Payment links: The “Pay Me Now” button you didn’t know you needed

Picture this: you run a small business, and a customer wants to pay you, but you don’t have a fancy website, a payment gateway, or even a card reader. What do you do? Enter payment links—the MVP of quick, easy, and secure payment solutions that support various payment methods, including bank account transfers, credit and debit cards, and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Never heard of them? No problem. By the end of this article, you’ll be a payment link pro. Let’s break it down: what they are, who they’re for, why they’re awesome, and how they compare to other payment methods like invoices or payment gateways.

So, what’s a payment link?

A payment link is like sending someone a digital “pay here” button. It’s a unique URL you create using a payment processor like Helcim. You send this link to your customer via text, QR code, email, or even social media, and they click it to pay using various methods, including debit cards. Customers are guided to enter their payment details on a dedicated payment page after clicking the link. Boom—transaction complete. No apps, no complicated sign-ups, no fuss. It’s like having a mini checkout page you can whip out whenever you need to get paid.

How payment links work

Step 1: Research and sign up for a merchant account

The first step in creating online payment links is selecting the right payment provider. Since they’ll be facilitating secure transactions, it’s important to choose one that fits your needs.

Do your research: Not all payment providers are the same. Some cater to developers with robust APIs for custom solutions, while others offer no-code, ready-to-use options perfect for small businesses or those without technical expertise.

Pro tip: Look for a provider that charges no monthly fees and only charges when you process a transaction. For example, Helcim offers transparent pricing and flexible payment link options that are easy to set up. Once you’ve made your choice, sign up for a merchant account with your selected provider.

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Step 2: Set up your payment page

With your merchant account in place, the next step is to set up your payment page. This page acts as the foundation for your payment link and is configured through your payment processor’s platform. It is crucial to ensure that the payment page secures customer payment information to build trust and reliability.

If you’re using a provider like Helcim, the setup is simple and intuitive, requiring no coding. You can customize it to include your branding, payment methods, and transaction details.

Step 3: Generate the payment link

After your payment page is set up, it’s time to create the payment link. Most platforms make this step quick and easy: enter the transaction amount, add a description, and the provider will generate a unique, secure link for you.

Step 4: Share the payment link

Now that you have your payment link, you can share it with your customer. Online payment links are incredibly versatile and can be sent through multiple channels:

• Email
• SMS
• Social media selling on platforms like Instagram or Facebook
• Messaging apps like WhatsApp
• On your website as checkout buttons
• QR code payments

Who are payment links for?

Honestly, anyone who needs to get paid online without jumping through hoops. But let’s get specific:

• Small business owners: Don’t have an e-commerce website? No problem. Online payment links let you sell directly on Instagram, Facebook, or even in your DMs, making it easy to connect with your customers wherever they are.
• Freelancers and creatives: Working on a project and need a fast, simple way to get paid? Payment links are your go-to solution for collecting payments without the back-and-forth.
• Service providers: Whether you’re a personal trainer, consultant, or event organizer, payment links let you get your invoices paid with ease. You can even embed them on your website for an added layer of convenience.
• Organizations and institutions: Hosting a fund drive or accepting donations? Payment links make it easy. Create an open amount link where contributors can enter their desired donation, and you’re ready to go.
• Subscription-based businesses: Managing recurring payments for gym memberships, meal delivery services, or subscription boxes? Payment links simplify the process by allowing you to set up automatic billing or create a reusable link for repeat transactions. With tools like Helcim’s recurring payments that have payment links built-in, you can streamline the billing process with just a single url.

Payment links also allow you to accept payments from multiple customers simultaneously, making them ideal for services like deposits, classes, and recurring subscriptions. Additionally, they provide the flexibility of allowing customers to choose their preferred payment method, enhancing the overall user experience.

Benefits of using payment links

Payment links offer numerous benefits for businesses, making them a go-to solution for many. Here’s why:

• Convenience: Creating and sharing payment links is a breeze. Whether you’re sending them via email, SMS, or social media, it’s incredibly straightforward for both you and your customers.
• Flexibility: Payment links can be shared across multiple channels, including email, SMS, social media, and messaging platforms.
• Security: Helcim, for instance, ensures all links are PCI-compliant and encrypted for safe transactions.
• Customization: Providers like Helcim let you brand your links with your logo, colors, and payment options.
• Cost-effective: Payment links eliminate the need for a full-fledged website or a complex checkout page. With Helcim’s transparent pricing and no monthly fees, they’re especially affordable.
• Preferred payment method: Allowing customers to choose their preferred payment method enhances user experience and provides flexibility, optimizing the payment process. With Helcim, payment links can be paid via ACH, Credit Card payments, and even with mobile wallets.

What’s the difference between payment links and other online payment options like credit and debit cards?

