If someone scans a PayNow QR code that links to your mobile number, yes, they will see your full name displayed in their banking app.
When you use PayNow for transactions, privacy is a common concern, especially if you are using your personal mobile number to receive payments.
But to the customer, this feature is intended to foster transparency in transactions. If they can see your name, it gives them confidence that you are who you saw you are.
But, it can be a dealbreaker for sellers who prefer to keep their personal information private.
Previously, there was an option to set a nickname that would appear instead of your actual name. However, according to this article, this nickname option will be ending soon, meaning your full name will appear instead.
But even though the nicknames will go away, you can choose to partially hide your full name. When someone scans your PayNow QR code that is linked to your mobile number, the name shown will be partially redacted, displaying only a few letters of your name followed by “*” asterisks.
This means that your full name won’t be fully visible, but it could still provide enough information to identify you.
Consider Using a UEN for More Privacy
If this level of anonymity is still not suitable for your needs, you can consider obtaining a Unique Entity Number (UEN).
To receive payments to your UEN:
- Register a Business: First, you will need to register your business with ACRA. This will give you a UEN.
- Link Your UEN to PayNow: Once registered, you can link your UEN to your PayNow account.
This way, when customers scan your QR code, they will see your business name instead of your full personal name.
This method allows you to maintain a professional facade and keep your personal identity separate from your business interactions.