What is a payment request link?
A payment request link is a secure URL that asks a customer to pay a specific amount. Share it by email, SMS, WhatsApp, Instagram, QR code or any channel — they click, choose a payment method, and pay in seconds. No account, no app, no website required.
What is a payment request link?
A payment request link (also called a payment link, pay link, or pay request link) is a unique URL that takes a customer directly to a secure hosted checkout page. You set the amount and description, share the link by any channel, and the customer pays through a one-click checkout — by card, iDEAL, SEPA, Apple Pay, Klarna, PayPal or any local method. It's the fastest, lowest-friction way to collect a payment online in 2026.
Why use payment request links?
Get paid in minutes, not weeks
Skip the invoice-and-wait cycle. Share a payment request link, get paid the same day. Average payment time drops from 23 days (traditional invoice) to under 3 days.
Works on every channel
Send the same link by email, SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram DM, LinkedIn, or print as a QR code on a flyer. One payment request link works everywhere your customer is.
Secure and PCI-compliant
Bank-grade encryption through your provider (Stripe, Mollie or PayPal). Card data never touches your servers. Payment request links are inherently more secure than emailing IBAN details.
Every payment method, one link
iDEAL, SEPA, cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Bancontact, Klarna, Sofort, PayPal — 20+ methods. The checkout shows the right ones automatically based on the customer's country.
How a payment request link works
From created to paid in under a minute — here's exactly what happens.
Create your payment request link
In PayRequest, click 'New payment link', enter the amount and a short description. The link is generated instantly — copy it or share directly via the built-in channels.
Share the link
Send by email, SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, post on Instagram, embed in a website, or generate a QR code for in-person payments. The same payment request link works on every channel.
Customer clicks and pays
The customer opens the link on any device, sees a branded checkout page, picks their payment method (iDEAL, card, Apple Pay, etc.) and pays in two clicks. No account creation needed.
You get paid instantly
Funds are routed to your connected payment provider. You're notified the moment the payment lands. Automatic reminders auto-stop. Receipts go out automatically.
What can you do with a payment request link?
Fixed or open amounts
Set the exact price, or let customers enter their own amount for tips, donations, or pay-what-you-want offers.
Built-in QR codes
Every payment request link gets a downloadable QR code for posters, business cards, in-store signs, and contactless in-person payments.
Mobile-first checkout
60%+ of payments happen on phones. The hosted checkout is touch-optimized with large tap targets and auto-filled wallet payments.
Custom branding
Add your logo, brand colors and custom domain (pay.yourbrand.com) so the payment page looks like yours — not a generic third-party form.
Real-time tracking
See views, conversion rate, payments and revenue per link. Compare which channels convert best (Instagram vs email vs QR flyer).
Recurring & one-off
Same link technology supports one-time charges, recurring subscriptions, and custom payment plans — toggle when creating the link.
Who uses payment request links?
Freelancers & consultants
Send a payment request link after each project. No invoice software, no chasing — pay the day you deliver.
Agencies & SaaS
Collect retainer deposits, milestone payments and one-off project fees. Embed links in proposals so clients can pay on the spot.
Service providers
Therapists, coaches, tutors, photographers — collect session fees, deposits and final payments without a POS.
Creators & artists
Sell digital products, art commissions, exclusive content or accept tips. Drop a link in your bio.
Event organisers & nonprofits
Collect ticket sales, donations, group contributions and registrations through a single link.
International sellers
Accept payments from 195+ countries with multi-currency checkout and local payment methods.
Payment request link FAQ
What is a payment request link?
A payment request link is a secure URL that asks a customer to pay a specific amount through a hosted checkout. You generate the link with an amount and description, share it via any channel (email, SMS, WhatsApp, QR code), and the customer pays in seconds by card, iDEAL, SEPA, Apple Pay or another supported method. It works without a website and without the customer needing an account.
How do I send a payment request link?
Sign up for PayRequest (free), create a new payment link with the amount and description, then copy or share the URL. Built-in channels let you send by email, SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, QR or any custom link — all from the same link. The recipient pays on a secure hosted checkout page.
What's the difference between a payment request link and an invoice?
An invoice is a formal accounting document with line items, VAT, invoice numbers and a due date. A payment request link is a lightweight, instant URL — just an amount and a description. Use a payment request link for deposits, quotes, milestones, donations and one-off charges. Use an invoice when you need a formal accounting document. Most businesses use both.
Is it free to send a payment request link?
Yes — PayRequest is free to start with no monthly fee. You pay 2% per successful payment, capped at €25 per transaction, on top of your provider's processing rate (e.g. 1.4% + €0.25 for cards via Stripe). The Free plan includes unlimited payment request links and every feature.
Are payment request links secure?
Yes. Payment request links route through PCI-compliant payment providers (Stripe, Mollie, PayPal). Card data never touches your server. The hosted checkout uses HTTPS encryption and 3D Secure where required. Payment request links are inherently safer than asking a customer to transfer to your IBAN by email.
Can I send a payment request link without a website?
Absolutely — that's the whole point. The link itself is your checkout page. Share it in an email, an Instagram bio, a WhatsApp message, a QR code on a flyer — no website, no checkout to build, no developer time.
What's the best PayPal payment request link alternative?
PayRequest is the most flexible alternative — accept iDEAL, SEPA, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Klarna, Bancontact, cards, PLUS PayPal. No 10-day expiry (PayPal Money Requests expire), automatic reminders, view tracking, and your customer doesn't need a PayPal account.
Do payment request links expire?
It depends on the provider. PayPal Money Requests expire after 10 days. PayRequest payment request links never expire by default — you can set a custom expiry if needed. PayPal.Me links also never expire. Stripe Payment Links don't expire unless you set a limit.
What payment methods do customers see?
It depends on your provider and the customer's location. With PayRequest + Stripe or Mollie, customers see iDEAL (NL), Bancontact (BE), cards, SEPA Direct Debit, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Klarna and 15+ other methods. The checkout auto-shows local methods based on country.
How fast do I get paid?
iDEAL payments arrive within 1 business day. Card payments typically take 2-3 business days. SEPA Direct Debit takes 3-5 business days. Stripe Express payouts and Mollie Instant payouts can deposit funds the same day for an additional fee.
Can I send a payment request link via WhatsApp or Instagram?
Yes. PayRequest includes built-in delivery for WhatsApp, Instagram DM, Telegram, SMS, email, and QR codes — pick the channel your customer prefers. The link works the same way regardless of channel.
Can I customize the checkout page?
Yes. With PayRequest you can add your logo, brand colors and a custom domain (e.g. pay.yourbrand.com). The hosted checkout looks like your own payment page — not a generic third-party form.
Related guides
Send your first payment request link
Free to start. Create a payment request link in 30 seconds, share anywhere, get paid instantly. 20+ payment methods, 26 channels, no code required.