The final step in the customer journey—the checkout experience—can leave a lasting impression. Shoppers want fast, easy, and contactless ways to pay, and waiting in line and fumbling with cards or cash isn’t cutting it anymore.
Integrating Quick Response (QR) Codes with your existing point-of-sale (POS) system is a simple way to speed up transactions and give your customers the convenience they crave. When the payment process is seamless, shoppers are more likely to make quick purchases or impulse buys, boosting both satisfaction and sales.
So let’s explore how QR Codes can work with POS technology to make payments more efficient for both your customers and your business.
Note: The brands and examples discussed below were found during our online research for this article.
How QR Codes work with POS systems
QR Codes integrate smoothly with traditional POS systems, enhancing offline transactions with digital functionality. Here’s how it works:
Connecting QR Codes to digital payments
Businesses can use QR Codes for payments to facilitate contactless digital transactions. Instead of paying via traditional methods like cash or credit card, customers can simply scan a QR Code with their smartphone camera, which directs them to a secure payment page URL.
You can use this method to link to various payment options—such as a Stripe or PayPal—to complete transactions. Alternatively, a quick scan can take customers to a landing page where they can pay using digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Syncing QR Codes with existing POS software
Many modern POS systems, including Square, Clover, and Toast, come with built-in QR Code compatibility. So you can generate QR Codes that link directly to your restaurant or retail POS for seamless digital payments.
If your POS system doesn’t support this feature, it simply needs to provide a payment link. You can then use external platforms like Bitly to generate custom QR Codes, offering greater flexibility and control.
Using QR Codes for faster checkouts
Consumers increasingly prefer digital payment methods, and 74% of U.S. shoppers cite speed of checkout as a primary reason for using digital wallets. Post-pandemic, many also feel more comfortable with contactless payment methods for added health and safety.
By integrating QR Codes with your existing POS system, you can cater to these preferences while streamlining the checkout process. With a quick scan and confirmation on their mobile devices, customers can complete their transactions in seconds—no waiting for assistance from staff.
For retail stores, faster transactions help prevent long lines and antsy customers, ultimately reducing stress on employees. QR Codes for restaurants can speed up table turn, allowing you to serve more diners each shift.
Enhancing customer interactions beyond payments
QR Codes aren’t just for payments—they can also link to a variety of features within your POS system. You might use QR Codes to share exciting digital menus, promotional offers, or exclusive discounts with customers before they make a purchase. Codes can also connect to digital receipts, surveys, or loyalty program sign-ups.
When implementing QR Codes into your business, be sure to apply retail marketing best practices and add a clear call to action nearby, such as “Scan here to earn loyalty points!” This helps customers understand exactly what to expect when scanning your code.
How QR Code and POS integration simplifies payments
Connecting QR Codes to your POS system streamlines payments, benefiting both your customers and your team.
For customers
The QR Code ordering and payment process is quick and convenient, eliminating the need for cash, card swiping, or manual entry of payment details by staff. Customers can pay instantly with a simple scan, speeding up the checkout process.
Depending on your payment processor, you might also be able to automatically deliver digital receipts or payment confirmations, helping customers track purchases.
In restaurants, QR Codes can streamline the ordering process, allowing customers to order food and drinks from an online menu instead of waiting for a server.
For businesses
QR Codes promote increased efficiency by helping you process transactions faster. Shorter checkout times mean you can serve more customers, reducing wait times and boosting satisfaction. Nearly 70% of consumers associate long lines with negative emotions, so speeding up checkout can have a real impact on the customer experience.
Using QR Codes to process payments also reduces your reliance on card readers and cash registers, which helps lower operational costs. Plus, tools like Bitly Analytics track valuable QR Code scan metrics, enabling you to refine your sales strategy over time.
For example, real-time scan tracking helps you identify trends (via scans over time), allowing you to optimize staffing and promotions during your busiest times.
How to set up QR Codes to work with your existing POS system
Want to pair QR Codes with your current POS system for a better guest experience? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you started.
Choose a QR Code-compatible payment processor
Start by selecting a payment processor that generates unique payment links, as you’ll need these URLs to create QR Codes. Popular options include Stripe, Square, and PayPal, but most modern payment processors include this capability.
When you generate your codes, the payment links are embedded, taking customers directly to the transaction page with a single scan.
When choosing a processor, prioritize customer safety and convenience. Look for a platform offering robust security features, fraud protection, and compatibility with popular mobile wallets.
Create customized QR Codes with Bitly
Once you’ve set up your payment processor, it’s time to create Bitly Codes.
- Copy the payment provider’s URL.
- Sign up or log in to Bitly.
- Go to Create New, select QR Code, and paste the payment page URL into the Destination field.
- Customize your code to align with your branding by adding your logo and colors and adjusting the pattern, border, frame, and CTA.
Branded QR Codes look more professional and build trust with customers, enhancing their experience while reinforcing brand recognition. You can also create custom short links if you plan to share payment information digitally.
Place QR Codes where your customers will scan them
Once you’ve finalized your QR Code design, download it and add it to signage throughout your store or restaurant. Depending on your business model, you might place QR Codes on checkout stations, self-service kiosks, dining tables, or printed bills.
Be sure to include clear instructions with each code so your customers know what to do. A simple CTA like “Scan to Pay” provides context for a smoother experience. While 68% of consumers used QR Codes at least once in 2024, including instructions ensures they’re accessible to everyone, regardless of familiarity with the technology.
Additionally, test your QR Codes on various devices, both iOS and Android, to ensure they scan properly. Testing before launch helps prevent confusion and frustration for customers.
Track and optimize your QR Codes with Bitly Analytics
Bitly Analytics allows you to track key QR Code scan metrics, including:
- Total scans
- Scans over time
- Scans by referrer
- Scans by location
- Scans by browser and operating system
Use this data to optimize both your in-store setup and marketing campaigns. For example, if you find that engagement is low, you might experiment with different QR Code placements or adjust your CTA messaging to encourage more scans.
Upgrade your POS system with QR Code payments
Integrating QR Codes into your existing POS system gives customers a fast, secure, and convenient way to complete transactions. This not only enhances the checkout experience but also caters to the growing demand for convenient payment options.
With QR Code generators like Bitly, creating customized QR Codes that align with your branding is easy. The platform allows you to tailor codes with your logo, colors, and unique patterns to maintain a consistent brand image.
Plus, Bitly’s real-time analytics provide valuable insights into customer preferences, helping you optimize sales strategies and improve engagement.
Sign up for Bitly today to streamline your POS system with QR Codes for a smoother, more efficient payment experience.
