What are static and dynamic payment QR codes?

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In the world of mobile payments, QR codes are a fast and convenient way for customers to complete transactions. 

According to a report by Juniper Research, global QR code payments are expected to reach over 5.5 billion users by 2025, with transaction volumes exceeding $3 trillion annually. 

In China alone, QR code payments account for over 80% of all mobile payments, making it a mainstream choice for both consumers and merchants.

However, not all QR codes work the same way. 

At Silkpay, we offer two main types of QR codes: static and dynamic. 

Static QR codes are simple and cost-effective, ideal for small businesses, while dynamic QR codes provide enhanced security and automation. 

This article explains what static and dynamic payment QR codes are. It highlights that static QR codes are simple and reusable but require manual input, while dynamic QR codes offer higher security by generating unique transaction details each time. 

The article also shares tips to prevent fraud and describes how Silkpay helps merchants accept Alipay+, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay through flexible online and offline QR code solutions.

What is a static payment QR code?

A static payment QR code is a fixed, unchanging code that you can put at your checkout counter and all customers can scan it to start the payment process. 

After scanning, the customer must enter the payment amount. 

A static QR code is simple, low cost and can be used indefinitely. It is good for small businesses or mobile vendors. 

What is a dynamic payment QR code?

A dynamic payment QR code is generated in real time for each individual transaction. 

It includes detailed information such as the payment amount, order number, and merchant details. 

After scanning, customers do not need to enter any information. This reduces errors and makes the payment faster. 

POS terminals, mobile apps, or website systems make dynamic QR codes in real time. 

In our Silkpay payment solutions, the dynamic QR code can be generated by our POS terminals (PAX a920 pro), Silkpay apps, or API payment integration.

These codes are good for merchants with many transactions. 

They are also good for merchants that need high security and fast payments. 

Each transaction is recorded separately. 

Merchants can check payment records at any time. This makes reconciliation and management easy.

Which type of code to choose? 

Dynamic QR codes are more convenient for your customers

One of the key advantages of dynamic QR codes is the minimum efforts your customers need to put in the payment process. The merchant takes charge of typing the transaction amount and the transaction details. 

The customer only needs to scan the merchant’s code or let them scan their code. 

Additionally, each transaction generates a new QR code with unique details (such as the amount and order number). This makes it difficult to tamper with or misuse in advance or over a long period. 

Dynamic QR codes significantly reduce the risk of phishing attacks that can occur with fake or tampered QR codes.

Best practices for secure QR code payments

While dynamic QR codes offer a higher level of security, static QR codes can still be used safely with the right precautions. 

Merchants should regularly check the QR codes displayed in-store to ensure they have not been replaced or tampered with. 

For high-value transactions, it is strongly recommended to use dynamic QR codes to minimize risk.

Merchants should also rely on our POS terminals or Silkpay app to confirm the payment status in real time, rather than accepting screenshots as proof of payment. 

Finally, it’s important to educate customers to carefully check the merchant’s name and payment details when scanning any QR code, to avoid falling victim to scams.

How to accept QR code payment solutions with Silkpay?

Silkpay offers merchants a comprehensive and efficient QR code payment solution. 

We support major payment methods including Alipay+, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay. 

Covering a wide range of online and offline payment scenarios, our system meets the needs of merchants of all sizes and types. 

Whether you run a retail store, a restaurant, or a cross-border e-commerce platform, Silkpay provides tailored, secure payment options to enhance customer experience and improve checkout efficiency.

Alipay+ and WeChat Pay

• In-store

Static QR code: 

Silkpay provides merchants with a static QR code that supports both Alipay+ (includes Alipay, and 16+ e-wallets) and WeChat Pay. 

This means merchants do not need to prepare separate QR codes for each payment method. 

One QR code is enough to meet payment needs of all your Asian customers no matter where they are from, and can be conveniently displayed at the checkout counter, on tables, or on self-service kiosks, greatly simplifying the operation process.

Dynamic QR code: 

To meet the demand for faster and error-free payments, Silkpay offers a dynamic QR code payment solution via the Silkpay App and POS terminals (such as the PAX A920Pro). 

Each transaction generates a QR code containing the specific payment amount, order number, merchant account, and other relevant details. 

Customers do not need to manually enter the account or amount, after scanning, the code automatically directs them to their selected payment app. This greatly speeds up the payment process and reduces the risk of errors.

• Online

Silkpay supports multiple online integration options, including API, PaybyLink, and e-commerce plugins. 

Whether on a website or a mobile platform, a unique dynamic QR code payment link is generated for each transaction. 

This ensures transaction security and provides a seamless payment experience for customers.

For example, after placing an order on your e-commerce site, the system automatically generates a dynamic QR code with the order information, allowing customers to complete payment by simply scanning, avoiding input errors or mismatched details.

UnionPay

• In-store

Static QR code: 

Silkpay provides a dedicated static QR code for UnionPay payments. 

This code can be scanned by various UnionPay-supported banking apps. 

It is convenient for local consumers and an excellent tool to attract Chinese tourists, helping merchants tap into the growing cross-border payment market.

Dynamic QR code: 

Silkpay also supports real-time generation of UnionPay dynamic QR codes through the Silkpay App and POS terminals like the PAX A920Pro. 

Each transaction comes with the exact payment amount and order details, enabling customers to scan and pay easily. 

This enhances payment convenience, security, and accuracy. 

Dynamic QR codes are particularly suitable for high-value transactions, reducing the risk of disputes caused by manual input errors.

• Online:

Silkpay offers complete online integration options, including API, PaybyLink, and plugins, to support UnionPay dynamic QR code payments. 

Each transaction is equipped with a dedicated dynamic QR code and payment link, allowing customers to complete their payment smoothly via web or mobile platforms. 

Merchants can monitor payment status in real-time and export transaction reports through the backend, ensuring a fully digital and efficient management process.

Conclusion

QR code payments have become an essential part of today’s retail and online business landscape, offering speed, convenience, and flexibility to both merchants and customers.

Understanding the difference between static and dynamic QR codes is key to selecting the right payment solution that fits your business needs.

Silkpay’s comprehensive QR code payment system allows merchants to easily accept Alipay+, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay across multiple channels. 

Whether you choose the simplicity of a static QR code or the enhanced security of a dynamic QR code, Silkpay ensures your transactions are smooth, secure, and reliable. 

With robust online and offline integration options, real-time payment tracking, and user-friendly tools, Silkpay is your trusted partner in building an efficient and customer-friendly payment experience.

Ready to take your payment process to the next level? 

About the author: Silkpay

Based in Paris, Silkpay provides omnichannel and secure payment solutions to help physical stores and e-commerce in Europe and the Americas accept more than 30 of the world's most popular payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, CB, UnionPay, Alipay+, WeChat Pay as well as Asia-Pacific’s major e-wallets.

Silkpay is a winner of the LVMH Innovation Award. The company was also selected as a finalist for the "Money 20/20" Best Startup and in the "MPE Berlin” Startup Awards. Silkpay also won the "Best Fintech" awards from Capgemini and BPCE.

Silkpay helps merchants deliver the smoothest payment experience to their customers. We are a talented and international team driven by a single goal: to improve the customer experience and make payments simple and secure.