Payment links
Payment links let you collect one-off or recurring payments without sending a full invoice. This page explains what they are, how to create and use them, and how to fix common issues.
What is a payment link?
A payment link is a shareable URL that takes the payer to a checkout page. You set the amount (or let the payer choose), description, and optional settings; you don’t have to create a formal invoice. When someone pays via the link, the payment appears in your Transactions and is added to your Earnings, just like an invoice payment.
Good for: tips, donations, small jobs, event tickets, repeat or subscription-style payments when you don’t need a line-item invoice.
Creating a payment link (step by step)
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Open Payment Links
In the sidebar, click Payment Links. -
Start a new link
Click Create, New payment link, or the equivalent button on the Payment Links page. -
Set the basics
- Amount – Enter a fixed amount (e.g. 50.00) or choose “Let payer enter amount” if you want them to type the amount (e.g. for tips or donations).
- Currency – Select the currency (e.g. USD, EUR). The payer will pay in this currency.
- Description – Short text that appears on the checkout page (e.g. “Consulting – January 2025” or “Event ticket”). This helps you and the payer know what the payment is for.
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Optional settings (if your account supports them)
- Expiry – Set a date or time after which the link stops working. Useful for limited-time offers or event tickets.
- Reference – Your own reference (e.g. order ID or client name) so you can match the payment later.
- Custom fields – Any extra info you want to collect from the payer (e.g. attendee name, order number).
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Save and get the URL
After saving, you’ll get a URL (e.g.https://pay.example.com/pay/abc123). Copy it and share it by email, chat, social media, or on your website.
What each field is for
| Field | What it does |
|---|---|
| Amount | Fixed = payer pays exactly this. “Payer enters amount” = they type the amount (useful for tips/donations). |
| Currency | The currency the payer pays in. Your earnings may be converted to your payout currency depending on your account. |
| Description | Shown on the checkout page. Use it so you and the payer know what the payment is for. |
| Expiry | After this date/time, the link no longer works. Prevents old links from being used by mistake. |
| Reference | Your internal label (e.g. job ID). Shown in Transactions so you can match the payment. |
When to use payment links vs invoices
| Use a payment link when… | Use an invoice when… |
|---|---|
| You need a single, simple payment (tip, donation, one-off job). | You need a formal document with line items (services, quantities, prices). |
| You don’t need a PDF or printed bill. | The client or you need a PDF for records or accounting. |
| You want one URL for repeat payments (same link, many payers or many times). | You’re billing a specific client with itemized amounts and due date. |
| The payer might choose the amount (e.g. donation). | The amount is fixed and itemized. |
Both create transactions and earnings when the payment succeeds. See Transactions and Earnings.
Sharing and tracking your link
- Sharing – Copy the link from the Payment Links page and paste it into email, WhatsApp, SMS, or your website. You can use the same link for many payers or for repeat payments unless you set an expiry or one-time use (if supported).
- Tracking – On the Payment Links page you’ll usually see:
- Views (or link opens) – How many times the link was opened.
- Completed payments – How many payments were successfully completed. Not everyone who opens the link will pay; views are always higher than or equal to completed payments.
After payment
- The payment appears under Transactions with status “Paid” (or similar).
- The amount is added to your Earnings and will be included in a settlement, then paid out to your bank according to your payout schedule.
- You can use the reference or description to match the payment to a client or job.
Troubleshooting
My link says “expired” or doesn’t open.
If you set an expiry date, the link stops working after that. Create a new link with a new expiry (or no expiry) and share that.
The payer says they paid but I don’t see it.
Check Transactions and filter by date. If the payment succeeded, it will appear there and in Earnings. If they only opened the link but didn’t complete checkout, no payment is created. Ask them to confirm they saw a success message or received a receipt.
I want to change the amount or description.
Edit the payment link from the Payment Links page if it’s still in draft or editable state. If the link is already shared and you need a different amount, create a new link and share the new URL.
Wrong currency.
Create a new link with the correct currency. Existing payments can’t be changed.
Payer didn’t complete checkout.
They may have closed the page or had a card decline. They need to open the link again and complete payment. You don’t get charged for views—only for successful payments.
Can I reuse the same link?
Yes, unless you’ve set one-time use or expiry. One link can be used by multiple payers or multiple times by the same payer, depending on your product settings.
Related
- Invoices – When to use invoices instead of payment links.
- Transactions – View all payments from links and invoices.
- Earnings – How link payments become earnings and payouts.
- Payouts – When and how you get paid.