Quick answer
Are QR codes worth putting on invoices and leaflets?
Say what it does, and print the web address next to it. Customers shouldn't have to scan a mystery code.
The jargon
The words you'll come across, in plain English.
- QR code: a square barcode people scan with their phone camera to open a web page.
- Dynamic QR code: a code that goes through another company's link, so the destination can be changed, but stops working if that service ends.
- Quishing: scams using fake QR codes stuck over real ones.
- Phishing: scam messages or pages pretending to be someone you trust.
Good uses
What are QR codes good for?
- Open your website
- Save your contact details
- Open your Google review page
- Show aftercare instructions
- Open a secure payment page
- Ask for a quote
Who controls it
Who should control where the code goes?
Some QR companies charge monthly, redirect your code through their site, or close down, and your printed codes stop working. For anything printed that lasts, a plain link to your own website is safer.
Stay safe
How do I keep QR codes safe?
Do this
The invoice says Pay securely at yourbusiness.co.uk/pay, and the QR code opens that same address.
Not this
An unlabelled code opens a shortened link that asks for bank details.
Where it goes
Where should the code take people?
Use your own web address, say what the page is for, and don't ask for details you don't need. A payment page should show your business name and give customers another way to check your bank details. A review page should make clear where it's taking them.
- Keep the address short enough to print beside the code
- A secure address, in an account you control
- No surprise app downloads
- A phone number too, for anyone who can't scan
- Only ask for what you need
- A sensible page if an offer has ended
- Test again after any website change
Never stick a QR code over another company's label, or anywhere someone could swap it without you noticing.
Test it
How do I test a QR code?
- Scan it on a few different phones
- Test it at the actual printed size
- Check the contrast, and leave space round it
- Check where it goes, and that the padlock shows
- Check what any tracking collects
- Test again before every reprint
Sources
Where this guide comes from.
Checked against these official pages on 27/10/2026. Next check due 27/01/2027. Things can change sooner, so check the official page before an important decision.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions.
Do QR codes expire?
A code that links straight to your website doesn't. Ones that go through a QR company can stop working.
Can I use one code everywhere?
Only if it always goes to the right place. Don't mix up review and payment codes.
Should I put one on my van?
Only if it can be scanned safely when the van's parked, and your website's printed too.
Can a QR code take payments?
It can open a payment page. Use a proper payment company and make it easy to check it's really you.
Is a free QR code maker OK?
Usually, if it links straight to your website and doesn't secretly go through their own site.
Can I see who scans it?
You can count visits, but say so, and don't try to identify people.
Got a question?
Send us a message and we'll point you in the right direction.
We're happy to help, even if it's not about a website.
