A QR code is a simple way to take mobile payments without having a terminal or separate payment app. You simply display a unique QR code that is linked to your account or payment system. The customer scans the code with their smartphone, enters the amount and confirms the payment in their banking app.
QR codes are an accessible first step. They are especially suitable for new starters who want to receive payments without investing in a payment terminal. They're also handy for those receiving sporadic payments, like freelancers or yoga instructors.
"},"textLinks":[{"url":"/en/business/payments/wero/wero","text":"Receive smartphone payments via a QR code"}]},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"2. Receive payments via an app on your smartphone","richBody":{"value":"Want to work professionally, without a terminal? You can turn your smartphone into a payment device by installing an app like ING SoftPos. These apps enable your customers to make contactless payments with their bank card, smartwatch or smartphone (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.). You won't need a separate terminal and for the customer the user experience offered by such apps is identical: tap, beep, done.
This is the ideal solution for entrepreneurs whose business is conducted in various locations, such as personal trainers and mobile stylists, who want to enable customer payments, but prefer not to purchase a payment terminal.
"},"textLinks":[{"url":"/en/business/payments/incoming-payments-merchant-services-business","text":"More information about ING SoftPos"}]},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"3. Mobile payment terminal","richBody":{"value":"Mobile terminals work through Wi-Fi or mobile internet (using a built-in SIM card) and offer the reassuringly familiar experience of a traditional payment terminal. You can let customers pay with their card (PIN or contactless), smartphone or smartwatch.
This option is slightly more expensive than an app, but offers greater stability, faster processing, a built-in printer (if required) and the ability to work without your own phone. This can be a particularly attractive option for the hospitality industry, outdoor markets, taxis or self-employed people who process a lot of transactions.
"},"textLinks":[{"url":"/en/business/payments/incoming-payments-merchant-services-business","text":"More information about fixed or mobile payment terminals"}],"alignedImage":{"position":"right","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/baf933c2-7163-4165-bc44-0d3c4f7f17e0/POS-smartwatch","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/1ed912fbed5cfce8/original/POS-smartwatch.jpg","extension":"jpg"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"4. Fixed payment terminals","richBody":{"value":"This is the classic terminal in a fixed location, linked to your cash register or accounting system. This system works over Wi-Fi, mobile internet or a cabled internet connection. Fixed payment terminals are ideal for shops where speed and reliability are essential, for example, pharmacies, bakeries, petrol stations or shops with multiple employees.
"},"textLinks":[{"url":"/en/business/payments/incoming-payments-merchant-services-business","text":"More information about fixed or mobile payment terminals"}]},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Advantages and disadvantages of payments via QR code"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"A QR code is an accessible way to receive digital payments. It is fast, inexpensive and easy to use. However, there are situations in which a QR code is less practical. An overview of the most important advantages and disadvantages:
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Advantages","richBody":{"value":"In short: a QR code may suffice for start-ups or occasional payments. But once you begin handling transactions with a wider audience, a more robust payment solution is often the better choice.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"What should you look for when choosing a digital payment solution?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Consider these elements before making your choice:
ING offers a total solution, tailored to your business.
"}},{"componentType":"cta","textLink":{"url":"/en/business/payments/getting-paid","text":"Compare the different payment options and choose what suits your business best"}},{"componentType":"cta","textLink":{"url":"/en/business/services/getting-paid-advisor-feature","text":"Get tailored advice from our payment solution advisor"}},{"componentType":"cards","cards":[{"componentType":"articleCard","cardType":"article","cardSize":"medium","title":"Taking payments: how to choose the right solution? Use this checklist!","body":"This checklist, with 9 questions, will help you choose the payment solution that best suits your business.","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/19079943-6cf6-4927-8f96-846aff12e804/POS-taxi-artikel-checklist","type":"image","width":6221,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/27fca303cd1fb413/original/POS-taxi-artikel-checklist.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"date":"2025-12-12","link":{"url":"/en/business/payments/mobile-payment-solution-checklist"}}]}]},"legalZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Disclaimer","richBody":{"value":"This article is for information purposes only and the information in this article may change over time. We therefore recommend that you always consult the specific rules and requirements with the competent authorities for the most up-to-date information. We also recommend that you seek professional advice on a case-by-case basis before making a decision. ING Belgium NV cannot be held liable for decisions made on the basis of the information provided here.
"}}]}}}