Q1. Can merchants receive payments through the FPS? If so, how?
A1. Merchants may contact banks and SVFs for information on merchant payment services via the FPS. Banks and SVFs can assist merchants to devise solutions to receive payments via the FPS, which may include printing a QR code on bills, presenting a QR code online or at the point-of-sale (POS), and the use of a mobile app etc.
Q2. Merchant can use the FPS to receive payments from customers for free?
A2. The FPS does not charge the merchants. Banks or SVFs are the service providers for merchants to receive funds via the FPS. Merchants may contact their banks/SVFs for details on the fees and charges.
Q3. Which proxy identifier, email address, telephone number or FPS Identifier (FPS ID), can be used by a merchant to receive payments from customers?
A3. Merchants may use their email address, telephone number, or FPS ID to link up with a bank or SVF account for receiving funds. The FPS ID is a unique string of numbers generated by the FPS system and unlike email address and telephone number, it is not portable by the merchant. In other words, a merchant cannot carry his FPS ID assigned by a particular bank or SVF to another bank or SVF.
It should be noted that each proxy identifier (be it an email address, telephone number, FSP ID) may only link up with one bank or SVF account. If a merchant wishes to have the email address or mobile number be linked up with a different bank or SVF account, the newly registered account will replace the previous one. In case of FPS ID, a merchant has to apply for another FPS ID from the bank or SVF holding the new account.
Merchants may contact their banks/SVFs for details on the registration of proxy IDs for receiving payments.
Q4. Who can pay via FPS to merchants?
A4. All customers of banks and SVFs which support merchant payment via the FPS can use it.
Q5. How to become an FPS merchant to receive payments? Any basic requirement?
A5. The FPS is a platform connecting different banks and SVFs. Participating banks and SVFs would acquire merchants and provide different merchant payment services. They need to observe relevant laws and regulations when recruiting merchant customers.
Q6. What is common QR code standard and how can merchants benefit from it?
A6. A common QR code (HKQR) standard would enable merchants, especially small and medium enterprises, to use a single QR code (displayed at POS or printed on bills) to accept payments from different payment service providers, instead of displaying multiple QR codes to their customers. This will provide better user experience and greater convenience to customers and merchants, and facilitate the adoption of QR code payment in Hong Kong.
Q7. How can I combine several QR codes into a single one?
A7. A combined QR code can be generated by the “Hong Kong Common QR Code” mobile app (HKQR Mobile App). This mobile app can be used for combining multiple HKQR-compliant QR codes from several payment service providers into a single combined QR code. The mobile app is available for download from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Q8. Can I use common QR code standard for consumer-presented QR code?
A8. The current common QR code standard is for merchant-presented QR codes only.
Q9. Which banks/SVFs support common QR code standard?
A9. You may refer to the payment service provider list in the HKQR Mobile App for details.
Q10. Is it safe to use QR codes? How do I verify if the combined QR code is correct?
A10. Customers should be reminded to verify the payment details, including the payee’s name and the amount, displayed on their mobile app or payment app before confirming a payment. Further, merchants can use a function in the HKQR Mobile App to check whether their combined QR codes may have been replaced or changed unknowingly. Please refer to the user guide in the mobile app for details.
Q11. Can I print out the combined QR code for customers to scan or email the QR code to customers?
A11. While you may print out the combined QR code or email it to your customers for them to scan and pay, please be reminded to provide the QR code through a secure, reliable means to your customers.
Q12. What mobile applications can read the common QR code?
A12. The mobile or payment applications of payment service providers in Hong Kong (including, among others, banks, stored value facility licensees and designated retail payment systems providing merchant-presented QR code payments solutions in Hong Kong) are able to scan a HKQR-compliant QR codes to make payment.
Q13. How do consumers know which payment service providers are supported by my combined QR code?
A13. The combined QR code generated by the HKQR Mobile App will display its supported payment service providers below the QR code.
Q14. What is the function of the FPS App-to-App (ATA)/Web-to-App (WTA)?
A14. ATA/WTA is a payment function of the FPS. When a customer access a merchant app or webpage supporting this function via his/her mobile phone and select FPS when making payment, the banking apps or e-wallets supporting this function in the customer’s mobile phone will be invoked automatically for making payment to the merchant via the FPS.
Q15. What types of merchants are suitable for using this function? How to use?
A15. No matter what kind of industry, be it a large institution or small and medium-sized enterprise, can make use of this function to collect payments if they have set up a mobile app or webpage. Merchants may approach their banks or SVFs for more information if they are interested in using this function.
Q16. What are the benefits for merchants to adopt this function?
A16. This simple, secure and fast payment process can help enhance customer experience and business turnover. Merchants using this function to collect payments can receive transaction records directly. Through automation, there is no need for the merchants to manually check the receipts one-by-one, which is more convenient, saves time, and enhances operation efficiency.
Q17. Is there any charge for merchants using this function?
A17. The FPS does not charge merchants for using this function. Since the service is provided by banks or SVFs, which are the service providers, merchants can contact their banks or SVFs for the service details (including any charges involved etc.).
Q18. Are all banks and e-wallets that provide FPS services support this function to collect payments?
A18. Banks or SVFs supporting merchants to collect payments via FPS can provide this function to merchants. Banks and SVFs will provide suitable solutions to merchants to receive payments through FPS subject to their business needs. You may contact your banks or SVFs for more details.
Q19. Are merchants required to have mobile app or webpage in place in order to adopt this function?
A19. Yes. The FPS ATA/WTA payment function is applicable only for merchants which have in place a mobile app or webpage. You may contact your banks or SVFs for details.
