What are payment links & how do they work? (2026 guide)

Key takeaways:

• A payment link is a secure URL, QR code, or button that takes customers directly to a checkout page to complete a payment — no website or coding required.

• Payment links can be shared via email, SMS, social media, messaging apps, and in person, making them one of the most flexible ways to collect payments across channels.

• Airwallex Payment Links support 160+ payment methods in multiple currencies, with built-in fraud detection, custom branding, and direct integration with accounting platforms like Xero and QuickBooks.

What are payment links, and why are so many businesses using them?

A payment link is a secure URL that directs your customer to a checkout page where they can complete a payment. You generate the link, share it through any channel — email, SMS, WhatsApp, social media — and your customer pays in a few clicks.

This guide covers how payment links work, the different types available, their benefits and limitations, and how to set them up for your business.

What is a payment link?

A payment link is a URL, QR code, or clickable button that directs a customer to a secure checkout page where they can complete a payment. Businesses create payment links through a payment provider and share them with customers via email, SMS, messaging apps like WhatsApp, social media, or even printed materials.

When a customer clicks or scans the link, they land on a hosted payment page. There, they enter their payment details — credit card, debit card, bank transfer, or digital wallet — and the transaction is processed. The business receives a confirmation, and funds are settled into their account.

Unlike a payment gateway integrated into a website's checkout flow, a payment link works independently. You don't need a website, an app, or any technical setup. That's what makes payment links appealing for businesses that sell across multiple channels or don't have a dedicated online store.

How do payment links work?

The process follows five steps:

• Create the link. Log in to your payment provider's dashboard. Enter the payment amount, currency, and a description of the product or service.

• Customise the checkout page. Add your business logo, brand colours, and any relevant details. Some providers also let you set expiry dates or accept open-ended amounts.

• Share the link. Send it to your customer through whichever channel suits the transaction — email, SMS, WhatsApp, social media, or a QR code on printed material.

• Customer pays. Your customer clicks the link, chooses their preferred payment method, and completes the transaction on a secure hosted page.

• Receive confirmation. Both you and the customer get a payment notification. The funds are processed and settled into your account based on your provider's payout schedule.

The entire process requires no coding, no developer support, and no complex integration. Most payment links can be created and shared in under two minutes.

Types of payment links

Not all payment links work the same way. Depending on the transaction, you can choose from three main types.

1. Single-use payment links

A single-use link is tied to one specific transaction. Once the customer pays, the link expires automatically. 

This type is best for custom quotes, one-off invoices, or any situation where the amount is unique to the buyer. It also prevents accidental duplicate payments, since the link can't be reused after a successful transaction.

2. Reusable payment links

A reusable link stays active and can accept multiple payments from different customers. It's ideal if you sell a product or service at a fixed price — for example, a consultation fee, event ticket, or standard subscription charge. You create the link once and share it as many times as you need, across any channel.

3. Recurring payment links

A recurring payment link authorises regular charges on a set schedule — weekly, monthly, or at any interval you define.

The customer authenticates and approves the first payment, and subsequent charges are processed automatically. This type suits membership fees, retainer payments, subscription services, or instalment plans.

Most payment providers let you choose between these three types when creating a link. Some also allow you to set custom expiry dates, accept open-ended amounts (useful for donations or tips), and attach reference numbers for easier reconciliation.

Payment link vs payment gateway vs invoice

These three tools serve different purposes. Here's how they compare:

Each tool has its place. Some businesses use all three depending on the situation. For example, you might use a payment gateway on your online store, send invoices for project-based work, and use payment links for quick payments over WhatsApp or social media.

Why use a payment link?

Payment links solve a specific problem: they let you collect payments without building payment infrastructure. Whether you're invoicing a client, selling on social media, or following up after a phone call, a payment link gets you paid faster and with less friction.

Here's what makes them worth considering.

No website or coding required

Setting up a traditional online checkout takes time, budget, and often developer support. Payment links skip all of that. You generate a link through your payment provider's dashboard, and it's ready to share in minutes.

This makes them especially useful for businesses that don't have — or don't need — a full eCommerce site.

Faster payment collection

The fewer steps between your customer and the checkout page, the quicker you get paid. Payment links take your customer directly to a secure payment page in one click. There's no need to navigate a website, search for a product, or create an account.

Research from the Baymard Institute found that over 70% of online shopping carts are abandoned before purchase¹ — and 18% of those shoppers cited a checkout process that was too long or complicated. Payment links remove that friction entirely.

Multi-channel flexibility

You can share a payment link through any channel your customers already use — email, SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, or even a printed QR code. This means you're not limited to one sales channel. If your business communicates with customers across multiple platforms, payment links let you collect payments wherever those conversations happen.

