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Access Code Protection

Password protected
payment links.

Require a code before visitors can see and use your payment page. Perfect for links shared in a newsletter, a social post, or a community channel that should only work for a specific group of people.

Access code required

This payment page is protected. Enter the code you were given to continue.

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Code stored securely · never shown again after saving
How to enable it

Protect any link in three steps.

Available on every Smart Link — no separate product, no extra setup outside the link editor.

01

Check “Protect with access code”

While creating or editing the smart link, enable the access code toggle.

02

Enter or generate a code

Type your own code, or click Generate for a random 6-character code.

03

Save the smart link

The link is now locked. Anyone opening the URL needs the code first.

The code is hashed, not stored in plain text— it's never shown again after saving. Editing a protected link? Leave the access code field blank to keep the existing code, or type a new one to replace it.

Customer experience

What customers actually see

Branded code page

Opening the URL shows an “Access code required” page in your brand, asking for the code.

Unlocked for the session

After entering the correct code once, the link works normally for the rest of that browser session.

Wrong code handling

An incorrect code shows an error message; repeated wrong attempts are temporarily rate-limited.

When to use it

For links shared semi-publicly.

Useful when a link is posted somewhere public or semi-public — a newsletter, a social post, a community channel — but should only work for a specific group of people.

Invite-only pre-orders

Share early access pricing in a community without making it fully public.

Community discounts

Give members of a group, course, or Discord a special rate via one shared code.

B2B client pricing

Send negotiated pricing to one client without exposing the rate to others.

Deposit & amount links

Lock down a reusable deposit link so it can't be paid by random visitors.

Good fit

A link shared with a group — a newsletter, community channel, or social post — where the URL itself isn't secret but should only work for the intended audience.

Usually unnecessary

One-off payment requests sent directly to a single customer. The link itself is already private, so an access code mostly adds friction without extra security.

FAQ

Common questions

How do I password protect a payment link?

While creating or editing a Smart Link, check “Protect with access code,” then enter a code or click Generate for a random 6-character code, and save. Visitors must enter that code before they can see or use the payment page.

Can I see the access code after I save it?

No. The code is stored hashed, not in plain text, so it's never shown again after saving. If you forget it, edit the link and type a new code to replace it — leave the field blank to keep the existing one.

Do customers have to enter the code every time?

No. Once a visitor enters the correct code, the link works normally for the rest of that browser session. They won't be asked again unless they switch devices or clear their session.

What happens if someone enters the wrong code?

They see an error message and can try again. Repeated wrong attempts are temporarily rate-limited to prevent brute-force guessing.

Lock down your next payment link

Add access code protection to any Smart Link in seconds — free, like every other feature on PayRequest.