Payment Links: A Complete Guide for US Businesses

Payment links are a simple, flexible way to collect payments online. They’re fast to set up, easy to use, and powerful enough to help finance teams improve cash flow and reduce manual work.

In this guide, we’ll walk US businesses through what payment links are, how they work, who should use them, what benefits they bring, and how to choose the right provider. Whether you’re running a SaaS business, a service firm, or a retail operation, this article will help you understand why payment links are worth your attention. We'll also discuss the Wise Business account. The global account that can help your company with all things cross-border.

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What is a payment link?

A payment link is a unique URL that you send to a customer so they can pay you online. It’s tied to a specific payment request, like a product, service, or invoice. When the customer clicks the link, they’re taken to a secure checkout page where they can complete the payment.

You don’t need to build a full e-commerce site or integrate a complex payment gateway. All you need to do is generate the link through your payment provider’s dashboard, set the amount, and share it with the customer.

The simplicity of payment links makes them especially useful for businesses that want to collect money without adding technical complexity or operational overhead.

How do payment links work?

Here’s what happens when you decide to use a payment link, step by step.

1. You create the link

You log in to your payment provider’s system, set the details (amount, description, currency), and generate a payment link. Some providers let you add advanced options, like setting up recurring payments, applying discounts, or adding custom fields.

2. You share the link

You send the link to your customer through whichever channel works best, from email, SMS, social media, or even on paper as a printed QR code. There’s no need for the customer to download an app or create an account.

3. The customer pays

The customer clicks the link, reviews the details, and completes the payment on a secure checkout page. Depending on the provider, they can usually pay by card, bank transfer, or digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay.

4. You get notified

As soon as the payment goes through, you get a confirmation. The payment appears in your dashboard, and the funds are routed to your account according to the provider’s payout schedule.

5. You track and reconcile

You can view reports, match payments to invoices, and keep your financial records up to date, all without needing to manually cross-check bank statements.

Why use payment links?

For finance leaders, payment links for business are appealing because they offer three key things: simplicity, speed, and control.

Let’s break that down.

Simplicity

Setting up traditional payment systems can take time, budget, and developer resources. With payment links, you skip all that. You don’t need an online store, custom integrations, or an IT team.

Most providers offer intuitive dashboards where your finance, sales, or customer service teams can create links on their own with no coding required.

Speed

Customers can pay instantly. You don’t need to send formal invoices and wait for manual bank transfers. Instead, you send a link, and the customer pays as soon as they’re ready.

Faster payments mean improved cash flow, which matters for any business trying to grow sustainably.

Control

Payment links give you flexibility. You can set custom amounts, define payment terms, apply taxes, or collect specific customer information all through the link. Plus, you get clear reporting, so you always know what’s been paid and what’s outstanding.

Who should use payment links?

Payment links are useful across industries, but they shine in a few specific situations:

• SaaS and subscription businesses: Set up one-off sign-up fees, custom upgrade charges, or quick renewals without needing a full billing platform.
• Professional services: Send clients a quick, secure way to pay for consulting hours, legal work, or project-based fees.
• Retail and wholesale: Offer online checkout without a website, take remote orders, or collect payments for pre-orders and special deals.
• Event organizers: Sell tickets, collect RSVPs, or handle entry fees with a simple link.
• Nonprofits: Share donation links by email, on social media, or via printed materials.

If you have a team of 10+ people, payment links can help finance and operations teams reduce manual work and empower sales or customer service teams to collect payments independently.

The benefits of using payment links

Let’s go deeper into why businesses adopt payment links and why finance leaders often drive the decision.

Easy to set up

No special software, no complicated onboarding. You can create a payment link in minutes, and anyone on your team can use it.

Broad payment options

Customers can pay however they prefer: credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, or bank transfers. You’re not limited to one method, which helps improve conversion rates.

Use across channels

Email, text, social media, and QR codes can all include payment links since they are flexible. You can meet your customers where they are, not force them into a single checkout channel.

Fast cash flow

By reducing friction in the payment process, you get paid faster. That improves your cash position and helps keep your financial operations running smoothly.

Security and compliance

Most major providers offer PCI-compliant, encrypted checkout flows. That keeps you and your customers protected.

Integrated reporting

You can track payments in real time, pull reports, and match payments to accounts all through the same system.

Top payment link providers for US Businesses

Here’s a look at some of the leading platforms offering payment links for business solutions. This isn’t a ranking, just an overview to help you explore options.

Wise for US Businesses

Wise Business can help your US company get paid internationally. After opting into payment details, you can get paid in multiple global currencies like a local. This means you can get around international transfer fees.

