SMS Payments Guide

Send Payment Requests via SMS Text Message

Get paid faster by sending payment links directly to your customers' phones. SMS payment requests have 98% open rates and dramatically improve collection times.

98%
SMS Open Rate
90 sec
Avg Response Time
3x
Faster Payment
45%
Higher Conversion

Why Send Payment Requests via SMS?

Instant Delivery

SMS messages arrive within seconds, reaching customers immediately on their mobile device

High Open Rates

98% of text messages are opened, compared to just 20% for emails

Fast Payments

Customers can pay in under 60 seconds directly from their phone

Global Reach

Works on any mobile phone, no app download or account required

How SMS Payment Requests Work

1

Create a Payment Link

Generate a secure payment link for the amount you want to collect. Include item description, invoice number, or customer reference.

2

Send via SMS

Send the payment link to your customer's mobile phone via SMS. Keep the message short and include the payment amount.

3

Customer Clicks & Pays

Your customer taps the link, chooses their preferred payment method (card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, iDEAL), and completes payment.

4

Receive Confirmation

Both you and your customer receive instant confirmation when the payment is completed successfully.

Payment Providers for SMS Payments

PayRequest + Stripe

Send Stripe payment links via SMS with automatic payment tracking and reminders

Recommended
Auto SMS reminders
Payment tracking
Multiple currencies
Card & Apple Pay
Google Pay
SEPA Direct Debit

PayRequest + PayPal

Generate PayPal payment links and send them via text message for instant payments

Popular
PayPal wallet
Pay Later options
Buyer protection
Venmo (US)
200+ countries
Multiple currencies

PayRequest + Mollie

Perfect for European payments with iDEAL, Bancontact, and other local methods

Europe
iDEAL (Netherlands)
Bancontact (Belgium)
SEPA transfers
Sofort
Klarna
Credit cards

Who Uses SMS Payment Requests?

Service Businesses

Plumbers, electricians, and contractors can request payment immediately after completing a job

Example SMS:

Hi John, your repair is complete. Pay $150 here: pay.link/abc123 - ABC Plumbing

Healthcare & Clinics

Send payment requests for appointments, treatments, or outstanding balances

Example SMS:

Your balance of $75 is due. Pay securely: pay.link/xyz789 - Dr. Smith Clinic

Freelancers & Consultants

Request project payments or retainer fees directly via text message

Example SMS:

Invoice #1234 for $500 is ready. Pay now: pay.link/inv1234 - Jane Designs

Nonprofits & Fundraising

Collect donations and fundraising contributions via mobile-friendly links

Example SMS:

Support our cause! Donate here: pay.link/donate - Local Food Bank

SMS Payment Best Practices

Keep Messages Short

SMS has 160-character limit. Include amount, brief description, and link only.

Identify Your Business

Always include your business name so customers recognize the sender.

Use HTTPS Links

Secure links build trust. PayRequest links are always encrypted and secure.

Send at Appropriate Times

Avoid early morning or late night. Business hours get the best response.

Include Payment Amount

Stating the amount upfront increases trust and conversion rates.

Follow Up Wisely

Send one reminder after 3-5 days if unpaid. Avoid spamming customers.

SMS Payment Request Templates

Standard Invoice

~95 characters
Hi [Name], your invoice #[Number] for [Amount] is ready. Pay securely: [Link] - [Business]

Service Completed

~75 characters
Thanks for choosing [Business]! Your total is [Amount]. Pay here: [Link]

Payment Reminder

~85 characters
Friendly reminder: [Amount] due for invoice #[Number]. Pay now: [Link] - [Business]

Deposit Request

~75 characters
To confirm your booking, please pay [Amount] deposit: [Link] - [Business]

Send SMS Payment Requests with PayRequest

PayRequest makes it easy to send professional payment requests via SMS. Generate payment links in seconds and track every payment in real-time.

Built-in SMS reminders
Auto payment tracking
WhatsApp integration
Email + SMS combined
Custom branding
Multi-currency support

Ready to Get Paid Faster?

Start sending SMS payment requests today. Create your free account and send your first payment link in minutes.