What Are Payment Links and How Do They Work?
Payment links are revolutionizing how freelancers and small businesses get paid. Here's everything you need to know about this simple but powerful payment solution.
What is a Payment Link?
A payment link is a unique URL that you can share with anyone to request payment. When someone clicks the link, they're taken to a payment page showing the amount you've requested, along with any details or instructions you've included. It's essentially a digital way of saying "please pay me this amount."
Unlike traditional invoices or payment requests, payment links are instant to create, easy to share, and work across any platform — email, text message, WhatsApp, social media, or even printed as a QR code.
How Do Payment Links Work?
The process is straightforward:
- Create your link — Enter the amount, add a description of what the payment is for, and optionally include your payment details (bank account, PayPal, etc.)
- Share the link — Send the unique URL to your customer via any channel they prefer
- Customer views the page — They see a professional payment request with all the information they need
- Payment is made — The customer pays you directly using the payment method you've specified
Most payment link services also let you track when your link has been viewed, so you know your customer has seen the payment request.
Payment Links vs Traditional Payment Methods
Why payment links are different:
- ✓Faster than invoices — Create a payment link in seconds, not minutes
- ✓No app required — Customers don't need to download anything
- ✓Works anywhere — Share via text, email, social media, or QR code
- ✓No merchant account — Get paid directly to your bank account
- ✓Professional appearance — Clean, branded payment pages build trust
Who Uses Payment Links?
Payment links are perfect for anyone who needs to request payments without the overhead of complex payment systems:
- Freelancers — Web developers, designers, writers, consultants
- Small businesses — Service providers, retailers, B2B companies
- Tutors and coaches — Music teachers, personal trainers, mentors
- Tradespeople — Plumbers, electricians, builders, cleaners
- Market vendors — Craft sellers, food stalls, pop-up shops
- Event organizers — Clubs, community groups, trip organizers
How to Create a Payment Link with PayLink
Creating a payment link with PayLink takes less than 30 seconds:
- Go to paylink.appsage.co.uk/create
- Enter your name or business name
- Set the amount and choose your currency (GBP, USD, or EUR)
- Add a description of what the payment is for
- Optionally add your payment details (bank account, PayPal, etc.)
- Click "Create Payment Link"
- Copy and share your unique payment link
No sign-up required. No monthly fees. Your payment link is ready to share immediately.
Are Payment Links Secure?
Payment links themselves don't handle actual payment processing — they're a way to share payment information professionally. The actual payment happens through whatever method you specify (bank transfer, PayPal, etc.), which have their own security measures. This means there's no sensitive financial data stored on the payment link page itself.
Get Started Today
Payment links are one of the simplest ways to request and receive payments. If you're tired of chasing invoices, dealing with complicated payment systems, or explaining your bank details over the phone, payment links offer a refreshingly simple alternative.
Ready to create your first payment link?
It's free, takes 30 seconds, and requires no sign-up.
Create Payment Link — Free