Support for multiple payment methods

Once a customer clicks your link, they can typically pay by credit card, debit card, bank transfer, or digital wallet (such as Apple Pay or Google Pay). Offering multiple payment options at checkout reduces the chance of customers dropping off because their preferred method isn't available.

Cross-border payment collection

For businesses with international customers, payment links simplify cross-border payments. Many providers support multiple currencies and local payment methods, so your customer can pay in their preferred currency without you needing to set up a localised website or separate payment gateway for each market.

Who can use payment links?

Payment links work for any business that needs to collect payments remotely, but they're especially useful for businesses that don't rely on a traditional online store. Here are some of the most common use cases:

Freelancers and independent contractors

Whether you bill by the hour or by project, a payment link gives you a fast way to request payment once the work is done. No invoicing software or payment portal required — just send the link and get paid.

Service providers

Businesses that provide services like cleaning, beauty treatments, fitness coaching, or pet care can send a payment link immediately after each session. It speeds up collection and avoids the back-and-forth of bank transfers or cash payments.

Consultants and coaches

For one-on-one consulting, group coaching, or advisory work, payment links let you collect session fees, retainers, or deposits without setting up a full booking and payment system.

Event organisers

Payment links simplify ticket sales, registration fees, and deposit collection for conferences, workshops, and private events. Share a link on social media or in an email, and attendees can pay in seconds.

eCommerce sellers without a website

If you sell through Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, or a marketplace, payment links let you accept payments directly — without redirecting customers to a separate website or checkout page.

Nonprofits and community groups

Charities, fundraisers, and community organisations can use payment links to collect donations. A reusable link works well here — share it across email campaigns, social media posts, and printed materials, and supporters can contribute whenever they're ready.

B2B businesses

Companies that sell to other businesses often deal with custom pricing, ad-hoc orders, or service charges that don't fit neatly into a product catalogue. A payment link lets you request the exact amount for each transaction without building a checkout flow around it.

How to use payment links by channel

One of the biggest advantages of payment links is that they work wherever your customers are. Here's how to use them across different channels:

Email

Email is one of the most common ways to share a payment link. You can include a link in a follow-up email after a sales call, embed it in a digital invoice, or add it to a payment reminder. Because the customer can click and pay without leaving their inbox, it reduces delays and cuts down on unpaid invoices.

SMS and messaging apps

For businesses that communicate with customers over text, WhatsApp, or Telegram, payment links fit naturally into the conversation. You can send a link mid-chat — while the customer is still engaged — and they can pay immediately on their phone.

This is especially effective for service providers, small retailers, and businesses that take orders over messaging.

Social media

If you sell through Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or other platforms, you can share payment links directly in posts, stories, bios, or direct messages. This lets customers go from browsing your content to completing a purchase without being redirected to a separate website. It's a practical option for product drops, limited-time offers, and creator-driven sales.

In person with QR codes

Payment links aren't limited to digital channels. You can convert any payment link into a QR code and print it on receipts, flyers, posters, or table cards. Customers scan the code with their phone and land on the checkout page instantly.

This works well for pop-up shops, market stalls, events, and service businesses that don't use a point-of-sale terminal.

Customer service chat

If your business offers live chat or chatbot support, agents can share a payment link directly in the conversation. This is useful when a customer wants to pay for an upgrade, replacement, or add-on service during a support interaction — without needing to navigate to a separate page or call back later.

Embedded in invoices

Some payment providers let you embed payment links directly into invoices generated through accounting platforms like Xero, QuickBooks, or NetSuite. When your customer receives the invoice, they click the link and pay on the spot. This speeds up collection and simplifies reconciliation, since the payment is automatically matched to the invoice.

Is it safe to use payment links?

Yes, payment links from reputable providers are safe. They use the same security infrastructure that powers online banking and major eCommerce platforms. Here's what to look for:

Encryption

When a customer clicks a payment link, the connection between their browser and the payment server is encrypted using SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer / Transport Layer Security).

This means any data transmitted — including card numbers and personal details — is scrambled and unreadable to anyone who intercepts it. You can verify this by checking for the padlock icon and "https://" in the browser address bar.

PCI DSS compliance

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is the global security benchmark for handling card data. Any reputable payment link provider will be PCI DSS compliant, meaning they meet strict requirements for secure networks, data protection, access controls, and regular security testing.

Because payment links use hosted payment pages — where the provider handles all card data — your business never touches sensitive payment information directly. This reduces your compliance burden significantly.

Tokenisation

Tokenisation replaces sensitive card details with a unique, random token. Even if someone gains access to the token, it's useless without the provider's decryption keys. This means that if a customer saves their card for future payments, their actual card number is never stored on your systems.

