New online payment method via QR code from Gini on the market

A person scans a QR code on a tablet with their smartphone to make a payment; Copyright: Adobe Express

11.07.2025

QR codes have become a versatile tool in the retail sector. Especially during the coronavirus pandemic, when there was an increased demand for contactless options to process payments or communicate product information, the QR code received a boost. The square, two-dimensional codes can store a wide range of data in a very small space. In the area of payment systems in particular, they are providing a digitalization boost and opening up new potential for retailers to create a seamless customer experience.

The QR code system was developed in 1994 by the Japanese automotive supplier Denso Wave. The square design, inspired by the black and white pattern of the game of Go, was chosen because it rarely appears on business documents and thus prevents confusion with similar patterns by scanners.

How QR codes work in payment transactions

In the payment context, QR codes act as a digitized interface between retailers and customers. The codes contain payment information such as retailer ID, payment amount or transaction references. Customers can scan the code using a smartphone camera and a payment app – and thus start a secure, fast payment process.

Static QR codes contain fixed payment information, with the customer entering the amount themselves.

Dynamic QR codes are generated individually for each transaction and already contain the exact amount, thus avoiding errors.

In a payment process initiated by the customer, the person making the payment scans the retailer's QR code to pay. This is the most frequently used payment method with a QR code.

During the payment process initiated by the retailer, the person making the payment generates a QR code from the banking app or digital wallet. The retailer scans the QR code to accept the payment.

After scanning, the payment is approved, e.g. by fingerprint or PIN. The transaction is then processed via the payment networks – confirmation takes place in real time on the retailer and customer side.

With the increasing use of smartphones and mobile payment apps, scanning is becoming a natural part of the purchasing process. QR codes offer retailers a hardware-free way to digitize payments. They promote contactless transactions, minimize sources of error and improve the shopping experience.

Wide range of applications for QR codes in retail

QR code payments are used in numerous retail sectors:

Brick-and-mortar retail

Retailers place static QR codes clearly visible at the checkout. Customers scan the code, enter the amount and pay directly via the app.

E-commerce

Online stores integrate QR codes on the checkout page or in emails. Customers scan the code and pay without manually entering payment details.

Retail gastronomy

QR codes can be printed on bills or tables in cafés or restaurants. Guests order or pay via smartphone.

Technology innovations are shaping the retail industry, from back-office processes to checkout in the customer journey. Find the right solution for you and benefit from a wealth of industry expertise – from February 22-26, 2026 at EuroShop in the EuroCIS – Retail Technology dimension.

Gini QR code payment for webshops and brick-and-mortar stores

A hand holding a smartphone with a “mobile pay” QR code; Copyright: Adobe Express

The fintech company Gini presented a new QR code-based payment method for e-commerce in May 2025. The system enables online retailers to offer their customers a fee-free payment option based on SEPA credit transfers.

With this method, a QR code is generated during the checkout process, which customers can scan with their banking app. The payment data is automatically transferred, eliminating the need for manual entries. Both retailers and customers receive immediate feedback on the payment status, which makes the process more efficient. This turns the classic prepayment into a modern “Pay Now” solution.

According to Gini, over 100 retailers are currently using this solution. Integration into existing store systems takes place via plugins and software development kits (SDKs) for various platforms such as web, iOS and Android. According to Gini, a comprehensive KYC/KYB check is not required for use.

Flexible use cases – online & offline

Gini QR Code Payment covers a wide range of use cases in e-commerce and brick-and-mortar retail:

App-to-app: Payment directly from a shopping app via forwarding to the banking app
Web-to-app: Scan the QR code in the web store and pay via the banking app
QR-to-app: Also possible in brick-and-mortar stores – with digital receipt
IBAN entry: For classic web checkouts with smart transfer to the banking app

Advantages for online retailers

Fast payment without manual entry of IBAN or reference number
Error prevention for transfer data
Simple plug & play integration in the webshop
Compatibility with web, iOS and Android
Fast incoming payments and status feedback in real time
Mobile first: optimized for smartphone use

Sources: Clearly Payments blog article, Stripe article, Gini press release

Portrait of Sven Reck, freelancer for the EuroShop editorial team, in front of a red background; copyright: Sven Reck

Author: Sven Reck | EuroShop.mag

Sven Reck has been supporting EuroShop.mag as a freelancer for several years. Among other things, he creates photo series on store design, writes articles on best practices in retail marketing and use cases on new technologies in the retail sector. He also enters the content into the CMS and ensures user-friendly presentation and search engine optimization.