Two things get called a "PayPal QR code." Your own paypal.me link encoded as a regular QR code — the one worth making for printed material — and PayPal's own in-app QR code, generated by the PayPal app for in-person scanning within the app. Here's the honest distinction and how to make the one you actually need.
PayPal.me link vs. PayPal's in-app QR code
A PayPal.me link (paypal.me/yourname) is a payment page anyone can open in a browser — encoded as a QR code, it works with any phone's standard camera, no PayPal app required to scan it. PayPal's own "My QR code" feature, found inside the PayPal app, is a different code entirely, generated by PayPal for people already using the app to scan each other in person. A general QR tool makes the first kind; the second only comes from PayPal itself.
For anything printed and displayed publicly — a tip jar, an invoice, a business card — the PayPal.me link reaches more people, since it doesn't require the scanner to already have PayPal's app open.
How to make one
- Find your PayPal.me link — it's paypal.me/[your PayPal username].
- Optionally add a fixed amount: paypal.me/yourname/25 pre-fills $25 on the payment page.
- Encode it with Capy QR's payment QR code generator, which supports PayPal directly alongside Venmo, Cash App, and Revolut.
Fixed vs. open amount
- Fixed amount: invoices, tickets, a specific price — removes a step and prevents typos.
- Open amount: tip jars, donations — lets the payer choose how much to send.
Build yours in the editor → capyqr.com
Keep it dynamic if anything might change
A static code locks in one specific link and amount forever. If your PayPal username or a fixed price might ever change, a dynamic code lets you update the destination without reprinting the card or sign it's on.
A PayPal code ready to display
Here's a Capy QR styled for a tip jar or invoice:
Frequently asked questions
- What's the difference between a PayPal.me QR code and PayPal's own in-app QR code?
- A PayPal.me QR code encodes your paypal.me/username link and works with any phone's regular camera — anyone can scan it and open a payment page in a browser. PayPal's own "My QR code" (found in the PayPal app) is generated by PayPal itself for scanning within the PayPal app during in-person payments, and isn't something a general QR tool creates.
- How do I make a PayPal QR code for printed material?
- Use your paypal.me/username link (with or without a fixed amount, e.g. paypal.me/username/25) and encode it into a regular QR code. This works for anyone with a phone camera, not just people with the PayPal app open.
- Can I set a fixed amount in a PayPal QR code?
- Yes — append the amount to your PayPal.me link, like paypal.me/yourname/25, and it pre-fills that amount on the payment page. Leave it off for an open amount the payer chooses.
- Is it safe to display a PayPal QR code publicly?
- Yes — a PayPal.me link only lets someone send you money, it can't be used to take money from your account. Just make sure the link is genuinely your own before printing and displaying it anywhere.
- Should a PayPal QR code be static or dynamic?
- Dynamic is safer if your PayPal.me username or a fixed amount might ever change — a static code with old details becomes a dead end. Dynamic lets you redirect to your current link without reprinting.
Bottom line: for printed material, your PayPal.me link works better than PayPal's in-app code because it scans with any camera. Ready to make one? Open the payment QR code generator or browse more QR guides.