: After finishing their meal, offer customers a quick, contactless payment experience by adding a payment QR code to the bill.

Display QR codes digitally: Your waitstaff can show customers a dynamic payment QR code directly from a mobile device, making it ultra-easy for groups splitting the bill.

For tips: Customers can easily add tips to their payment, without the need for cash.

Promotions and Loyalty Programs: Drive customer loyalty by integrating access to discounts, rewards, and exclusive offers into your QR code payments.

Benefits of QR code payments for restaurants

Restaurants with QR code payment solutions can experience a variety of advantages that directly benefit operations and improve customer experience.

For customers:

Faster Processes, enhanced customer experience: A fantastic meal and supreme service can easily be forgotten if there’s a slow and cumbersome payment process before leaving. QR code payments can allow customers to pay instantly without waiting for the bill or a card machine to arrive, significantly speeding up the checkout process and reducing wait times. It also allows restaurants to turn tables faster during peak hours.

Contactless Convenience and safety: When customers pay with QR codes in a restaurant, it’s quick and contactless, reducing the handling of cash and cards and helping to promote a hygienic environment for both customers and staff.

For restaurant businesses:

Lower Transaction Fees: Traditional payment methods, particularly credit and debit card payments, typically come with high transaction fees. By implementing QR code payments, restaurants can bypass card networks and high processing fees and enjoy a cost-effective alternative that reduces overall business costs. 

Improved Cash Flow: When QR code payments are supported by open banking, one of the major benefits is instant funds, transferred directly from the customer to the restaurant’s bank account. This faster payment processing improves cash flow and eliminates delays caused by traditional card payments, which can take days to settle.

Simplified Operations: QR payment codes eliminate the need for physical payment terminals, reduces manual invoicing and can be generated fast (create a QR code in seconds with Noda). So staff can focus more on providing excellent service, while the payment process happens automatically.

Key data insights: Noda's QR code payments automatically generate digital records, providing valuable insights into customer behaviour, from peak hours to top-selling dishes to demographics, helping you optimise operations, enhance menu offerings, and boost business.

What Noda’s QR codes can bring to your table

Before bringing QR payment codes to your tables, it’s important to choose the best QR code payment app (PSP) for your restaurant. Key considerations are security, efficiency, cost-effectiveness and the associated payment method used to complete transactions.

While some QR code providers work via card payments, or card-backed digital wallets, and can require external card readers or existing point-of-sales (POS) terminals, Noda’s open banking solution bypasses card networks altogether.

How Noda’s QR codes work:

Noda’s QR codes are powered by open banking; after scanning, users are directed straight to their banking app to authorise payments.

What’s the benefit of Noda’s open banking QR codes?

• Low Cost: No costly card terminals, no hardware maintenance, no monthly fees and no expensive card network fees.
• Easy setup: No technical skills required, simply log-in to your Noda account, navigate to ‘QR codes’ and generate your unique payment code.
• Faster Funds: Enjoy instant bank transfers, directly from the customer’s account to yours (account-to-account payments), so no more waiting for slow card settlements.
• Ultra-Low Fixed Transaction Fees: Just £0.20 per transaction.
• Watertight Security: Advanced encryption, Strong Customer Authentication (SCA), PSD2 compliant and FCA registered (UK) - protecting your and your customers sensitive data, while also reducing fraud is our priority.
• 24/7 Customer Support: With Noda, you have a dedicated manager who knows your business and understands your needs. We’re always here for you.

Use your QR codes at tables, check-out counters, on QR code stands or share on mobile and tablet screens. Set the bill amount quickly and easily, or let your customers enter the amount (and customise tips).

Better bill settlement with Noda's QR Codes

QR code payments offer a fast, secure, and cost-effective solution for restaurants seeking to upgrade their payment systems. By implementing this contactless technology, restaurants can enhance the customer experience, reduce transaction fees, and improve operational efficiency.

Noda’s open banking platform offers a robust solution that delivers instant payments, ultra-competitive pricing and fast, easy integration into your business. If you’re looking to simplify your payment process while offering an up-to-date and secure experience to your customers, QR code payments with Noda are the ideal solution for your restaurant business.

Speak to the Noda team today to get started with QR code payments for your restaurant.