How to create a simple payment link to get paid
A simple payment link is the fastest way to get paid online — no website, no checkout page, no code. Create one in 30 seconds, share it anywhere, and receive payments instantly via iDEAL, cards, SEPA, Apple Pay and 20+ methods. Free to start.
Looking for the definition first? Read what is a payment request link — covers the difference between a payment link, payment request, and invoice.
What is a Payment Link?
A payment link is a unique URL that takes your customer directly to a checkout page where they can pay you. You create the link with an amount and description, then share it via email, SMS, WhatsApp, or any other channel. When the customer clicks, they see a branded payment page and can pay with their preferred payment method.
No Website Needed
Create a professional checkout page in seconds — no website or technical setup required.
Share Anywhere
Send via email, SMS, WhatsApp, social media, QR code, or embed on your website.
20+ Payment Methods
Accept iDEAL, credit cards, SEPA, Bancontact, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more.
Instant Notifications
Get notified immediately when a payment comes in. No more wondering if someone paid.
Why Use Payment Links Instead of Invoices?
Traditional invoices require customers to manually transfer money — leading to 23+ day average payment times. Payment links let customers pay with one click, reducing payment time to under 3 days.
Traditional Invoice
Payment Link
How to Create a Payment Link (Step by Step)
Choose a Payment Link Platform
You need a platform that creates payment links and processes payments. Options include PayRequest, Stripe, Mollie, or PayPal — each with different features and fees.
- PayRequest: All payment methods, €20/mo, no transaction fees, branded pages
- Stripe: Cards + Apple/Google Pay, 1.4% + €0.25 per transaction
- Mollie: iDEAL + European methods, pay-per-transaction pricing
- PayPal: PayPal wallet + cards, 2.9% + €0.35 per transaction
Create Your Payment Link
Set the amount, add a description, and optionally customize the checkout page with your branding. Most platforms let you create a link in under 30 seconds.
- Enter the payment amount (one-time or recurring)
- Add a clear description (e.g., 'Website Design — Deposit')
- Upload your logo for branded checkout
- Set payment methods to accept
Share the Link with Your Customer
Copy the payment link and send it through whatever channel your customer prefers. The link works everywhere — no app download needed.
- Email: Include in your invoice or proposal email
- WhatsApp/SMS: Quick payment requests on mobile
- Social media: Share on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn
- QR code: Print on invoices, business cards, or flyers
Get Paid & Track Payments
When your customer clicks the link, they see a professional payment page. Once they pay, you get an instant notification and the money is in your account within 1-2 business days.
- Real-time payment notifications via email
- Automatic payment confirmation to customer
- Dashboard to track all payments and statuses
- Export reports for your bookkeeping
Best Ways to Share Payment Links
Include the payment link in your invoice email or proposal. Best for B2B and professional services.
Tip: Add a clear call-to-action button like 'Pay Now' — emails with buttons get 28% higher click rates.
WhatsApp & SMS
Perfect for quick payment requests. Send the link directly in a chat message.
Tip: Keep the message short: 'Hi [Name], here's the payment link for [service]: [link]. Thanks!'
QR Code
Generate a QR code from your payment link. Print on invoices, business cards, menus, or flyers.
Tip: Add a small text next to the QR code: 'Scan to pay' — not everyone knows what QR codes do.
Social Media
Share payment links in your Instagram bio, Facebook posts, or LinkedIn messages.
Tip: Use a link shortener or custom domain to make the URL look professional.
Who Uses Payment Links?
Freelancers & Consultants
Send payment links after completing a project or meeting. Get paid the same day instead of waiting weeks for a bank transfer.
Agencies & Service Businesses
Collect deposits, milestone payments, and retainers. Create recurring payment links for ongoing clients.
Coaches & Trainers
Share payment links for sessions, packages, or memberships. Book and get paid in one step.
Small Business Owners
Accept payments at markets, pop-ups, or in-store. Share QR codes or send links via WhatsApp.
Create Payment Links with PayRequest
PayRequest makes it easy to create professional payment links with your own branding. Connect Stripe, Mollie, or PayPal and start accepting payments in minutes. No website or coding needed.
- Create payment links in 30 seconds
- Accept iDEAL, cards, SEPA, Bancontact, and 20+ methods
- Branded checkout pages with your logo and colors
- Automatic payment reminders for unpaid links
- QR codes generated automatically for every link
- Real-time dashboard to track all payments
- 0% PayRequest transaction fees — only pay your provider
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I create a simple payment link to get paid?
Sign up for PayRequest (free), click 'New payment link', enter the amount and a short description, then share the link by email, SMS, WhatsApp, QR code or social — anywhere your customer is. They tap and pay through a secure hosted checkout in seconds. You're notified the moment the payment lands.
Is it free to create a payment 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. Stripe charges 1.4% + €0.25, Mollie similar. The PayRequest Free plan includes unlimited payment links and every feature.
What's the easiest way to create a payment link in 2026?
Use a no-code platform like PayRequest. Sign up, connect Stripe/Mollie/PayPal as your provider, enter an amount and description, and you have a working link in under a minute. No developer, no website, no integrations to build.
What payment methods can customers use?
Through PayRequest + Stripe or Mollie, customers can pay with iDEAL, credit/debit cards, SEPA Direct Debit, Bancontact, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Klarna, and 15+ other methods. The checkout auto-shows local methods based on the customer's country.
Can I create a recurring payment link?
Yes. PayRequest supports recurring payment links for subscriptions and memberships. Set the billing interval (weekly, monthly, yearly) and amount — customers subscribe with one click.
How long does it take to receive the money?
iDEAL payments arrive within 1 business day. Card payments typically take 2-3 business days. SEPA Direct Debit takes 3-5 business days. The exact timing depends on your payment provider.
Do I need a website to use payment links?
No. That's the whole point of payment links — you get a professional hosted checkout page without a website. Just create the link and share it anywhere: bio, DM, email, QR on a flyer.
Can I customize the checkout page?
Yes. With PayRequest, you can add your logo, brand colors, and custom domain (e.g. pay.yourbrand.com) to the checkout page. This makes it look like your own payment page instead of a generic form.
Ready to Get Paid Faster?
Create your first payment link in 30 seconds. No website needed, no coding required. Start accepting iDEAL, cards, and 20+ payment methods today.