How to Scan a QR Code & Pay at Shops Using Paytm?

Need to make a payment at a shop? Simply open the Paytm app, tap Scan & Pay, point your camera at the merchant’s QR code, verify that the merchant’s name displayed on the screen is correct, enter the payment amount (if required), choose your preferred payment method, and complete the transaction using your UPI PIN. The entire process usually takes just a few seconds.

Paytm lets you scan and pay any UPI QR code, not just Paytm QR codes. You can also choose from multiple payment methods at checkout, and eligible low-value UPI Lite transactions may not require a UPI PIN.

This guide explains how to scan and pay using Paytm, choose the right payment method, stay safe from QR code scams, and troubleshoot common payment issues.

How Do You Scan and Pay at a Shop Using Paytm?

Follow these steps to make a payment by scanning a QR code with Paytm:

Step 1: Open the Paytm app and tap Scan & Pay to launch the QR scanner.

Step 2: Point your camera at the merchant’s QR code. You can also scan a QR code from your phone’s gallery.

Step 3: Confirm that the name displayed on the screen matches the merchant before proceeding.

Step 4: Enter the amount, or verify the pre-filled amount if it’s a fixed-value QR code.

Step 5: Choose your preferred payment source, such as a bank account, UPI Lite or a linked RuPay Credit Card.

Step 6: Review the details and complete the payment using your UPI PIN, if required.

Step 7: Wait for the success message and save or share the receipt if needed.

From the success screen, you can also share the receipt, split the bill with friends, or pay the same merchant again later, and every payment is logged in your Balance & History for expense tracking.

Can You Pay Any QR Code with Paytm, or Only Paytm QRs?

Yes. You can use Paytm to scan and pay any UPI QR code, not just Paytm QR codes. UPI is an interoperable payment system, so QR codes issued by participating UPI apps can be scanned and paid through Paytm.

The branding on a QR code only indicates the app the merchant uses to receive payments. It does not restrict the app you can use to make the payment.

However, Paytm cannot be used to make payments through non-UPI QR codes, such as website links, Wi-Fi QR codes, or other non-payment QR codes.

Which Payment Method Should You Choose at the Counter?

When you scan a QR code with Paytm, you can choose the payment method that best suits your needs. 

Linked bank account (UPI)
This is the default option for most payments. The amount is debited directly from your bank account, and you authorise the transaction using your UPI PIN.

UPI Lite
Ideal for small-value payments, UPI Lite lets you pay from your UPI Lite balance without entering a UPI PIN for eligible transactions. It also helps speed up everyday payments and can work even when bank systems are busy.

RuPay Credit Card on UPI
If you’ve linked a RuPay Credit Card to UPI, you can use it to pay at merchants that accept UPI. This option is available only for merchant payments and cannot be used for person-to-person transfers.

You can switch between available payment methods on the payment screen before confirming the transaction.

How Do You Avoid QR Code Scams at Shops?

QR code payments are secure, but it’s important to stay alert for fraud. The simplest way to protect yourself is to verify the merchant’s name displayed on the payment screen before confirming the transaction. If the name doesn’t match the shop or business you’re paying, do not proceed. 

Follow these safety tips whenever you pay using a QR code: 

• Always verify the merchant’s name before making the payment.
• Never scan a QR code or enter your UPI PIN to receive money. Scanning a QR code and entering your PIN is only required when you’re sending money.
• Confirm that the payment was successful by checking the confirmation screen or the merchant’s payment confirmation before leaving the shop.
• Avoid scanning QR codes shared by unknown people through messages, emails, or social media, especially if they claim it’s required for a refund, prize, or payment.

What If the QR Won’t Scan or the Payment Fails?

If you’re unable to scan a QR code or your payment doesn’t go through, try these quick fixes:

QR code won’t scan
Hold your phone steady, clean the camera lens, improve the lighting if needed, or move the camera closer to the QR code. If the QR code is damaged, ask the merchant for an alternative UPI payment option.

Payment is showing as pending
Do not make the payment again immediately. Most pending UPI transactions are automatically completed or reversed within a few hours. Check the transaction status in Balance & History before trying again.

Payment failed but money was debited

The amount is usually reversed automatically within a few hours or by the next working day. If the refund is delayed, raise a complaint through the transaction’s Help option in the Paytm app. 

Poor internet connectivity

Move to an area with a better network connection and retry the payment. If you’ve enabled UPI Lite, eligible low-value payments may still go through even when bank systems are busy. 

Wrong payment amount entered

If you paid the wrong amount, contact the merchant immediately. Successful UPI payments cannot be reversed automatically, so any refund or adjustment must be initiated by the merchant.