3D Secure (3DS) authentication

3D Secure adds an extra layer of verification to card payments. When a transaction meets certain conditions — based on the customer's location, transaction amount, or risk rules — the customer is prompted to verify their identity. This might involve entering a one-time password (OTP) sent to their phone, or using biometric authentication like a fingerprint.

3DS protects both the customer and the merchant. For the merchant, it shifts liability for fraudulent chargebacks to the card issuer when authentication is completed successfully.

In the European Economic Area (EEA) and the UK, Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) under PSD2 already requires multi-factor authentication for online card payments. 3DS is the primary mechanism for meeting this requirement. While SCA is not mandated in Singapore, many global payment providers — including Airwallex — support 3DS as standard to protect against fraud regardless of where your customer is located.

Fraud detection

Beyond encryption and authentication, many payment providers use machine learning and AI-powered risk engines to detect suspicious transactions in real time. These systems analyse patterns like unusual transaction amounts, mismatched locations, rapid repeated attempts, and device fingerprints to flag or block potentially fraudulent activity before it completes.

Airwallex, for example, uses a built-in risk engine that combines machine learning models with customisable fraud rules, giving businesses an additional layer of protection on every payment link transaction.

Limitations of payment links

Payment links are a practical tool, but they're not the right fit for every situation. It's worth understanding the trade-offs before deciding how they fit into your payment setup.

Higher processing fees for card-not-present transactions

Because the customer isn't physically present when they pay through a payment link, these transactions are classified as card-not-present (CNP).

CNP transactions generally carry higher processing fees than in-person card payments, because they pose a greater fraud risk to processors and card networks. If your business processes a high volume of low-margin transactions, this cost difference is worth factoring in.

Limited eCommerce functionality

Payment links handle payments well, but they don't replace a full eCommerce platform. If your business needs features like inventory management, product catalogues, customer accounts, or shopping cart functionality, a payment link alone won't cover those requirements.

For businesses that need both, payment links work best as a complement to — not a substitute for — a dedicated online store.

Fraud and impersonation risk

While payment links themselves are secure, bad actors can exploit the format. Scammers may send fraudulent payment links that impersonate a legitimate business, tricking customers into entering their payment details on a fake page. This isn't a flaw in the technology itself, but it's a risk to be aware of.

Businesses that send payment links regularly should educate their customers on how to verify legitimate links — for example, by checking the URL domain and only paying through expected channels.

Less control over the customer experience

With a full website checkout, you control the entire buying journey, from product browsing to post-purchase confirmation. A payment link delivers the customer directly to a hosted payment page, which limits your ability to upsell, cross-sell, or provide contextual product information.

Some providers offer branding and customisation options, but the experience is still more basic than a fully integrated checkout flow.

Best practices for using payment links

Setting up a payment link takes minutes. Using it effectively takes a bit more thought. These practices will help you get better results from every link you send.

Brand your checkout page

A generic payment page can make customers hesitate. Add your business logo, brand colours, and company name to the checkout page so customers immediately recognise who they're paying. Some providers also let you use a custom domain, which builds further trust.

The more familiar the page looks, the more likely your customer is to complete the payment.

Test before you send

Before sharing a payment link with customers, test it yourself. Check that it opens correctly on both mobile and desktop, that every payment method works, and that the confirmation page displays as expected. A broken or slow-loading link can cost you the sale and damage credibility.

Be clear about what the customer is paying for

Every payment link should include a clear description of the product, service, or invoice it relates to. If relevant, include the amount, any applicable taxes, and your refund or cancellation policy.

Customers are far more likely to complete a payment when they know exactly what they're paying for and what to expect afterwards.

Optimise for mobile

Most customers will open your payment link on a phone. Make sure the checkout page is responsive, loads quickly, and doesn't require excessive scrolling or form-filling on a small screen.

If your provider offers digital wallet options like Apple Pay or Google Pay, enable them — they reduce friction on mobile significantly.

Track and reconcile payments

Connect your payment link provider to your accounting software wherever possible. This lets you automatically match payments to invoices, reduce manual data entry, and keep your financial records accurate.

Most providers also offer dashboards where you can monitor payment status, track conversion rates, and spot any failed or abandoned transactions.

Share through secure channels

Only send payment links through channels your customers expect to receive them from: email, SMS, or messaging apps they already use to communicate with you. Avoid posting payment links in public forums or unsecured channels where they could be intercepted or copied.

If you send links regularly, let your customers know what your links look like so they can distinguish yours from potential scams.

How to collect payments with a payment link

The exact steps depend on your payment provider, but the general process is straightforward. Here's how it works with Airwallex Payment Links:

• Sign up and verify your account. If you're new to Airwallex, create an account and complete the verification process.

• Go to Payment Links. In the Airwallex web app, navigate to the "Payments" tab and select "Payment links."

• Enter the transaction details. Add the payment amount, currency, and a description of the product or service. You can also set an expiry date or allow open-ended amounts.

