Crypto QR Code Generator – Cryptocurrency Payments via QR Code

What Is a Crypto QR Code?

A crypto QR code encodes a cryptocurrency wallet address – optionally with a payment amount, label and message – in a standardised URI format. When scanned with a crypto wallet app, it opens a pre-filled payment screen. The user only needs to confirm the transaction.

QR codes and cryptocurrency are a natural match. Wallet addresses are long, random strings of 26–62 characters that are nearly impossible to type correctly by hand. A QR code eliminates this problem entirely: scan, verify, send.

Every major cryptocurrency wallet supports QR code scanning, including Bitcoin Core, Electrum, MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Coinbase Wallet and many others. QR codes have been part of the Bitcoin ecosystem since its earliest days.

BIP-21 Payment URI Format

Bitcoin uses the BIP-21 standard for payment URIs. Other cryptocurrencies follow similar conventions:

The URI scheme varies by cryptocurrency:

Common URI parameters include:

BlueChilliesQR generates the correct URI for your chosen cryptocurrency. Simply enter your wallet address, optionally specify an amount and label, and the QR code is ready.

Use Cases for Crypto QR Codes

• • Online payments: Display a crypto QR code on your checkout page or invoice. Customers scan with their wallet app and send the exact amount in one step.
• • Donations: Place a Bitcoin or Ethereum QR code on your website, YouTube channel or stream overlay. Supporters can donate instantly without copy-pasting addresses.
• • Invoicing: Include a payment QR code on PDF invoices with the exact amount pre-filled. The recipient scans and pays without manually entering the address and amount.
• • Point of sale (POS): Physical stores accepting crypto can display a QR code at the register. Combined with a payment amount, it creates a seamless in-store payment experience.
• • Peer-to-peer transfers: Share your wallet address as a QR code when splitting bills, repaying friends or sending crypto between your own wallets.

Security Considerations

Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible. Once a payment is confirmed on the blockchain, it cannot be undone. This makes accuracy critical when generating and scanning crypto QR codes:

• • Verify the address: After generating the QR code, scan it yourself and compare the displayed address with your wallet address character by character. Pay special attention to the first and last 4–6 characters.
• • Beware of clipboard hijacking: Malware can replace wallet addresses in the clipboard. Always generate QR codes on a trusted device and verify the result.
• • Use the correct network: Sending Bitcoin to a Bitcoin Cash address (or vice versa) can result in permanent loss of funds. Make sure the URI scheme matches the intended cryptocurrency.
• • Physical QR code tampering: If you display a crypto QR code in a public place (e.g. a donation sign), check regularly that nobody has placed a sticker with a different QR code over yours.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

BlueChilliesQR supports QR code generation for any cryptocurrency that uses a URI-based payment scheme. The most commonly used ones are:

• • Bitcoin (BTC): The original and most widely accepted cryptocurrency. Uses BIP-21 URIs. Supported by virtually every Bitcoin wallet.
• • Ethereum (ETH): The second-largest cryptocurrency. Uses EIP-681 URIs. Also works for ERC-20 tokens on the Ethereum network.
• • Litecoin (LTC): Often called “digital silver” to Bitcoin’s “digital gold”. Uses the same URI structure as Bitcoin with the litecoin: scheme.
• • Bitcoin Cash (BCH): A fork of Bitcoin with larger block sizes. Uses the bitcoincash: scheme.

Related Topics