India processes over 14 billion UPI transactions per month. If you're a shopkeeper, freelancer, street vendor, or small business owner, a UPI QR code is the simplest way to accept digital payments without a card terminal, monthly fees, or a bank-specific app. This guide walks you through creating one for free in under two minutes.
What is a UPI QR Code?
UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is India's real-time payment system operated by NPCI. A UPI QR code encodes your UPI ID (also called a Virtual Payment Address, or VPA) into a scannable pattern. When a customer scans it with GPay, PhonePe, Paytm, Amazon Pay, BHIM, or any UPI app, the payment screen opens pre-filled with your details — they just enter the amount (or confirm it if you've pre-set one) and tap Pay.
The UPI QR standard is the same across all apps because it follows the BHIM UPI protocol — so one QR code works for all platforms. You don't need a separate QR code for each app.
What is a UPI ID?
Your UPI ID is your payment address — it looks like an email address. Examples:
yourname@okicici— ICICI Bank9876543210@ybl— PhonePe / Yes Bankyourname@okhdfcbank— HDFC Bankyourname@paytm— Paytmyourname@axisbank— Axis Bank
Find your UPI ID in your GPay, PhonePe, or banking app under Profile or Payment Settings.
How to Create a UPI QR Code (Step by Step)
Open the UPI Payment Tab
Go to freeqrgenerator.mythosh.com and click the UPI Payment tab.
Enter Your UPI ID
Type your UPI ID exactly (e.g. yourname@okicici). Double-check it — a wrong UPI ID will direct payments to the wrong account.
Enter the Payee Name
Add your name or business name. This is displayed to the payer in their UPI app as confirmation.
Set an Amount (Optional)
If you're creating a QR code for a specific product or service price, enter a fixed amount. For a general-purpose counter QR code, leave it blank so customers can enter any amount.
Download & Display
Download at 500px for a counter display or 1000px for a banner. Print it and laminate it for durability. Add a "Scan to Pay" label using the Centre Label field.
Who Should Use a UPI QR Code?
Shopkeepers & Retailers
Display at the till to accept digital payments without a card terminal or merchant fees.
Restaurants & Dhabas
Place on tables or with the bill for quick payment at the end of a meal.
Freelancers
Add to invoices and proposals so clients can pay instantly via any UPI app.
Market Vendors
Print and laminate for outdoor stalls, fairs, and events where cash is inconvenient.
Tutors & Coaches
Share digitally in WhatsApp or email for course fee collection.
Clinics & Salons
Display at reception for contactless payment collection after services.
Fixed Amount vs Variable Amount UPI QR
There are two types of UPI QR codes:
- Fixed amount QR — best for specific products (e.g. a ₹500 thali plate or a ₹199 haircut). The amount is pre-filled in the payer's app, reducing errors.
- Variable amount QR — best for a general shop counter where different customers pay different amounts. The payer enters the amount themselves.
Most shopkeepers use a variable amount QR at their counter and generate fixed-amount QR codes for specific product price lists or invoices.
Is a UPI QR Code Free?
Yes. Generating the QR code is free. And unlike card payments, there are no merchant discount rate (MDR) fees on UPI transactions — NPCI mandated zero MDR for UPI since January 2020. The customer pays nothing extra either. The full amount reaches your UPI-linked bank account directly.
UPI QR Code vs UPI Link vs UPI Intent
- UPI QR code — scannable image. Best for physical displays, print, and in-person payments.
- UPI payment link — a clickable URL (e.g. upi://pay?pa=…). Best for sharing on WhatsApp, email, or websites.
- UPI intent (deeplink) — opens a specific UPI app directly. Best for app-to-app payments in your own mobile app.
Tips for a Professional UPI QR Code Display
- Print at A5 or larger and laminate for counter display.
- Add your shop name or logo to the printout (not the QR code itself).
- Include your UPI ID in text below the QR so customers can type it manually if scanning fails.
- Test monthly — scan the code yourself to verify it still works.
- For outdoor use, choose a matte laminate to reduce glare and improve scannability.
Create Your UPI Payment QR Code — Free
Works with GPay, PhonePe, Paytm, Amazon Pay, and all UPI apps. No account needed.
Open UPI QR Generator →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to share my UPI QR code publicly?
Yes — your UPI QR code only allows people to send money to you. It cannot be used to debit from your account. However, do not scan unknown UPI QR codes you receive from strangers, as scammers sometimes send "collect request" QRs disguised as payment QRs.
Can I create a UPI QR code without a merchant account?
Yes. Any personal UPI ID works. You don't need a business account or merchant registration to accept UPI payments via QR code.
How much can I receive via a UPI QR code?
The per-transaction limit is ₹1,00,000 (₹1 lakh) for most UPI apps. Daily limits vary by bank but typically range from ₹1–2 lakh per day for personal accounts.