Create and send a PayPal payment link in three steps
A PayPal payment link is a URL you generate in your PayPal account and send to someone else—by email, text, social media, or any other channel. When they click it, they land on a PayPal page where they can pay you without needing your email address or account details. You create the link once; it stays active until you delete it or the payment is received.
The fastest way is through the "Request Money" tool in your PayPal account. Log in, select "Request Money," enter the amount and a description of what it's for, and PayPal generates a link you can copy and share. The person who receives it can pay by debit card, credit card, or their own PayPal balance—they do not need a PayPal account to complete the transaction.
If you use PayPal.Me (a simpler version of the same feature), you set up a custom URL once—like paypal.me/yourname—and can reuse it for any amount. Someone clicks the link, enters the amount they want to send, and pays. This works well for recurring requests or situations where the amount varies.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal payment links work whether the person paying has a PayPal account or not; they can use a debit or credit card instead.
- The "Request Money" tool generates a one-time link for a specific amount; PayPal.Me creates a reusable link where the payer enters the amount.
- Payment links expire after a set period if not used, though you can regenerate them or request money again.
- The person paying sees your name and the payment description, but not your full account details or email address.
Using the Request Money feature for a single payment
Open your PayPal account and click "Request Money" in the main menu. Enter the amount you want to receive, add a description (for example, "Rent for March" or "Concert tickets"), and optionally add the recipient's email address. If you add their email, PayPal sends the link automatically; if you leave it blank, you copy the link yourself and send it however you choose.
The link remains active for 30 days. If the person does not pay within that window, the link expires, but you can request money again and get a new link. Once they pay, the transaction shows in your PayPal activity and the link becomes inactive.
This method is useful when you know the exact amount and want a clean, one-time request. It also creates a record in your account showing what the payment was for, which can be helpful for your own bookkeeping.
Setting up PayPal.Me for repeated or flexible payments
PayPal.Me is a permanent link tied to your account. Go to your PayPal settings, find "PayPal.Me," and create a custom URL—usually your name or a short phrase. Once it is set up, you have the same link forever and can share it as many times as you want.
When someone clicks your PayPal.Me link, they land on a page with your name and a field where they enter the amount. They then complete the payment using a card or PayPal balance. You can also add an amount to the URL itself—for example, paypal.me/yourname/50—and the payer sees that amount pre-filled, though they can change it.
PayPal.Me works well for situations where you receive payments regularly but the amounts vary—tips, shared expenses, freelance work, or donations. You set it up once and reuse it indefinitely.
What the person paying will see and experience
When someone clicks your payment link, they see a PayPal page showing your name, the amount (if you used Request Money), and a description of what the payment is for. They do not see your email address, phone number, or other account details unless you choose to include them in the description.
They can pay with a debit card, credit card, or an existing PayPal balance. PayPal does not require them to create an account to complete the transaction, though they will see an option to do so. The payment processes when ready, and they receive a receipt.
If they have questions or need to dispute the charge later, they can contact PayPal directly using the transaction details on their receipt. PayPal handles the dispute process, not you.
Sharing the link across different platforms
Copy the link from PayPal and paste it anywhere: email, text message, WhatsApp, Slack, social media, or a website. The link works the same way regardless of how it is shared. Some people include a short message like "Here's the link to pay me for the concert tickets" to provide context.
If you are sharing the link in a public place—like a social media post or a website—keep in mind that anyone who clicks it can see your name and the payment description. The link itself does not expose your account or personal details, but the description you wrote will be visible to whoever clicks.
For private or sensitive payments, email or direct message is safer than posting the link publicly. You can also create a new Request Money link for each person if you want to keep track of who paid and when.
When payment links expire and how to handle them
A Request Money link expires 30 days after you create it if the payment has not been received. PayPal sends a reminder email to the recipient a few days before expiration. If the link expires, you can request money again and generate a new link—the old one straightforward stops working.
PayPal.Me links do not expire. They remain active as long as your account is open, so you can share the same link repeatedly without worrying about renewal.
If you want to cancel a Request Money link before it expires, you can delete it from your account. This is useful if the situation changes—for example, if someone already paid you through another method and you no longer need the link.
Troubleshooting common issues with payment links
If someone says the link is not working, ask them to check the URL for typos or extra spaces. Links are case-sensitive and must be copied exactly. If they copied it from a text message or email, line breaks sometimes get inserted by mistake.
If the link worked before but now shows an error, it may have expired. Request money again and send a fresh link. If the person is trying to pay with a card and keeps getting declined, the issue is usually with their card or bank, not your link—they should contact their card issuer or try a different payment method.
If you are not seeing the payment in your account after someone says they paid, check your PayPal activity and filter by date. Payments sometimes take a few minutes to appear. If several hours have passed and the payment is still missing, contact PayPal support with the transaction details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone pay me with a PayPal payment link if they do not have a PayPal account?
Yes. They can pay with a debit card or credit card without creating an account. PayPal processes the payment and sends them a receipt, but they do not need to sign up for PayPal to complete the transaction.
Is my email address visible when I send a payment link?
No, not unless you include it in the payment description yourself. The payer sees your name and the description of what the payment is for, but not your email or phone number. Your account details stay private.
Can I change the amount after I create a Request Money link?
No. Once you create the link, the amount is fixed. If you need to request a different amount, create a new Request Money link. You can delete the old one from your account.
What happens if someone pays me through a link and then disputes the charge?
PayPal handles the dispute process. The payer contacts PayPal with their receipt, and PayPal investigates. You will be notified and can respond with your own evidence. The outcome depends on the reason for the dispute and what documentation you both provide.
Can I use a payment link to receive money internationally?
It depends on the country. PayPal payment links work in most countries, but some restrictions explore based on where you and the payer are located. Check PayPal's list of supported countries, or try sending a test link to see if it works for your situation.