For merchants selling online, in person, or through social platforms, payment links offer a flexible way to accept money. Each link is a secure URL that customers can click or scan to pay by card, wallet, or local method—no app downloads or custom checkout required.
How payment links work
Here's what happens between generating a link and getting paid:
- Merchant generates the link – In the payment provider’s dashboard (or via API), merchants set the amount, currency, and a short description. Some providers let them add extras like recurring billing or discounts.
- Merchant shares it with the customer – The link can be sent by email, text message, chat app, social media, or even printed as a QR code. The customer doesn’t need an account or special setup.
- Customer pays – Clicking the link takes them to a secure page where they enter their card number, bank info, or pay with a wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
- Merchant gets notified – As soon as the payment is approved, the merchant can see it in the dashboard and receive confirmation. The money is then moved to their account according to the provider’s payout schedule.
- Merchant’s records get updated – Most systems automatically log the payment, so it’s easy to match it against invoices or sales without manual cross-checking.
Where payment links are used
One-time payments
Payment links are ideal for quick, single payments where issuing a full invoice isn’t practical. A salon might use one for a deposit, or a freelancer could send a link to collect a small service fee or tip.
Subscriptions
For ongoing services, merchants can set up links that support recurring charges. Once the customer authorises it, future payments are collected automatically, helping reduce late or missed payments.
Social commerce and B2B
Links work well in channels where there’s no traditional checkout. Sellers on Instagram or WhatsApp can send them directly in chat. In B2B, finance teams attach links to invoices to speed up collection.
In-store
Merchants can display a QR code at the counter that points to a payment link. Customers scan it with their phone, open the secure page, and pay using their preferred method—no extra equipment needed.
Where merchants can send payment links
Depending on where the merchant interacts with their customers, payment links can be sent through emails, SMS messages, or chat apps like WhatsApp for quick, direct payments.
On social media or websites, links can be posted or embedded so customers can pay without navigating a full checkout page. Businesses also add them to invoices and digital receipts, giving customers the option to settle their balance immediately.
And in physical settings such as cafés, shops, or events, a QR code connected to a payment link allows customers to complete the transaction on their phone—no card reader needed.
Supported payment methods
Payment links can accept a wide range of payment methods, including:
- Credit and debit cards
- Bank transfers
- Digital wallets
- Local payment methods, such as mobile banking apps
Payment gateways often add localisation features, adapting currency and language automatically to match the customer’s region.
How to create payment links
No-code dashboard creation
Merchants can set up a payment link directly through a payment provider’s dashboard. This is often the fastest way for small businesses to start using online payment links without technical resources.
API-generated links
Larger businesses may generate links through APIs. This allows integration into CRMs, apps, or billing platforms so businesses can automate the process of sending links at scale.
Customisation
Adjust the currency, add invoice or order numbers, and include customer references to keep payments tied to the right transaction. Many providers also let merchants set an expiry date or add short descriptions, which helps prevent confusion and ensures links can’t be reused indefinitely.
Tracking payment links
Once a payment link is sent, it’s still important to know what happens next. Most providers give merchants a dashboard where every link can be tracked: whether it’s active, already paid, expired, or refunded. Customers usually receive digital receipts automatically.
Good systems also provide reporting tools that show where payments came from, which requests converted, and how often links fail. Some platforms even let merchants tie these payments directly back to invoices, cutting down on the time otherwise spent on checking spreadsheets or bank statements.
Advanced payment link features
- Branded domains for links – Replace generic URLs with a custom business domain, reassuring customers they’re paying the right merchant.
- Regional pricing and tax handling – Show prices in local currency and apply the correct VAT or sales tax automatically, making cross-border billing smoother.
- Subscription revenue recovery – Use built-in retries and automated reminders to reduce failed subscription payments and lower churn.
Are payment links secure?
Reliable payment link providers build security into the process from the start. Transactions are handled in line with PCI DSS standards, and extra checks like 3D Secure 2 or strong customer authentication (SCA) are applied when regulations require it. Many systems also layer in fraud detection, risk scoring, and chargeback protection.
This means customers can click and pay without worrying about safety. For merchants, it reduces the risk of fraudulent transactions slipping through.
Payment link vs. checkout vs. invoice
Payment links, checkout pages, and invoices all let merchants collect payments, but they serve different needs. Invoices are formal documents tied to accounting and tax requirements. Checkout pages are integrated into websites for ongoing sales. Meanwhile, payment links are flexible tools for quick or one-off requests. Understanding the differences helps choose the right method for each situation.
|
Payment Link |
Checkout Page |
Invoice |
|
|
Setup |
Simple – generated instantly, no code required |
Requires integration on a website or app |
Created in invoicing/accounting software |
|
Formality |
Informal, ad hoc payment request |
Formal, embedded in sales process |
Formal financial document with legal/tax role |
|
Best For |
Quick payments, social media sales, one-off services |
Online stores, recurring sales, subscription management |
B2B transactions, professional services, projects |
|
Customer Experience |
Click a link or scan QR to pay |
Browse products, add to cart, complete purchase |
Receive detailed document, pay via bank transfer or embedded link |
|
Flexibility |
Can be shared across email, SMS, chat, or QR |
Tied to a specific site/app flow |
Limited – follows formal billing cycle |
|
Speed to Payment |
Instant setup and payment |
Fast once integrated |
Slower (depends on invoice terms and customer action) |
Which one to choose
- Payment links are great for speed and flexibility, such as sending a quick payment request over WhatsApp or enabling payments without a website.
- Checkout pages work best for established e-commerce or SaaS, where customers expect to browse and pay in one flow.
- Invoices remain essential for B2B services, where detailed billing, compliance, and payment terms are required.
How Antom supports payment links
Antom makes it simple for businesses to accept payments with links, whether through cards, wallets, or local methods. Our platform gives merchants the flexibility to share links across channels and the tools to track, secure, and settle each transaction efficiently. Contact Antom to learn how your business can manage payments with ease.
