How to Take Payments in Person With a Link or QR Code (Free)
You don't need a card machine or POS terminal to get paid in person at a market stall, event, or client meeting. A payment link turned into a QR code lets any customer scan with their phone camera and pay by card in seconds. This guide shows you how to set it up for free and take money on the spot.
Quick answer
To take payments in person, create a payment link or product page, then turn it into a QR code that customers scan with their phone camera to pay by card. OneSol's free QR code generator (onesol.io/qr-code-generator) turns your payment link into a scannable code you can print or show on screen, with funds going straight to your own Stripe account — no card machine required.
1. Create a payment link or product page
Set up a product or a simple payment page with the amount (or a set of fixed-price items) connected to your Stripe account so cards are accepted. For a fixed product, use a single price; for variable amounts, create a few common price points as separate items. This link is what the customer will ultimately pay through.
2. Turn your link into a QR code
Paste your payment link into a QR code generator like OneSol's free tool at onesol.io/qr-code-generator to get a scannable code image. Download it as a high-resolution PNG so it stays crisp when printed at any size. Test it yourself first — scan it with your own phone to confirm it opens the right checkout.
3. Display or print your QR for customers
Print the QR on a small sign, table tent, or product tag for stalls and shops, or keep it on your phone screen to show one-on-one. Place it at eye level where people pay and add a short line like "Scan to pay by card." Keep a backup — a second printed copy or the link saved in your notes — in case a print gets damaged.
4. Confirm payment and hand over the goods
Ask the customer to show you the payment confirmation screen, or watch for the Stripe notification on your own phone before completing the sale. Only hand over the product or service once you've seen payment succeed. Keep your Stripe app open at busy events so confirmations come through instantly.
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FAQ
Do I need a card reader or POS terminal to take payments in person?
No. A QR code linked to your payment page lets customers pay from their own phone by card, so you skip the hardware entirely. All you need is your phone and a printed or on-screen QR code.
Is the OneSol QR code generator really free?
Yes — you can create and download QR codes for free at onesol.io/qr-code-generator. You only pay the standard Stripe processing fee when a customer actually completes a payment.
How do I confirm a customer actually paid?
Check for the Stripe payment notification on your phone, or ask the customer to show their on-screen confirmation, before handing anything over. At busy events, keep the Stripe app open so alerts arrive in real time.
Can customers pay a custom amount by QR code?
It depends on how you set up the page — a fixed-price product locks the amount, which is safest for in-person sales. For variable pricing, create a few common price points as separate items or a page that lets the buyer enter an amount.
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