As QR payments have become increasingly popular, many businesses now use several QR codes to support various customer payment preferences and competitive service provider options. This results in stores having multiple non-interoperable QR codes, meaning consumers use a different QR code for each payment service provider (PSP) when making or receiving payments.  As a result, the payment process is fragmented and potentially confusing for both customers and merchants.

To address the fragmentation, the QR+ Standard is being introduced as part of the Payments Ecosystem Modernisation (PEM) Programme. Its main objective is to enable interoperability, allowing seamless transactions across different PSPs, payment rails and stores of value. In addition, the QR+ Standard seeks to streamline and standardise the presentation interface by providing multiple options, while limiting the options used for specific formats such as QR codes or barcodes. This aims to reduce consumer confusion, lower barriers for entrants and drive financial inclusion. The QR+ Standard has been shaped through industry collaboration and will be continually refined based on ongoing feedback.

For widespread adoption and to ensure digital payments are accessible and easy to use, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) intends to mandate interoperability through technical standards and rules. The QR+ Master Specification is supported by API specifications that will be expanded as new use cases emerge. The QR+ Standard will continue to improve through ongoing simulator testing and industry participation.