Ask one question first: do I scan or show?
Small counters and printed stands often ask you to scan. Supermarkets and staffed checkouts often have a scanner that reads the payment code on your phone. Those are patterns, not rules—follow the cashier and the screen in front of you.
Open payment controls inside the official wallet rather than using the phone's normal camera by default. The wallet can show whether the code leads to a merchant checkout, an order flow or something else.
Flow 1: scan the merchant's collection code
- Ask the cashier which code is for payment.
- Open Scan inside your prepared payment wallet.
- Scan the code and wait for the in-app result.
- Confirm that the screen represents the expected merchant or order.
- Enter the amount only if the official wallet asks you to do so.
- Review the amount, selected funding source and any current notice, then approve once.
- Wait for both your wallet and the merchant to show a clear result.
If the code opens a restaurant menu, place the order first and look for its checkout action. If it opens a chat contact, browser login or unrelated page, stop; you have not reached a normal merchant-payment confirmation.
Flow 2: show your live payment code
- Open Pay, Money or the payment-code area shown in your wallet.
- Check that the wallet is using the card or funding route you expect.
- Present the code only to the cashier or checkout scanner.
- Keep the rest of your account screen private while the code is visible.
- Wait for the success or failure message and check the amount.
Your payment code is a live checkout credential, not a souvenir QR. Do not post it, send a screenshot to a stranger or leave it visible after the transaction.
Identify what the QR code actually does
Swipe the table horizontally to compare every row.
| Code type | What usually opens | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Merchant collection | A wallet checkout showing a merchant or order and an amount field or total. | Verify the name and amount before approving. |
| Menu or order | A restaurant menu, mini program or ordering page. | Complete the order, then review the separate payment confirmation. |
| Personal transfer | A person's account or transfer screen rather than a normal business checkout. | Stop if this is unexpected and ask for the merchant-payment route. |
| Login or contact | An account login, group, profile or chat-contact action. | Do not grant access or add a stranger just to pay. |
| Transport code | A metro, bus or gate credential instead of a merchant charge. | Use it only for the transport task it names. |
You cannot reliably classify every QR by its printed appearance. The safest test is the result shown inside the official app. If the next screen does not match the purchase, close it and ask staff.
Fix a failed or unclear QR payment
The camera cannot read the code
Clean the lens, check the wallet's camera permission, move out of glare and hold the phone steady. Ask for a different printed code or use the show-your-code flow if the cashier supports it.
The payment-code screen will not load
Check mobile data, account access and any identity prompt. Move to a reliable connection before exposing account details or retrying.
The linked card is declined
Read the wallet and issuer message. Try a different eligible card or wallet, or use a physical card or RMB cash. A merchant cannot override a bank decision.
The QR opens a transfer or unsupported route
Ask for a merchant collection code or for the cashier to scan your payment code. International-card-funded merchant purchases and personal transfers are different functions.
You cannot tell whether payment succeeded
Do not approve the same amount again. Check wallet transaction history and ask the merchant to confirm receipt. If the states disagree, keep the reference and use official wallet support.
Short phrases to use at the counter
请问我扫这个码吗？
Should I scan this code?
请扫我的付款码。
Please scan my payment code.
这是商家收款码吗？
Is this a merchant collection code?
请确认一下是否收到付款。
Please confirm whether the payment arrived.
支付失败了，我可以用现金吗？
The payment failed. Can I use cash?
QR code payment in China: common questions
Should I use my normal phone camera?
Usually start with Scan inside your prepared payment wallet. A normal camera may open a web page without the payment context or checks you expect.
Which app should I use?
Use the wallet you prepared and that the merchant supports. The wallet logo or cashier can indicate the expected route; keep another payment method available.
Can a foreign card pay every QR code?
No. Eligibility depends on the wallet, account, card, merchant route and issuer. A card that funds merchant purchases does not automatically fund personal transfers.
What should I check before approving?
Check the merchant or order, amount, selected funding source and any fee or eligibility notice displayed by the current app.