PayPal SMS Payments: Request Money via Text
Email gets ignored. SMS has a 98% open rate. Learn how to send PayPal payment requests via text message and get paid faster.
98% Open Rate
SMS messages have near-perfect open rates compared to 20% for email.
400M+ PayPal Users
Your customers likely already have PayPal, making checkout seamless.
Instant Delivery
Payment requests reach customers in seconds, not hours.
No App Required
Customers can pay via browser — no PayPal app needed.
PayPal Doesn't Send SMS Directly
PayPal can create payment requests and PayPal.me links, but can't send them via SMS. You need to manually copy the link to a text, or use a platform like PayRequest that handles SMS delivery automatically.
PayPal Payment Request Limitations
10-Day Expiry
PayPal payment requests expire after 10 days. The recipient must accept or pay within this window, or you'll need to create a new request.
Email Required for Recipients
Even when requesting via phone number, PayPal may ask recipients for an email address to complete the payment.
No Direct SMS Sending
PayPal app can request money from a phone number, but this sends a PayPal notification — not an actual SMS text message.
Limited Tracking
PayPal doesn't show if the recipient opened or clicked your request, only if they paid.
3 Ways to Send PayPal Payments via SMS
PayPal.me Link + Manual SMS
Create your PayPal.me link with a specific amount, then copy and send it via text message from your phone.
- Free — no extra tools needed
- Works immediately
- Customers trust PayPal.me links
- Manual copy/paste each time
- No tracking or reminders
- Can't customize per customer
PayPal Request Money + SMS Service
Use PayPal's Request Money feature with an SMS provider like Twilio to automate delivery.
- Can request specific amounts
- Add payment notes/description
- Automated with Zapier
- Complex setup required
- Multiple service costs
- 10-day request expiry
PayRequest (Recommended)
RecommendedCreate PayPal payment links and send via SMS in one click. Track opens, clicks, and payments automatically.
- One-click SMS sending
- Works with PayPal & 20+ methods
- Automatic reminders
- Full payment tracking
- Monthly subscription (from €5)
Manual Method: PayPal.me + Text Message
Get Your PayPal.me Link
Go to paypal.me to claim your personalized link, like paypal.me/YourBusiness
Add Amount to Link
Append the amount: paypal.me/YourBusiness/50 for €50 (or /50USD for dollars)
Send via Text Message
Copy the link and send it via your phone's SMS app to your customer.
Customer Opens & Pays
They tap the link, log into PayPal (or pay as guest), and complete payment.
PayPal.me Link Format
Your PayPal.me link can include specific amounts:
paypal.me/YourNameCustomer enters amountpaypal.me/YourName/50Pre-filled €50 (local currency)paypal.me/YourName/50USDPre-filled $50 USDpaypal.me/YourName/50EURPre-filled €50 EURTip: Adding the amount reduces friction — customers can pay with one tap instead of typing.
PayPal SMS vs Email Payment Requests
| Feature | SMS | |
|---|---|---|
| Open Rate | 98% | 20-25% |
| Response Time | 90 seconds avg | Hours to days |
| Spam Folder Risk | None | High |
| Customer Trust | High (personal) | Medium (filtered) |
| Mobile Optimized | Always | Often broken |
PayPal SMS Payment Use Cases
Freelance Invoices
Send payment requests to clients after completing work. SMS ensures they see it.
Hi Sarah, project completed! Pay €450 via PayPal: [link]
Small Business Payments
Request payment from local customers who prefer PayPal over card.
Thanks for your order! Pay €89 with PayPal: [link]
Event Tickets & Deposits
Collect deposits or ticket payments via SMS before events.
Confirm your spot with €25 deposit: [link]
Split Bills
Request your share from friends after group dinners or trips.
Hey! Your share of dinner was €35: [link]
PayPal SMS Templates
Copy these templates for common payment scenarios:
Hi {name}, invoice #{number} for €{amount} is ready. Pay securely with PayPal: {link}
Thanks {name}! Your {service} is complete. Total: €{amount}. Pay here: {link}
Reminder: €{amount} payment due. Quick PayPal checkout: {link}
Please confirm your booking with €{amount} deposit via PayPal: {link}
Easier Option: PayRequest SMS Payments
PayRequest has built-in SMS sending for PayPal payments. Create a payment link, click 'Send via SMS' — done. No copy-pasting, no manual work, with full delivery and payment tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start Sending PayPal SMS Payments
Get paid faster with PayPal payment links via SMS. 98% open rate, instant delivery, customers can pay with PayPal or card.