# BharatQR

> BharatQR is India's interoperable merchant QR standard, built on EMVCo, allowing a single code to accept card-network payments. It is distinct from UPI, which uses its own upi:// deep-link format.

Source: https://useqr.app/glossary/bharatqr · Last reviewed 2026-08-21 · UseQR is free forever, MIT licensed, no signup.

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## BharatQR versus UPI

| | BharatQR | UPI QR |
|---|---|---|
| Format | EMVCo TLV | `upi://pay` deep link |
| Rails | Visa, Mastercard, RuPay, plus UPI | UPI only |
| Issued by | Acquiring bank | Anyone, from the VPA |
| Typical use | Card-accepting merchants | Everyone, including individuals |

In practice UPI QR is what most Indian merchants display, because anyone can generate one
from their VPA with no acquirer relationship. BharatQR matters where card acceptance is
required.

## Common ground

Both are merchant-presented. Both leave the amount out for a static counter code. Both
suffer the same dominant fraud — a sticker pasted over the real code — and the same defence:
print the payee name large enough that customers notice a mismatch on the confirmation
screen.