Help Center

Are QR codes on Bounce safe to pay with?

When someone on Bounce asks you to pay them, the app can generate a QR code. Scanning that QR code is a secure way to pay: it does not take you to a Bounce-controlled checkout, but redirects you to the Request Money page on the Interac e-Transfer® service, the same system your bank uses for incoming payment requests. Here is how to confirm the QR code you are scanning is legitimate.

Why scanning a Bounce QR code is secure

  • The QR code links to a Request Money page hosted on the Interac website.

  • The payment is fulfilled through your own online banking, just like any other request you receive via Interac e-Transfer.

  • Bounce never sees or stores your banking credentials. They are only entered on your bank’s website when you approve the request.

What to check before approving the payment

Before you confirm the request, take a moment to verify a few things:

  • The URL starts with https://et.interac.ca. This is the official Interac short link domain. If the page you land on is not on interac.ca, stop and do not enter any information.

  • The padlock icon is visible in your browser’s address bar, confirming the connection is secure (HTTPS).

  • The page shows Interac branding and asks you to choose your bank to log in to online banking.

  • The requester name and amount match what you expected to pay. If anything looks off, cancel and contact the person who sent you the QR code through another channel.

Red flags that a QR code may not be legitimate

Be cautious if you see any of the following after scanning:

  • The URL is not on interac.ca. Look-alike domains such as interrac.ca, intearc.ca, or interac-secure.com mention Interac but are not the official domain.

  • The page asks for your bank password or PIN directly instead of redirecting you to your own bank’s online banking sign-in.

  • The amount, requester, or message does not match what was agreed.

  • You feel pressured to pay quickly or threatened with consequences if you do not.

Learn more about staying safe

Interac publishes its own guidance for consumers on how to recognize and avoid payment scams. You can read it on the official Protect your payments page.

If something looks suspicious

If a QR code or payment page does not look right, do not complete the payment. Close the page and reach out to our team using the chat bubble at the bottom right of this Help Center, or the in-app chatbot. You can also report a suspicious user or fraudulent request directly to support: see How do I report a user or fraudulent payment? for details.

* Interac and Interac e-Transfer are registered trademarks, and the Interac logo is a trademark of Interac Corp. Used under licence.