In this guide · 8 sections
- 01Payment QR vs QR ordering: what's the difference?
- 02SGQR explained: one label, many payment apps
- 03What it costs: fees by provider (October 2026)
- 04QR code swaps and fake payments: the security checks
- 05Setting up QR ordering for a cafe
- 06Which setup suits your outlet?
- 07Do it yourself or get help?
- 08Frequently asked questions
Short answer
A hawker stall or takeaway counter usually needs only a single SGQR or PayNow code plus a way to confirm payments arrive. A sit-down cafe with tables benefits from QR ordering linked to the POS. Either way, check printed codes daily for stickers pasted on top and confirm each payment on your own app.
Payment QR vs QR ordering: what's the difference?
The words sound alike, but the tools do different jobs.
Payment QR (SGQR or PayNow)
SimplestLow or no fee per payment
- Customer scans, enters amount or sees it on screen, pays
- No menu, no order to the kitchen
- Static printed code or dynamic code from a terminal
- Works with cash register or paper orders
Best for: Hawker stalls, kiosks, takeaway counters.
Table QR ordering
Software plan plus payment fees
- Menu, photos and add-ons on the customer's phone
- Orders go to the kitchen printer or display
- Pay first or pay at the end
- Usually part of a POS system
Best for: Cafes and restaurants with tables and staff shortages.
Many outlets start with a payment QR and add ordering when queues or staffing make it worthwhile. If you are still choosing a POS, our POS system comparison covers which systems include QR ordering.
SGQR explained: one label, many payment apps
MAS describes SGQR as the world's first unified payment QR code. It combines several payment schemes into one label, so customers can see which apps you accept and you only display one code. The scheme is co-owned by MAS and IMDA, and merchants apply through a participating merchant acquirer such as a bank or payment provider.
MAS also ran a proof of concept for SGQR+ in November 2023, aimed at letting merchants accept many payment schemes through a single acquirer. Ask your provider which apps your code actually accepts; an SGQR label only works for the schemes your acquirer has enabled.
Many stalls simply display a PayNow QR linked to their UEN. Our guide to PayNow UEN QR codes and the name customers see explains static vs dynamic codes and why the payee name matters.
What it costs: fees by provider (October 2026)
Costs come in two parts: the fee per payment, and any software plan for ordering. As an example of in-person payment fees, HitPay's pricing page, checked 19 October 2026:
| HitPay in-person method | Fee per transaction |
|---|---|
| PayNow | 0.4% (min S$0.10) |
| Domestic cards | 2.5% + S$0.50 |
| International cards | 3.2% + S$0.50 |
| GrabPay | 2.2% |
| ShopeePay | 1.8% |
| WeChat Pay | 1.5% |
A PayNow QR linked directly to your business bank account may have different or no per-transaction charges depending on your bank, but you won't get automatic matching to orders or a sales report. QR ordering software is usually priced as part of a POS plan; compare the total monthly cost, not just the payment rate. For a stall taking mostly small PayNow payments, the payment fee matters far more than software features.
QR code swaps and fake payments: the security checks
A printed QR code is easy to tamper with. The CSA and SPF joint advisory on malicious QR codes (22 May 2023) lists "QR code swaps", where codes displayed at businesses are altered so payments go to the scammer's account instead. The other common problem at counters is customers showing a fake or cancelled payment screen; the MCI noted news reports of dishonest customers using fraudulent screenshots or cancelling after showing the pre-payment page, in its reply to a parliamentary question.
Daily QR safety routine
Setting up QR ordering for a cafe
If table ordering makes sense, set it up in this order so the kitchen isn't overwhelmed on day one.
Choose a POS with QR ordering
Check it prints or displays orders in the kitchen, handles modifiers like less sugar or no ice, and supports PayNow and cards.
Build the menu carefully
Clear names, prices including any service charge and GST as you display them, photos for best sellers, and sold-out toggles staff can use.
Decide pay-first or pay-later
Pay-first suits self-service and avoids walkouts; pay-later suits full-service cafes with staff checking tables.
Print table codes from the system
Each table gets its own code so orders reach the right table. Use tamper-evident stands or laminated cards.
Run a soft launch
Test on a quiet day with staff ordering as customers, then go live. Keep a printed menu for customers who can't or won't scan.
If you also want online orders and delivery, compare the costs in our guide to restaurant online ordering vs delivery apps.
Which setup suits your outlet?
Match the tool to how customers order today, not to the most feature-rich system on offer.
| Outlet type | Suggested setup |
|---|---|
| Hawker stall, one or two people | SGQR or PayNow code, plus a soundbox or app alert to confirm payments |
| Kiosk or takeaway counter with queues | POS with dynamic QR on a customer display, or a self-order kiosk |
| Cafe with 10 to 30 seats | Table QR ordering linked to POS, pay-first or pay-later |
| Restaurant with delivery apps | POS that pulls in delivery orders plus table QR ordering |
A dynamic QR, generated for each sale with the exact amount, is harder to tamper with than a static printed code, and it matches payments to orders automatically.
Do it yourself or get help?
Applying for an SGQR or PayNow code and setting up a soundbox is a do-it-yourself job with your bank or provider. QR ordering takes more setup: menu, kitchen routing, payments and testing.
Our Online Payment Setup (S$290) sets up PayNow and card payments with HitPay or Stripe and the alerts to confirm them. For cafes that take reservations alongside table ordering, our Online Booking System (S$390) adds bookings with deposits. To take PayNow on your website as well, see accepting PayNow on your website.
Frequently asked questions
SGQR is Singapore's unified payment QR code, co-owned by MAS and IMDA. It combines multiple payment schemes into one label, so customers see which payment apps a merchant accepts and the merchant displays one code instead of many. Merchants apply through a participating acquirer such as a bank or payment provider.
Usually not. Most stalls take orders verbally and only need customers to pay, so a single SGQR or PayNow code with a payment alert is enough. QR ordering suits outlets with tables, long menus with options, or too few staff to take orders. Compare monthly software costs with the time it would save.
It depends on the provider. As of October 2026, HitPay lists in-person PayNow at 0.4% with a minimum of S$0.10, and domestic cards at 2.5% plus S$0.50. PayNow straight to your bank account may cost less, depending on your bank, but without order matching or reports.
Check every printed code at opening for stickers or peeling edges, laminate or frame codes, and scan your own code weekly to confirm the payee name. CSA and SPF warn about QR code swaps at businesses. A dynamic QR shown on a screen for each sale is harder to tamper with than a printed code.
No. Screenshots can be faked, and some customers cancel after showing the payment page. Confirm every payment on your own merchant app, bank notification or soundbox before handing over food. Train staff to wait for the alert, especially during busy periods when checks are easy to skip.