What Is Pay by Link

Pay by Link is a digital payment method that allows businesses to request and receive payments by simply sending a secure, clickable link to the customer. This link can be shared via email, SMS, messaging apps, or social media, and when the customer clicks on it, they are taken to a secure payment page where they can complete the transaction using their preferred payment method, such as a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet. 

This approach is particularly useful for businesses that do not have a full e-commerce setup or need to take remote payments quickly and conveniently, such as freelancers, service providers, or companies offering custom quotes. It offers a seamless customer experience because there’s no need to manually input bank details or download an app—just click, pay, and receive confirmation.

For merchants, pay-by-link solutions often come with additional features like customizable branding, real-time tracking, and automated receipts, making it a flexible and professional way to handle transactions. It also supports PCI compliance and secure encryption, ensuring that customer data remains protected throughout the process. 

Pay by Link is a modern, versatile payment option that bridges the gap between in-person and online payments, helping businesses get paid faster while providing customers with a smooth and secure experience.

How Does Pay by Link Work

Pay by Link is a digital payment method that enables businesses to request payments by sending customers a secure, clickable link. This approach simplifies transactions, making it especially useful for businesses without a full e-commerce setup or those seeking flexible payment options across various channels.

Here’s how Pay by Link works:

1. Create the Payment Link
   Using a payment service provider (like Stripe, Adyen, or Square), a business generates a unique payment link. This link directs the customer to a secure payment page.
2. Send the Link to the Customer
   The link can be shared through multiple channels, including email, SMS, social media, or messaging apps like WhatsApp.
3. Customer Completes the Payment
   Upon clicking the link, the customer is taken to a secure checkout page where they can enter their payment details and complete the transaction.
4. Receive Confirmation
   Both the business and the customer receive confirmation of the successful payment.

Who Uses Pay by Link

Pay by Link is a flexible and user-friendly payment solution that’s gaining popularity among both businesses and customers. It enables merchants to generate a payment link and share it via email, SMS, chat, or social media—making it easy to get paid remotely or without a traditional checkout.

For Businesses

• Small Businesses & Startups: Startups and small businesses use Pay by Link to accept payments without needing a full e-commerce setup. It’s ideal for freelancers, boutique stores, consultants, and service providers who need a quick, secure way to collect payments online.
• Retailers & E-commerce Stores: Retailers often use it for custom orders, backorders, or one-off sales that don’t fit the standard checkout process. It’s also helpful in closing sales through live chat, phone calls, or social media.
• Service Providers & Professionals: Lawyers, therapists, tutors, fitness coaches, and other professionals send Pay by Link for appointments, sessions, or consultations—especially when there’s no point-of-sale system involved.
• B2B Businesses: B2B sellers and wholesalers send links to clients for invoice payments or partial deposits. It simplifies the process, especially when dealing with international or remote clients.

For Customers

• Busy Shoppers: Customers who value convenience enjoy receiving a secure link to pay directly from their device—without needing to log into a website or app.
• Remote or Offline Buyers: People buying over the phone, through social media, or via email find Pay by Link useful. It allows them to pay securely even without being physically present or visiting an online store.
• Custom Order Clients: Customers placing custom or personalized orders often get a payment link once details are finalized—making it easier to complete the purchase quickly.
• International Buyers: Customers located in different regions can pay instantly using local payment methods through a Pay by Link, with multi-currency support depending on the provider.

Requirements for Businesses to Start Taking Pay by Link

To start accepting Pay by Link payments, businesses need to meet a few technical, legal, and operational requirements. Here’s what businesses need:

Merchant Account or Payment Processor

To accept Pay by Link payments, your business needs an account with a payment service provider or a merchant account that supports this feature. Common providers include Stripe, PayPal, Square, Adyen, and others. These platforms allow you to generate secure payment links and manage transactions.

Business Verification & KYC

Before you can start accepting payments, your provider will need to verify your business. This process involves submitting documentation to meet Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations. You’ll typically need to provide proof of business registration, tax identification numbers, a linked bank account, and valid identification for the business owner or signatory.

Secure Payment Page Setup

Most Pay by Link providers offer a hosted and secure payment page, so you don’t need to set one up yourself. These pages are PCI-compliant and may include your business branding. It’s important to ensure that customer data is collected securely through these pages to avoid any privacy or compliance issues.

Communication Channel

Since Pay by Link is delivered through email, SMS, chat apps, or social media, your business should have reliable communication channels in place. This ensures customers receive the payment links promptly and can complete transactions easily. Clear and professional communication also helps build trust with your buyers.

Transaction Policy & Terms

You should have clear and visible policies for refunds, returns, shipping, and payment due dates. These terms help protect your business in case of disputes or chargebacks and provide customers with the confidence to pay through a link. Including this information in the message accompanying the payment link is a good practice.

Invoice or Order Management System

While not strictly required, using invoicing software or a CRM can help streamline the Pay by Link process. These tools can help you track payments, automate reminders, and integrate links into your existing billing system, making it easier to manage multiple transactions.

Mobile-Friendly Setup

Your payment links should be tested on both mobile and desktop devices to ensure a smooth user experience. Most modern payment platforms create mobile-responsive pages by default, but it’s still important to verify that the entire process works well across all devices.