Beyond payments: How QR codes are reshaping everyday spending in 2025

QR code payments have expanded far beyond splitting dinner bills or paying for coffee. Today, they unlock discounts, enable tipping, and drive loyalty programs in unexpected ways.

According to a recent Juniper Research report, global spending via QR code payments is projected to exceed $8 trillion by 2029 — a huge leap that shows how this simple tool is becoming a vital part of everyday life.

This growth isn’t limited to big retail chains. Small businesses, local services, and independent creators are embracing QR codes for their low-cost, high-engagement benefits.

From haircuts to hospitality

Take barbershops. Instead of handling cash or setting up costly card terminals, small business owners are displaying QR codes at reception desks or even on mirrors. Customers scan, pay directly from their bank, and get a digital receipt instantly.

Source: Noda

“At Noda, we see barbershops using QR codes not just for payments but to reward loyal clients — customers paying with Noda QR codes often receive a free product or a discount on their next visit,” says Furraz Hussain, Sales Manager at Noda.

Gift cards get smarter

QR technology is also making gifting smoother. According to a Deloitte holiday survey, 47% of consumers planned to give digital gift cards in 2023 — and many of these are now distributed and redeemed using simple QR codes. This cuts down fraud risk and makes last-minute gifting easy.

Tipping reinvented

Tipping culture is changing, too. In cafes and salons, staff often place QR code cards on tables or counters. Customers can tip with a quick scan, avoiding the awkwardness of asking for change or entering card details. This system, popularized in Asia, is expanding fast across Europe and North America.

A tool for small brands

QRs bridge online and offline. For independent merchants, artists, and local services, they are a budget-friendly gateway to instant payments, verified transactions, and marketing boosts — all without the fees of traditional card processing.

The takeaway

As cashless payments evolve, QR codes stand out for their simplicity and unexpected versatility. From loyalty perks at your local barber to digital tipping jars, 2025 is set to be the year when paying by QR means more than just settling the bill — it means getting more back.