Create a payment link by simply putting your currency, amount and what it's for. As a business, you can also attach your invoice, due date or any messages for your customers. See below a step-by-step guide on how to create a payment link.

Select whether you want to use a Single Use link (accept one payment from a customer) or Reusable link (accept multiple payments from your customers).

Share the link
Sharing your link is easy. You can share it by email, text or WhatsApp. It will contain everything someone needs to pay you, no matter whether they're on mobile or website. Both Wise and non-Wise customers are able to pay you, no matter their location in 8+ currencies.

Get paid
Your money lands directly in your Wise account, in the currency you requested. We will notify you that it has arrived. Your Single Use payment link expires in one month and you're able to track any paid, unpaid and requested payment links in your account.

Stripe

Stripe Payment Links let you set up one-off payments, subscriptions, and even upsell flows. Stripe supports dozens of currencies and payment methods, making it a great fit for international businesses.¹

Why it’s worth considering:

• Global reach
• Developer-friendly (if you need it)
• Built-in analytics and integrations

Square

Square Payment Links help you create checkout links for products, services, or donations. You can share them online or offline, and they tie into Square’s POS tools.

Why it’s worth considering:

• Strong for retail, restaurants, and local businesses
• No monthly fees—you pay per transaction
• Connects with Square hardware and software

GoDaddy Pay Links

GoDaddy Pay Links are designed for small businesses that want a quick way to collect payments, even without a full website.

Why it’s worth considering:

• Easy setup if you’re already a GoDaddy customer
• Clear, simple dashboard
• Good for service providers and small merchants

PayPal Payment Links

PayPal Payment Links let businesses request payments by creating and sharing a simple link via email, text, or social media. Customers can pay using cards, PayPal balance, or connected bank accounts—PayPal login required only if you want to pay using your balance.

Why it’s worth considering:

• Simple setup
• Trusted by millions of users
• Works well for freelancers, service providers, and online sellers

HubSpot

HubSpot Payment Links embed payment collection right into CRM workflows, letting sales teams attach links to deals, quotes, or emails.²

Why it’s worth considering:

• Fully integrated into sales processes
• Automates follow-up and reporting
• Ideal for SaaS and B2B businesses

Link

Link focuses on making checkout ultra-fast by letting customers pay across merchants without re-entering details.

Why it’s worth considering:

• Optimized for repeat buyers
• Speeds up checkout, improving conversion
• Works across multiple sites and platforms

How to choose the right payment link provider

Picking a payment link for business solution is about choosing what fits your company’s real needs, budget, and workflows.

Here’s what finance leaders should focus on when evaluating providers:

Payment methods

Start with the basics: can the platform handle the ways your customers want to pay?

Look for support for:

• Credit and debit cards (essential for most businesses)
• Digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or PayPal
• Bank transfers or ACH (useful for B2B transactions)
• Buy-now-pay-later services (relevant for retail or e-commerce)

The more flexible the payment methods, the more customers you can serve and the fewer payment delays you’ll face.

Ease of use

Not every business has a developer team ready to jump in. Ask:

• Can finance, operations, or sales teams create payment links on their own?
• Is the dashboard user-friendly, or will you need training?
• Are there built-in templates or guided setup tools to speed up link creation?

Remember, tools that are too complex often lead to low adoption across teams. Go for something your people will actually use.

Integration with existing systems

A payment link solution isn’t just about collecting money but about how smoothly that data connects to your larger financial and operational systems.

Check if the provider integrates with:

• Your accounting software (like QuickBooks or Xero)
• Your CRM (like Salesforce or HubSpot)
• Your ERP (for larger or more complex operations)
• Your reporting or analytics tools

Good integrations reduce manual work, cut down on reconciliation errors, and help you keep accurate records without extra effort.

Fees & Pricing

Most payment link providers charge per transaction, but some may also apply monthly fees, premium feature costs, or volume-based pricing tiers.

Key things to check:

• What’s the transaction fee (percentage and fixed cost)?
• Are there extra charges for specific payment methods (like Amex or international cards)?
• Are there additional setup or subscription fees?
• Are there discounts for higher transaction volumes?

Run the math for your business’s specific payment volume and average transaction size, as small percentage differences can add up over time.

Security and compliance

Handling customer payments comes with responsibility. Make sure the provider:

• Is PCI DSS compliant (this is non-negotiable)
• Uses encryption and secure data storage
• Offers fraud detection or protection tools
• Is transparent about how they handle customer and payment data

The right provider helps protect your business from risk and gives your customers confidence.

