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QR Code Payment

A cashless payment method that uses QR codes. There are two types: merchant-presented (MPM) and consumer-presented (CPM).

Nov 2, 2025 · About 1 min read

QR Code

QR code payment is a cashless payment method in which scanning a QR code completes a transaction. In Japan, PayPay, Rakuten Pay, and d Barai are leading services; in China, Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate.

Two modes exist. MPM (Merchant Presented Mode) has the store display a QR code that the customer scans and then enters the amount. CPM (Consumer Presented Mode) has the customer show a QR code on their phone, which the store's terminal reads. MPM has minimal setup cost and suits small shops, while CPM processes faster and is common at convenience stores and chain retailers.

Japan's cashless payment ratio reached 39.3% in 2023, with QR code payments growing rapidly. According to METI data, code-based payment volume exceeded 10 trillion yen in 2023, a year-on-year increase of over 30%.

The intersection of short URLs and QR code payments lies in marketing. Displaying a short URL after payment completion to direct customers to a campaign page, or printing a short-URL QR code on receipts to link to surveys or coupon pages, are increasingly common tactics.

On the security front, a risk unique to QR code payments is code substitution: an attacker places a fraudulent QR code sticker over the store's legitimate one, redirecting payments to the attacker's account. Merchants should regularly inspect their QR codes for tampering. Related books are available on Amazon.

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Related Terms

QR Code

A two-dimensional barcode that stores data in a matrix of black and white squares, readable by smartphone cameras.

QR Code Security

Measures to protect users from malicious QR codes that may lead to phishing sites or malware downloads.

QR Code Scanner

Software or hardware that reads and decodes QR codes, typically using a smartphone camera.

Dynamic QR Code

A QR code that encodes a short URL, allowing the destination to be changed without reprinting the code.

QR Code Tracking

The ability to monitor and analyze scan data from QR codes, including scan counts, locations, and devices.

QR Code Inventory Management

A system that manages receiving, shipping, and stocktaking by scanning QR codes affixed to products and materials. Stores more information than traditional barcodes.

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FAQ

Which is more secure, QR code payment or IC card payment?
IC cards (Suica, iD, etc.) are generally considered more secure because they contain an encryption chip that is extremely difficult to counterfeit. QR code payments carry risks such as screen capture and code substitution, though one-time codes and expiration settings mitigate these threats.
Can I use Japanese QR code payment services overseas?
It depends on the service. PayPay partners with Alipay and can be used in China and some other Asian countries. Availability varies by service, so check before traveling.
How much does it cost for a store to adopt QR code payments?
With MPM, you simply print and display a QR code, so the initial hardware cost is virtually zero. Transaction fees typically range from 1.5% to 3.5%, which is lower than credit card fees (3-5%).

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