You don't need a card terminal to accept in-person payments. With a Mercado Pago QR Code, the customer scans it with their camera, pays through their app and the money lands in your account — instantly or within up to 14 business days, depending on the payment method. The key is understanding the difference between a fixed store QR, a value-specific QR and a direct Pix QR.
This guide covers everything: how to generate it, what it costs, when Mercado Pago beats plain Pix and how Code2Scan turns your payment link into a print-ready QR for counters and posters.
Two types of QR in Mercado Pago
The app offers two distinct modes:
| Type | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed store QR | Permanent QR, customer enters the amount | High-flow POS, quick checkout |
| Value QR | You set the amount, unique QR per charge | Avoids amount errors, single-item sales |
| Payment link | Shareable link with embedded amount | Remote sales, delivery, informal e-commerce |
The fixed QR is generated once and stays on the counter. The value QR is generated per sale and expires after payment.
Step by step: how to generate the QR in the app
Fixed store QR
- Open the Mercado Pago app.
- On the home screen, tap Charge.
- Select QR Code → My QR Code.
- Print it or display it on screen. The customer scans and enters the amount.
Value QR
- Tap Charge → Enter amount.
- Type the sale amount (e.g. R$ 89.90 / $19.90).
- Tap Generate QR Code.
- Show the screen to the customer or share the link.
Payment link (for remote sales)
- Tap Charge → Create charge.
- Fill in amount, description and allowed installments.
- Share the link via WhatsApp or email.
Fees and settlement times
| Method | Approximate fee | Settlement time |
|---|---|---|
| QR Code / Debit | 0.99% – 1.99% | Same day |
| Credit (full amount) | ~3.79% | 14 business days |
| Installment credit | ~3.79% + interest | 14 days per installment |
| Direct Pix (outside MP) | 0% | Instant |
Percentages vary by volume and plan. Check the fee panel on the Mercado Pago website for current rates.
Mercado Pago vs direct Pix: which one to use?
Understanding this difference is key to avoiding unnecessary fees.
| Scenario | Mercado Pago | Direct Pix |
|---|---|---|
| Customer wants to pay in installments | Yes | No |
| Selling on marketplace (Mercado Libre) | Yes | No |
| Zero-fee payment | No | Yes |
| Instant settlement | Debit/Pix via MP only | Always |
| Reports and dashboard | Full dashboard | Bank statement |
| Customer doesn't have the MP app | Can pay by card | Needs a Pix key |
For simple counter sales where the customer pays by debit or Pix, a direct Pix QR is cheaper — zero fee, instant settlement. Full comparison at Pix QR Code: how it works.
If you also sell on a marketplace, need installments or want a professional payment link, Mercado Pago justifies the fee.
How Code2Scan fits in
The QR generated inside the Mercado Pago app is handy but visually basic: plain white background, no logo, no brand colour. For counter posters, menus or flyers, you want something more polished.
The Code2Scan workflow:
- Generate your payment link or Pix key in Mercado Pago.
- Copy the URL or the key.
- Go to the Code2Scan Pix QR generator.
- Paste the link or configure the Pix key with an amount.
- Customise colour, add a logo and download as PNG, SVG or PDF.
- Print and stick on the counter — professional QR, zero extra cost.
You keep Mercado Pago as the processor (and all its benefits) but with a visually superior QR for print materials.
For pure Pix, Code2Scan generates the QR directly — no Mercado Pago needed. See how PicPay and other wallets compare.
Common mistakes
❌ Using the fixed QR when the amount changes per sale
The fixed QR requires the customer to type the amount — which opens the door to errors. For sales with a defined price, always use a value QR.
❌ Ignoring credit card fees
Credit payments on Mercado Pago carry a ~3.79% fee. If your margins are tight, build the cost into the price or inform the customer upfront.
❌ Not testing before printing
Before laminating the QR at the counter, scan it with two different phones (iOS and Android) to confirm the flow works correctly.
❌ QR too small on printed materials
Minimum 2.5 cm × 2.5 cm for reliable scanning. On wall posters, use at least 5 cm. See sizing rules at QR Code minimum size.
❌ Not using payment links for online sales
If you sell via WhatsApp or social media, a Mercado Pago payment link converts far better than asking for a manual bank transfer. See how to structure QR for e-commerce.
❌ Confusing a boleto QR with Pix
Mercado Pago also issues boleto with a QR. Don't mix them up: boleto takes up to 3 business days to clear. Understand the boleto QR Code.
Summary
- Fixed QR for high-turnover counters; value QR to prevent payment errors.
- Mercado Pago makes sense when credit, installments or marketplace are involved.
- For pure Pix, use direct Pix — zero fee, instant settlement.
- Use Code2Scan to turn your payment link into a professional print-ready QR.
- Always test the QR before printing at scale.
Generate your Pix QR for free — with embedded amount, custom logo and PNG/SVG/PDF export.
