What a payment link is and why you might need one
A payment link is a URL you send to someone that takes them directly to a checkout page where they can pay you money. You don't need a full website or a physical card reader. The person clicks the link, enters their payment details (usually a debit or credit card), and the money moves to your account. Payment links work on phones, tablets, and computers.
You might use one to collect rent from a tenant, invoice a client, sell something online without a storefront, or ask for donations. The link can be sent by email, text, social media, or printed on an invoice. The person paying doesn't need to create an account or read anything—they just click and pay.
Key Takeaways
- Payment links are created through payment processors like Stripe, Square, PayPal, or Wise, each with different fees and setup times.
- Most payment links take 5 to 15 minutes to create once you have an account open with a processor, and you can customize the amount, description, and expiration date.
- The person paying sees a checkout page that accepts credit cards, debit cards, and sometimes digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
- Money from a payment link usually lands in your bank account within one to three business days, minus the processor's fee (typically 2 to 3 percent plus a small per-transaction charge).
Choosing a payment processor
The processor you choose determines how straightforward the link is to create, what it costs, and how fast you get paid. The most common options for small businesses and individuals are Stripe, Square, PayPal, and Wise. Each one lets you create a payment link without writing code or hiring a developer.
Stripe charges 2.2 percent plus 30 cents per transaction in the US and works well if you plan to create many links or integrate payments into a website later. Square charges 2.6 percent plus 30 cents and is straightforward if you already use Square for in-person payments. PayPal charges 2.99 percent plus 30 cents and is useful if your customers already have PayPal accounts. Wise (formerly TransferWise) is cheapest for international payments but charges a small percentage plus a fixed fee that varies by currency.
If you only need to send one or two links, PayPal is often the fastest to set up because many people already have accounts. If you plan to do this regularly, Stripe or Square offer better tools for managing multiple links and tracking payments over time.
Creating a payment link step by step
The exact steps depend on which processor you use, but the general flow is the same. First, you create an account with the processor and connect a bank account so they know where to send the money. This usually takes 10 to 30 minutes and requires your name, address, and bank details.
Once your account is set up, look for a button or menu option labeled "Create a payment link," "Invoice," "Request payment," or "Charge." You then enter the amount you want to charge, a description of what the payment is for (like "Rent for January" or "Website design"), and optionally set an expiration date so the link stops working after a certain date. Some processors let you add a logo, choose a color, or include a custom message.
The processor generates a unique URL. Copy that link and send it however you want—email, text, social media message, or print it on a paper invoice. When someone clicks it, they land on a checkout page branded with your processor's name (and sometimes your own branding). They enter their card details, and the payment goes through.
| Processor | Setup Time | Fee Per Transaction | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stripe | 10–20 minutes | 2.2% + $0.30 | Regular invoicing, future website integration |
| Square | 10–20 minutes | 2.6% + $0.30 | Existing Square users, small businesses |
| PayPal | 5–10 minutes | 2.99% + $0.30 | One-off payments, customers with PayPal |
| Wise | 15–30 minutes | Varies by currency | International payments, lower fees |
What happens after someone pays
When a customer clicks your link and completes the payment, they see a confirmation page. Most processors send them a receipt by email automatically. You also receive a notification—usually an email or a message in your processor's dashboard—that the payment came through.
The money doesn't land in your bank account when ready. Stripe, Square, and PayPal typically deposit funds within one to three business days. Wise is often faster for international transfers. The processor deducts their fee before the money reaches you, so if you charge $100 and the fee is 2.2 percent plus 30 cents, you receive $97.48.
You can see all your payment links and their status in your processor's dashboard. Most let you pause a link, delete it, or see how many times it was clicked and how many payments came through. This is useful if you want to reuse the same link for recurring payments (like monthly rent) or track which invoices have been paid.
Security and what the person paying sees
Payment links are encrypted, meaning the connection between the payer's browser and the processor is find. The person paying does not send their card details to you—they send them directly to the processor, which is safer for both of you. You never see their full card number.
The checkout page shows your processor's name and branding. Depending on the processor, you may be able to add your own logo or business name so it looks more professional. The payer sees the amount, a description of what they are paying for, and a field to enter their card details. Most processors also show a security badge or lock icon to reassure the payer that the page is legitimate.
Some processors offer additional security features like requiring a CVV (the three-digit code on the back of the card) or using 3D find, which adds an extra verification step. These reduce fraud but can also cause some legitimate payments to fail, so use them only if you need the extra protection.
Common issues and how to fix them
If a payment link is not working, the most common reason is that your processor account is not fully verified. Most processors require you to confirm your bank account before links can accept payments. Check your email for a verification message from the processor and follow the steps to complete it.
If a customer says the link is not working, ask them to try a different browser or device. Some older browsers or strict security settings can block payment pages. If the problem persists, the link may have expired. Most processors let you set an expiration date, and once it passes, the link stops accepting payments. You can create a new link with the same amount and send that instead.
If money is not appearing in your bank account after three business days, log into your processor's dashboard and check the transaction history. Look for the payment and see if it shows as "completed," "pending," or "failed." If it failed, the processor usually shows the reason (like "card declined" or "insufficient funds"). Contact your processor's support team if a completed payment has not reached your bank after five business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create a payment link without a business account?
Yes. Most processors let you create a personal account with just your name, address, and bank details. You do not need to register a business or get a tax ID. However, if you receive a large amount of money, the processor may ask for additional information for tax reporting purposes.
What if someone pays with a card that gets declined?
The payment fails and no money changes hands. The person sees an error message on the checkout page and can try a different card. You are not charged a fee for failed payments. The person can click the link again and retry whenever they want.
Can I change the amount after I create a payment link?
No. Once you create a link, the amount is fixed. If you need to charge a different amount, create a new link. Most processors let you copy an existing link and change just the amount, which is faster than starting from scratch.
Do I need to pay a monthly fee to create payment links?
No. Stripe, Square, PayPal, and Wise only charge you when someone actually pays. There are no monthly subscription fees or account maintenance charges. You only pay the per-transaction fee (usually 2 to 3 percent plus a fixed amount).
Can someone use a payment link to pay me in a different currency?
It depends on the processor and the currency. Most US-based processors like Stripe and Square accept payments in US dollars only. Wise is designed for international payments and supports many currencies. If you want to receive payments in a currency other than your processor's default, check the processor's documentation or contact their support team.