Telegram Payment Request Guide
Accept payments from 800+ million Telegram users. Learn how to send payment requests, create payment links, and collect money through the world's fastest-growing messenger.
Can you send money on Telegram?
Yes. Telegram supports two ways to send and receive money: native in-app payments via Telegram bots (using Stripe, available in select countries) and external payment links that you share in any chat. For most businesses and creators, sharing a payment link is the fastest method — no coding required, works worldwide, and supports 20+ payment methods through PayRequest.
Why Accept Payments on Telegram?
800M+ Active Users
Telegram has a massive global user base, especially popular in Europe, Asia, and South America.
Instant Delivery
Messages are delivered instantly. No email delays or spam folder issues.
Secure & Encrypted
End-to-end encrypted messages. Payment links are just as secure as any other method.
Works Worldwide
Accept payments from customers anywhere Telegram is available — which is almost everywhere.
4 Ways to Accept Payments on Telegram
Choose the method that fits your business needs — from Telegram's native Stars to payment links and automated bots.
PayRequest Payment Links
Best for freelancers & small businessesCreate branded payment links and share them directly in Telegram chats or groups.
How it works:
- 1Create a payment link in PayRequest
- 2Copy the link (e.g., payrequest.me/yourname)
- 3Paste and send in any Telegram chat
- 4Customer clicks, pays, done!
Benefits:
- No coding required
- Works in groups & channels
- Track payments
- Multiple payment methods
Telegram Bot with Payment Integration
Best for developers & large businessesBuild a Telegram bot that can send payment requests automatically.
How it works:
- 1Create a bot with BotFather
- 2Connect Stripe or another payment provider
- 3Use Telegram's built-in payment API
- 4Customers pay directly in Telegram
Benefits:
- Native Telegram experience
- Automated workflows
- In-app payments
- Customizable
Telegram Channels & Groups
Best for creators & communitiesShare payment links in your Telegram community for products, courses, or memberships.
How it works:
- 1Create your product/service
- 2Generate a payment link
- 3Post in your channel or group
- 4Pin important payment links
Benefits:
- Reach many people at once
- Community engagement
- Easy product launches
- No website needed
Telegram Stars (Native In-App Payments)
Best for digital content & tips inside TelegramTelegram's built-in digital currency. Users buy Stars and spend them on tips, digital content, and mini-app purchases — no external payment processor needed.
How it works:
- 1Set up a Telegram channel, bot, or mini app
- 2Enable Stars payments via BotFather
- 3Users purchase Stars with their card/Apple Pay
- 4Stars are sent to you and converted to TON cryptocurrency
Benefits:
- Native Telegram experience — no external links
- Works on iOS, Android, and Desktop
- No chargeback risk for digital goods
- Good for micro-transactions and tips
Quick Start: Send Your First Telegram Payment Request
Create Link
Sign up for PayRequest and create your first payment link in 60 seconds
Copy Link
Copy your personalized payment link (e.g., payrequest.me/yourname)
Send on Telegram
Paste the link in any Telegram chat — customer clicks and pays!
Who Uses Telegram Payments?
Freelance Services
Send invoices and payment requests directly to clients in your Telegram conversations.
Group Payments
Collect payments from group members for events, subscriptions, or shared expenses.
Automated Sales
Use bots to automatically send payment links when customers request products.
Digital Products
Sell ebooks, courses, or digital downloads through Telegram channels.
Coaching & Consulting
Accept payments for coaching sessions booked through Telegram.
International Clients
Reach clients in countries where Telegram is more popular than email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to send payment links on Telegram?
Yes! The payment link itself is just a URL — all the actual payment processing happens on a secure payment page (like Stripe or PayRequest). Telegram's encryption protects the message, and the payment page handles the financial data securely.
Can I accept payments directly in Telegram?
Telegram has a built-in payments API for bots, allowing native in-app payments via Stripe, and providers in specific countries. For simpler use cases, sharing payment links works great without any coding.
What payment methods can I accept via Telegram?
When using PayRequest links in Telegram, customers can pay with credit cards, iDEAL, SEPA, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and 20+ other methods depending on your payment provider.
Can I track which payments came from Telegram?
Yes! With PayRequest, you can add UTM parameters to your links or use different payment links for different channels to track where your payments are coming from.
Does this work in Telegram groups and channels?
Absolutely. You can post payment links in groups, channels, or private messages. For channels, you can pin important payment links so they're always visible.
What about Telegram's own payment bots?
Telegram's native payments require building a bot with their API. It's powerful but requires development work. For most businesses, simply sharing payment links is faster and easier.
What is Telegram Pay?
Telegram Pay refers to Telegram's built-in payment system, which includes Telegram Stars (the in-app currency for digital content) and the Bot Payments API (which lets bots accept cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay via providers like Stripe). For real-money business transactions across all payment methods, most sellers use external payment links instead.
What are Telegram Stars and how do they work?
Telegram Stars are Telegram's in-app currency launched in 2024. Users buy Stars with real money (via App Store / Google Play / card), then spend them on digital content, tips, and mini-app purchases. As a creator, Stars you receive can be converted to TON cryptocurrency and then to fiat. Stars are ideal for small tips and digital goods inside Telegram — for larger business transactions, payment links give you more flexibility and payment method options.
Can I send money on Telegram for free?
Sending money on Telegram is not free — every method has fees. Telegram Stars transactions take a 30% cut (via App Store/Google Play billing). Bot Payments via Stripe charge Stripe's standard rate (typically 1.5-2.9% + €0.25). Payment links via PayRequest charge 2% capped at €25. For most businesses, payment links are the most cost-effective option.
Related Guides
Start Accepting Telegram Payments Today
Create your first payment link in 60 seconds. Share it on Telegram, WhatsApp, Instagram, or anywhere else. Accept 20+ payment methods worldwide.