What is a Payment Link and Why Would You Need One?

Payment links, also known as checkout links, are secure and flexible online checkout options. You can share these links on different platforms, such as web pages, emails, or texts, or create them as QR codes that customers can scan with their mobile devices. They can serve as personalized links for one-time purchases for a specific customer or be created for use by multiple customers across various channels.

Anytime a customer pays by link, they’re sent to a dedicated checkout page. From there, all they need to do is enter their payment information to complete the purchase.

But here’s the cool part.

Payment links can also be just as “plug-n-play” for your business. If your merchant services provider has this functionality within its dashboard, it acts as a payment link generator. This means you can create them without code or any additional software, as the checkout page is prebuilt too.

What is the difference between a payment link and a checkout button?

A checkout or payment button is for general payment acceptance. These buttons are part of a website's main shopping functionality and are for a public audience. Businesses generate payment links by customer request or create them for special uses.

Why would I need a payment link when I have a website or app?

Payment links simplify online transactions by letting customers pay on the fly. When a customer clicks a link, it takes them directly to the checkout page.

From there, all they need to do is enter their payment information. Customers can also save the link and pay whenever they’re ready. For them, it’s all about speed and convenience.

For your business, it’s about creating more sales opportunities and providing better customer experiences.

The flexibility of payment links makes them ideal for various business scenarios. Here are some of the top uses:

1. Retail and e-commerce stores

Payment links can help prevent lost sales for out-of-stock products. If a customer opts in for updates, you can send them a link to pay when the product is available.

2. SMS marketing aka text message marketing

Include a prefilled checkout link in promotional offers that send customers directly to the checkout page.

3. Direct text sales for customers who opt in for text updates

Empower your sales team to send customers personalized links to pay for a product or service.

4. Nonprofit organizations or fundraising

Send a link or QR code to potential donors via text or email for them to donate to specific causes.

5. Marketing campaigns and optimized messaging

Add payment links to special landing pages for different customer segments

6. Businesses or freelancers with websites that don't support e-commerce

Send customers a link to pay, even if you don't have a shopping cart on your website.

Of course, that's not all. There's many creative ways to use this feature.

Payment links are designed with security in mind. Robust encryption and tokenization make paying by link both convenient and safe for financial transactions.

Because payment links are generated by request or are for specific, opted-in audiences, the risk of chargebacks is also greatly reduced. This is because there’s a chain of evidence showing each customer’s interaction with your business.

How to make a payment link?

You can choose to build your own payment link functionality or you can use an MSP with a no-code solution. At Finix, it’s as easy as logging into your dashboard and a few clicks of a button to generate the link—no code needed. You can create one-time use links or multi-use links, choose the allowed payment methods, and more. This is a perfect option for companies that value speed and convenience.

For those seeking a more customized approach, a payment link API offers a tailored solution. This option gives you complete control over every aspect of your pay-by-link experience. The trade-off is more time and cost investment, as well as the need for technical expertise.

How do I add a payment button to my website?

One of the most convenient things about payment links is that you can put them anywhere. As mentioned earlier, this isn’t the same as the regular checkout or payment buttons you see on websites.

Instead, you’re creating a link that you can use on any page or platform. It can be a button, embedded into a QR code, or sent as a simple URL. Depending on how it's designed, you can usually do this in a few minutes in your website's CMS. If you’re sending a link through text or email, it’s as easy as copying and pasting the link or linking to it in an email client.

At Finix, payment links are one of many low- and no-code tools your business can utilize without the need for expensive development resources.

Meeting customers where they’re at

Payment links are a must-have merchant services feature in today’s digital environment. With them, you can create safe and convenient personalized buying experiences for your customers. From scannable QR codes to clickable links on web pages, emails, or texts, you’re able to reach your customers in new ways.