• Customise the checkout page. Add your business logo, brand colours, and a custom domain to build trust during the payment process.

• Generate and share the link. Airwallex creates a unique, secure URL. Copy the link and share it with your customer via email, SMS, WhatsApp, social media, or download it as a QR code.

• Track the payment. Once your customer pays, both you and the customer receive a confirmation notification. You can verify the transaction in the Payments tab to check the amount and details.

The entire process takes minutes and requires no coding or developer support.

Why Singapore businesses choose to use Airwallex Payment Links

Airwallex is more than a payment link provider — it's a full financial platform.

That means the payment link is just the entry point. Once a customer pays, the funds flow into the same account you use to hold currencies, pay suppliers, issue corporate cards, and manage expenses. Everything sits in one place.

Here's what sets Airwallex Payment Links apart:

No-code setup in minutes

You can create and share a payment link directly from the Airwallex dashboard — no developers, no integration, no website required. Generate a one-time or reusable link, add your branding, and share it via email, SMS, WhatsApp, or QR code.

160+ payment methods across multiple currencies

Airwallex Payment Links support cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay), and local payment methods like PayNow, GrabPay, and WeChat Pay. Your customers can pay in their preferred currency and method, wherever they are in the world.

Custom branding and domains

You can add your business logo, brand colours, and company name to the checkout page. Airwallex also lets you use a custom domain, so customers see your URL instead of a generic third-party page when they pay. This builds trust and reduces drop-off.

Direct integration with accounting platforms

Airwallex lets you generate payment links that embed directly into invoices created through Xero, QuickBooks, or NetSuite. When a customer pays, the transaction is automatically matched to the invoice. This cuts down on manual reconciliation and keeps your books accurate.

Low or no FX conversion fees

When a customer pays through a link in a foreign currency, you can settle the funds directly into your Airwallex multi-currency account — without forced currency conversion. Hold the balance in the original currency and use it to pay suppliers in the same currency, avoiding unnecessary FX fees.

Built-in fraud protection

Every payment link transaction is protected by Airwallex's risk engine, which uses machine learning to detect and block fraudulent payments. You can also customise risk rules, build alert lists, and trigger 3D Secure authentication based on your risk appetite.

Part of a complete financial platform

Airwallex Payment Links work alongside the rest of the Airwallex platform. You can use the same account to send international transfers, issue corporate cards for employee spending, manage expenses, and automate bill payments — all from a single dashboard.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Are payment links safe to use?

Yes. Payment links from reputable providers direct customers to a secure, encrypted checkout page — the same type of infrastructure used in online banking. Look for providers that are PCI DSS compliant, use SSL/TLS encryption, and support 3D Secure authentication. Your card details are entered on the provider's hosted page, not on the merchant's systems. Airwallex Payment Links include all of these protections, plus a built-in fraud detection engine.

How do I send a payment link to a customer?

Log in to your payment provider's dashboard, create a new payment link by entering the amount, currency, and a description, then copy the link and share it. You can send it via email, SMS, WhatsApp, social media, or convert it into a QR code. The process takes under two minutes and requires no coding.

What is the difference between a payment link and an invoice?

A payment link is a URL that takes your customer directly to a checkout page to pay. An invoice is a formal document listing goods or services, amounts, and payment terms. Invoices are typically used for itemised billing or payments on terms, while payment links are better suited for quick, one-off, or ad-hoc transactions. Many businesses use both — embedding a payment link into an invoice to speed up collection.

Can I accept multiple payment methods through a payment link?

Yes. Most payment link providers let customers choose from several payment methods at checkout, including credit and debit cards, bank transfers, and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. The more methods you offer, the less likely a customer is to drop off because their preferred option isn't available. Airwallex Payment Links support over 160 payment methods across multiple currencies.

Are payment links reusable?

It depends on how you set them up. Single-use links expire after one successful payment, which is ideal for invoices or custom quotes. Reusable links stay active and can accept payments from multiple customers — useful for fixed-price products, event tickets, or donations. Some providers also offer recurring payment links for subscriptions or installments.

Who can use payment links?

Payment links work for any business that needs to collect payments remotely. They're especially useful for freelancers, service providers, consultants, eCommerce sellers without a website, event organisers, nonprofits, and B2B businesses. Because they don't require a website or technical setup, payment links are accessible to businesses of any size.

Sources:

1.  https://baymard.com/lists/cart-abandonment-rate

This publication does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice from Airwallex, nor does it substitute seeking such advice, and makes no express or implied representations / warranties / guarantees regarding content accuracy, completeness, or currency. If you would like to request an update, feel free to contact us at [[email protected]]. Airwallex (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (201626561Z) is licensed as a Major Payment Institution and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.