What a PayPal payment link does and when to use one
A PayPal payment link is a URL you send to someone that takes them directly to a PayPal checkout page for a specific amount. When they click it, they land on a page where they can pay you without needing your email address or account details. You don't have to be in the same room, on the same call, or even in contact at that moment — they can click the link days later and the amount stays the same.
This is different from a PayPal invoice, which is a formal document that includes itemization and a due date. A payment link is simpler: it's just a way to request money for a single transaction. Use it when you need payment quickly, when you're selling something small, or when the person paying prefers not to enter your details manually.
The link works whether the person paying has a PayPal account or not. If they don't have one, PayPal walks them through creating a guest checkout during payment. The money lands in your PayPal account within minutes, though it may take one to two business days to transfer to your bank account depending on your bank.
Key Takeaways
- You generate a payment link through PayPal's website or app by entering an amount and optional description, then copy and send the URL to whoever owes you money.
- The person paying does not need a PayPal account; they can check out as a guest using a credit card, debit card, or bank account.
- Payment links are one-time use by default, meaning once someone pays, the link stops working and you cannot reuse it for a different person.
- Money from a payment link arrives in your PayPal account when ready but may take one to two business days to move to your linked bank account.
- PayPal charges a standard transaction fee (2.99% plus $0.30 in the US for most accounts) when someone pays through a link you send.
How to create a payment link on the PayPal website
Log into your PayPal account at paypal.com. On the home page, look for the Tools menu or the Send Money button, depending on your account type. Some accounts show a Request option instead — this is the same function under a different name.
Click Create a payment link or Request money. A form will appear asking for the amount you want to receive. Enter the dollar amount (or your local currency). You can add an optional description — for example, "Dinner reimbursement" or "Guitar lesson" — but this is not required. The description appears on the checkout page the payer sees, so keep it clear and brief.
Once you enter the amount and optional description, PayPal generates a unique URL. Copy this link and send it however you want: email, text message, social media, or a messaging app. The link is active when ready and remains active until someone pays it or you manually delete it.
How to create a payment link in the PayPal mobile app
Open the PayPal app on your phone and tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right. Scroll down and tap Request money or Create a payment link, depending on your app version.
Enter the amount you want to receive. Add a description if you want one — this is optional. Tap Create link or Generate link. PayPal will show you the URL. Tap Share to send it directly through email, text, or any app on your phone, or tap Copy to paste it manually wherever you need it.
The mobile app works identically to the website version. The link is active as soon as it's created and works on any device the payer uses to click it.
What happens when someone clicks your payment link
The payer lands on a PayPal checkout page that shows the amount and your description. If they have a PayPal account, they can log in and pay when ready. If they don't have an account, they can pay as a guest using a credit card, debit card, or bank account.
PayPal handles the payment processing. The payer enters their payment method, confirms the amount, and submits. PayPal shows them a confirmation page with a receipt number. At the same moment, you receive a notification in your PayPal account that the payment arrived.
Once payment is complete, the link stops working. If the same person needs to pay you again, you have to create a new link. This one-time-use design prevents accidental duplicate charges.
Payment link fees and what you receive
PayPal charges a transaction fee when someone pays through your link. For most personal and small-business accounts in the US, the fee is 2.99% of the amount plus $0.30. This means if someone pays you $100, you receive $96.71. The fee is deducted automatically — you don't have to pay it separately.
Some business account types have different fee structures. If you have a PayPal Business account or a higher-tier plan, your fees may be lower. Check your account settings under Fees or Pricing to see your exact rate.
The money lands in your PayPal account balance when ready after payment. To move it to your bank account, you initiate a transfer through PayPal's Withdraw or Transfer function. Most transfers take one to two business days, though some banks process them faster.
Reusing payment links and managing multiple requests
Payment links are single-use by default. Once someone pays, that link expires and cannot be used again. If you need the same person to pay you multiple times, create a new link each time. If you need multiple people to pay the same amount, you can create one link and send it to all of them — each person who clicks it will see the same amount and can pay independently.
If you want to cancel a payment link before anyone pays it, go back to your PayPal account, find the link in your activity or requests, and delete it. This prevents anyone from using it in the future.
For recurring payments — like monthly rent or subscription fees — a payment link is not the right tool. PayPal offers Subscriptions and Recurring Payments features for that purpose. Those require the payer to authorize PayPal to charge them on a schedule, which is different from a one-time link.
Troubleshooting common payment link problems
If someone tells you the link is not working, the most common reason is that it has already been paid. Ask them to let you know the exact error message they see. If the link truly has not been paid, try creating a new one and sending that instead.
If the payer's payment is declined, PayPal will show them an error message on the checkout page. They can try a different payment method — a different card, a bank account, or a PayPal balance if they have one. You cannot retry the payment on their behalf; they have to do it themselves.
If you do not see the payment arrive in your account after someone confirms they paid, wait 24 hours. Occasionally PayPal holds payments for review, especially if the amount is large or the account is new. Check your Activity or Transactions page to see if the payment is there but pending. If it does not appear after 24 hours, contact PayPal support through the Help menu in your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the amount after I send a payment link?
No. Once you create and send a link, the amount is locked in. If you need to change it, delete the old link and create a new one with the correct amount, then send the new link to the payer.
What if the person paying does not have a PayPal account?
They can still pay. When they click your link, PayPal offers a guest checkout option. They enter their credit card, debit card, or bank account details directly on the PayPal checkout page without creating an account. PayPal processes the payment and you receive the money the same way.
How long does a payment link stay active?
A payment link stays active indefinitely until someone pays it or you manually delete it. There is no expiration date. However, once payment is made, the link stops working when ready.
Can I send the same payment link to multiple people?
Yes. You can send one link to as many people as you want, and each person can pay independently. However, if you want to track who paid what, create separate links for each person so you can see individual transactions in your activity log.
Does the payer see my name or email when they click the link?
Yes. The checkout page shows your name and the description you added. The payer does not see your email address unless you included it in the description yourself.