You can use your ARQ balance to pay in shops, restaurants, and online by scanning a QR code. The same scanner works in Brazil (Pix), Argentina and Colombia (Bre-B). You don't need to tell ARQ which country you're in – our scanner will identify it automatically.
How to pay with a QR code
Tap the scan icon on the home screen or Transfer tab and point your camera at the QR code.
If the light is poor, tap the torch icon. If the QR was sent to you as an image, tap the gallery icon to choose it from your photos.
Enter the amount if the QR has an open amount. If the QR has a fixed amount, you must pay that amount – it cannot be edited.
Confirm and send.
Review the details and confirm the transfer.
Brazil — Pix QR
Pix is Brazil's instant payment system, operated by Banco Central do Brasil. In Brazil the scanner reads Pix QR codes, and payments settle instantly, 24/7.
Maximum amount: If you have a Brazilian Tax ID (CPF) and an active BRL account with ARQ, your limit is R$15,000 per transaction, even if your account limit is higher. To pay more, split it across several transactions. If you don't have a Brazilian Tax ID (CPF) your daily PIX transaction limit is R$6,000 and it can’t be adjusted.
Argentina — QR
In Argentina the scanner reads interoperable QR codes, including MercadoPago and Modo.
Note: To pay an Argentine QR you need a valid DNI and an Argentine peso account set up in ARQ. You can set this up in the app by tapping the Add button.
Colombia — Bre-B QR
Bre-B is Colombia's instant payment system, operated by Banco de la República. In Colombia the scanner reads Bre-B QR codes, and payments settle instantly, 24/7.
Minimum amount: 1,000 COP per transaction.
Maximum amount: 11,552,000 COP per transaction.
Fee: No additional cost.
You don't need your own Bre-B key to pay by QR.
Important notes:
On the recipient's bank statement, the sender may appear as PEXTO COLOMBIA instead of your name. That's normal and doesn't affect the payment.
Bre-B transfers are immediate and final. Once you confirm and send the payment, it cannot be cancelled. If you send to the wrong Bre-B key, you'll need to contact the recipient directly to request a return.
What to do if you have issues with a QR payment?
The code won't scan — clean your lens, fit the whole code inside the frame, and reduce glare if it's on a screen.
If it still won't scan, tap Enter manually instead and type the recipient's Bre-B key (Colombia), Pix Key (Brazil), or CBU, CVU or alias (Argentina).
The payment is still pending — most confirm in seconds. We'll notify you when the payment is confirmed, and the status updates in Transactions.
The payment failed — the amount returns to your balance automatically, no action needed.
If you have any questions or issues with a QR payment, contact our team through in-app chat.