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.
Here's what happens between generating a link and getting paid:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Payment links can accept a wide range of payment methods, including:
Payment gateways often add localisation features, adapting currency and language automatically to match the customer’s region.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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) |
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.