Quick answer: enter your PayPal.me name (the part after paypal.me/), and optionally an amount and currency such as 25 and EUR. The QR code opens paypal.me/yourname/25EUR, where the customer logs in to PayPal and confirms. Download the code alone or as a ready-to-print A6 pay card.
How PayPal QR payments work
PayPal.me is a public link to your account. The QR code simply opens that link; the payment itself happens inside PayPal, on the customer’s phone, with their login and PayPal’s buyer protection. This tool never touches money or your account – it only draws the code.
Don’t have a PayPal.me link yet? Create one in the PayPal app or website under your profile (“Get PayPal.me”). Choose a short, recognisable name – it is printed under your code.
Fixed amount or open amount?
| Choose | Good for |
|---|---|
| No amount | Tips, donations, market stalls where prices vary – the payer types the amount |
| Fixed amount | Class fees, tickets, invoices – fewer mistakes, one tap to pay |
Amounts use your PayPal account’s main currency. To ask for a specific currency, PayPal.me links accept a currency after the amount, for example 25EUR – pick it from the currency list next to the amount.
Fees and protections
PayPal decides the fees: payments marked “for goods and services” are covered by purchase protection and charged to the seller; “friends and family” transfers are not. Tell customers which one to choose on your sign, and check PayPal’s current rates for your country.
Selling to customers in India? A UPI QR code is what they expect at the counter. If you accept crypto, the Bitcoin QR code generator builds a payment request with the amount filled in. To show a price including tax, the sales tax calculator works out the total first.
How to make a PayPal QR code
- Enter your PayPal.me name. Type the name only, or paste the full paypal.me link – it is cleaned up for you.
- Add an amount and currency. Leave the amount empty for open payments, or set a fixed price.
- Test with a small payment. Press “Open PayPal.me”, or scan from another phone, and check PayPal shows your name and amount.
- Download and display. Download the code or a print-ready pay card for your counter or invoice.
A pay card for the counter
“Pay card PNG” and “Pay card PDF” create an A6 card with your heading, the QR code, your PayPal.me address and the amount if you set one. Stand it next to the till at markets and pop-ups, tape it to a donation box, or add the PNG to the bottom of an invoice.
Invoices: one code per invoice
For freelancers, a code with the exact invoice amount (for example 350 and USD) means the client pays the right figure without typing. Put the code beside the bank details on the PDF invoice – you can add it with our Add Image to PDF tool – and mention the invoice number in the email, since PayPal.me payments have no reference field.
Check before you print
- Your PayPal.me link must be active – press “Open PayPal.me” to see your profile.
- Amounts use a dot for decimals: 12.50, not 12,50.
- Personal accounts may have receiving limits until verified – check in PayPal.
Where PayPal codes work well
- Tutors and coaches – a fixed-amount code per lesson on the class handout.
- Markets and craft fairs – an open-amount code on the pay card next to the cash box.
- Charity events – a donation code on posters and programmes.
- Freelance invoices – an exact-amount code beside the bank details.
Frequently asked questions
Is this an official PayPal QR code?
It is a QR code of your official PayPal.me link. PayPal also offers QR codes for business accounts; this one works for any account with a PayPal.me link.
Do customers need the PayPal app?
No. The link opens in the PayPal app or in the browser, where they can log in and pay.
Can I set the currency?
Yes. Pick it from the currency list next to the amount. With “Account default”, PayPal uses your account’s main currency.
Can I see who paid?
Yes – payments appear in your PayPal activity as usual. The QR code itself does not track anything.
Is it safe to print my PayPal.me link?
Yes. People can only send you money with it; they cannot take money or see your balance.
What fees apply?
PayPal’s normal fees for your country and payment type. We charge nothing.
Can I print a PayPal pay card?
Yes. Use “Pay card PNG” or “Pay card PDF” for an A6 card with the code, your PayPal.me name and the amount.
Can I add an invoice number to the payment?
PayPal.me links have no reference field. Ask the payer to add the invoice number in the note, or use PayPal invoicing for formal invoices.
Can customers pay with a card through the PayPal code?
Often yes – PayPal.me can offer guest card payments in many countries, but availability depends on PayPal and the payer’s location.