Payment links vs. invoices

Invoices are the formal, itemized option, designed for businesses that need detailed records of services or goods provided. They’re ideal for large, multi-line transactions, especially in industries like professional services or manufacturing.

Main difference: Invoices provide detailed billing and are typically more formal, while payment links prioritize speed and simplicity.

Best for: Use invoices when you need to break down costs or maintain detailed records for accounting. Use payment links for quick, one-off payments like deposits or small transactions.

Payment links vs. payment gateways

Payment gateways are powerful systems designed for businesses with websites or apps. They’re essential for managing large-scale transactions and integrating payments directly into your e-commerce platform.

Main difference: Payment gateways require technical setup and are tied to online stores or apps, while payment links are standalone and can be shared anywhere.

Best for: Payment gateways are best for businesses with established online stores or high transaction volumes. Payment links are perfect for small businesses, freelancers, or those without a website.

Payment links vs. checkout pages

Checkout pages are standardized payment forms for e-commerce transactions. They’re great for consistent shopping experiences, but they lack the flexibility of payment links.

Main difference: Checkout pages offer a fixed, uniform experience, while payment links are customizable for each transaction.

Best for: Checkout pages work best for traditional e-commerce businesses. Payment links excel in personalized transactions, custom orders, or remote payments via social media or email.

Who offers the best payment links?

Here’s a cheat sheet of the top players in the payment link game:

Helcim

Helcim stands out with its transparent pricing, no monthly fees, and a seamless experience for both online and in-person payments. Whether you’re processing one-time transactions, managing recurring billing, or creating custom payment amounts, Helcim’s payment links offer unmatched flexibility. What truly sets Helcim apart is its unified approach—payment links are integrated across all its tools, including invoices, payment pages, and subscription management. This means your customers are always just one click away from completing a payment. With intuitive branding options, exceptional customer service, and an all-in-one solution that eliminates hidden fees, Helcim empowers businesses to streamline payments and focus on growth.

Stripe

Stripe is a powerhouse for businesses seeking customization and advanced analytics. With a flat-rate pricing model, Stripe simplifies costs by charging the same rate across all payment types. It’s especially popular among developers thanks to its modular APIs, allowing you to build highly customized payment solutions, including branded and feature-rich payment links. Supporting multiple payment methods such as credit cards, ACH transfers, and digital wallets, Stripe is ideal for businesses that prioritize flexibility and innovation.

PayPal

As one of the most globally recognized payment platforms, PayPal is a trusted choice for businesses and customers alike. Its simplicity and familiarity make it a top option for international payments, with support for multiple currencies and no requirement for customers to have a PayPal account. While not as customizable as other platforms, PayPal’s ease of use and widespread acceptance make it a reliable option for businesses of all sizes.

Square

Square excels at providing an all-in-one ecosystem for small businesses. Its payment links integrate seamlessly with Square’s inventory management, POS systems, and analytics tools, making it an excellent choice for merchants who need more than just an online payment processor.

Why should you care about payment links to accept online payments?

Here’s the deal: payment links make your life easier. Whether you’re a freelancer, a small business owner, or someone running a side hustle, they let you collect payments without any technical headaches. They’re fast, secure, and versatile—basically the Swiss Army knife of online payments.

Final thoughts

Payment links are the unsung heroes of modern business payments. They’re simple, secure, and ridiculously easy to use. Whether you’re selling products, services, or anything in between, payment links can streamline your payment process and help you get paid faster. Plus, they offer the flexibility of allowing customers to choose their preferred payment method, enhancing the overall user experience.

Ready to simplify payments for your business?

Sign up with Helcim for free and start using Helcim’s payment links today. With no monthly fees and an easy-to-use platform, collecting payments has never been this simple.

If you're stuck with a payment processor that locks you into outdated technology and limits how you accept payments, it’s time to move on. Our Merchant Buyout Program offers up to $500 in credits to cover your contract cancellation or equipment costs. Switch to better payment technology, lower fees, and the freedom to run your business your way.

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FAQs

Are payment links safe?

Yes! They’re encrypted, secure, and hosted by PCI-compliant payment processors. Providers like Helcim ensure every transaction is protected.

Can I use them for recurring payments?

Yes! Payment providers like Helcim lets you create shareable payment links for subscriptions, which can also be embedded on your website. When clients click "subscribe," they'll be directed to the payment page.

Do payment links work internationally?

Absolutely! Many providers support multiple currencies. Helcim offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees for international transactions.

Do I need a website to use payment links?

Nope! That’s the beauty of it. Helcim’s payment links work seamlessly across text, social media, and even QR codes, making them ideal for businesses without a website.

Can customers choose their preferred payment method?

Yes, allowing customers to choose their preferred payment method provides flexibility and enhances the user experience. Different invoicing and payment solutions can optimize the payment process by filtering the most relevant payment methods based on eligibility.