Scalability and flexibility

Your needs today may not be your needs a year from now. Ask:

• Can the platform handle growing transaction volumes?
• Does it support multi-currency payments if you expand internationally?
• Can it handle recurring payments or subscriptions as your offerings evolve?
• Does it offer advanced reporting, user roles, or team management as your internal structure becomes more complex?

Choose a solution that grows with you, so you’re not forced into a costly platform switch later.

Customer support

Finally, look at how the provider supports you when things go wrong. Payments are critical, and you can’t afford downtime or delays.

Check for:

• 24/7 customer support (especially if you work across time zones)
• Dedicated account managers (for larger businesses)
• Comprehensive documentation and self-service help centers
• Clear escalation processes for technical or payment issues

Good support can make the difference between a small hiccup and a major operational problem.

Best practices for using payment links

Setting up payment links is only part of the job. Using them well is what makes the difference between smooth payment operations and avoidable headaches. Here’s how to get the most from your setup.

Brand your links and checkout pages

Customers want to know they’re paying the right business. Make sure your payment link and checkout page carry your company’s name, logo, and colors. It’ll help build trust and prevent customers from abandoning the payment due to uncertainty or confusion.

Pro tip: Some providers let you customize the payment confirmation page or follow-up emails too. Use this space to reinforce your brand or share next steps.

Test links before sending

Before rolling links out to customers, test them internally. Check that:

• The link opens on both mobile and desktop
• The payment process works smoothly across major browsers
• All supported payment methods function properly
• The confirmation page and follow-up notifications appear as expected

This saves you from customer complaints and reduces the risk of payment delays.

Set clear payment terms

Include important details like:

• What is the payment for
• The total amount, including taxes or fees
• Refund or cancellation policies
• Delivery timelines, if applicable

Clear, upfront communication reduces disputes and gives customers confidence when paying.

Automate payment tracking and reconciliation

Where possible, connect your payment link provider to your accounting or finance systems. This helps:

• Automatically log payments
• Reconcile against invoices or sales records
• Reduce manual data entry and the risk of errors

Many providers offer direct integrations, while others can connect through APIs or third-party tools. Take advantage of these to save time and improve accuracy.

Train your team

Make sure everyone involved in finance, sales, customer service, or operations understands:

• How to create, share, and manage payment links
• When to use a link versus other payment methods
• Who to contact if something goes wrong

A clear internal process provides consistency and avoids confusion, especially as your team scales.

Monitor performance regularly

Set time aside each month or quarter to review key metrics like:

• Number of payment links created
• Conversion rates and how often links result in completed payments
• Average payment value
• Failed or abandoned transactions

That way, you’ll spot trends, identify bottlenecks, and improve your payment strategy over time.

Keep security top of mind

Even though your provider handles the heavy lifting for PCI compliance, your team should:

• Only share payment links through secure channels
• Never include sensitive payment details in emails or chats\
• Watch out for phishing attempts or suspicious activity

Good security practices on your side help protect your customers and your reputation.

Final thoughts

For businesses looking to speed up collections, simplify operations, and give customers a better payment experience, payment links are a smart solution.

They’re flexible, fast, and scalable, and they let your finance and operations teams focus on what matters most: running and growing the business.

Take the time to explore your options, test different providers, and set up the systems that work best for your needs, and you’ll create a routine that supports your business rather than complicating it.

Save Time and Hassle With Wise Business

Wise is not a bank, but a Money Services Business (MSB) provider and a smart alternative to banks. Wise makes it easy to send, hold, and manage business funds in currencies. You can get major currency account details for a one-off fee to receive overseas payments like a local. Simply add the local account details when billing international customers to receive international payments with no fees.

Account opening is 100% online, with no need to visit a branch or book appointments.

Once you’re set up, you can connect to software such as Wave, FreshBooks, and more. You can also withdraw funds from Stripe without currency conversion fees.

Open a Wise Business account online

Some key benefits of Wise Business include:

Major local account details to receive international payments with ease No monthly account fees just a simple one-off fee for account details Receive payments from e-commerce platforms such as Amazon or via Stripe. Free invoicing tool to generate and send invoices. Create invoices using the Wise invoice generator or invoice templates. Accounting integrations, including a QuickBooks Bill Pay connection. Bill payments will be synced, matched, and categorized in QuickBooks for simple reconciliation. BatchTransfer. Fast payment of up to 1,000 people.

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Sources:

1 - Currencies | Stripe
2 - Create and Share Payment Links | Hubspot