Payment Links

Send Secure Payment Requests Via Text, Email & Social Media

Get Paid Instantly with One-Click Payment Links

Send secure payment links to customers anywhere—via text message, email, social media, or any messaging app. No website required, no checkout pages to build, no technical setup. Just create a payment link, send it to your customer, and get paid in seconds. Perfect for businesses that invoice, sell remotely, or need to collect payments quickly without complicated systems.

Why Payment Links Work:

Get paid in under 60 seconds from link creation to payment
No website or online store required
Works via text, email, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook—anywhere
Customers pay with one click—no account creation needed
Accept credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, ACH
Track every link: sent, opened, paid, or expired

What Are Payment Links?

Payment links (also called pay links, payment request links, or quick pay links) are secure, unique URLs that allow customers to pay you instantly with a single click—no website, shopping cart, or complicated checkout process required. You create a payment link for a specific amount, send it to your customer via any communication channel (text, email, social media, messaging apps), and the customer clicks the link to reach a secure payment page where they enter their payment information and complete the transaction in seconds.

How payment links work:

Create link: Enter amount, description, and customer details in seconds
Send link: Copy link and send via text, email, or social media
Customer clicks: Link opens secure payment page instantly
Customer pays: One-click payment with card or digital wallet
Instant notification: You receive immediate payment confirmation
Automatic receipt: Digital receipt sent to customer automatically
Funds deposited: Money in your bank account in 1-2 business days

Payment link example:

None

https://pay.coastalpay.com/abc123xyz

What customers see:

Professional branded payment page
Transaction amount and description
Your business name and logo
Multiple payment method options
Secure payment form (PCI compliant)
Immediate confirmation after payment

Benefits of Payment Links

Get Paid in Seconds—Literally

Payment links eliminate all friction between “customer owes money” and “money in your account.”

Speed comparison:

Traditional invoicing:

Create invoice: 10–15 minutes
Mail or email: Instant to 3 days
Customer receives: Variable
Customer processes payment: 7–30 days
Payment arrives: 30–45 days average
Total time: 30–45 days

Payment links:

Create link: 30 seconds
Send via text/email: Instant
Customer receives: Instant
Customer clicks and pays: 30–60 seconds
You receive confirmation: Instant
Funds available: 1–2 business days
Total time: 2–3 minutes to confirmation

Real-world speed examples:

Customer texts “Can I pay now?” → Send link → Paid in 90 seconds
Client calls to pay invoice → Create link during call → Paid before hanging up
Social media inquiry → Send payment link in DM → Paid in 2 minutes
Email quote → Include payment link → Customer pays immediately
In-person but forgot card reader → Text payment link → Customer pays from phone

Payment speed statistics:

68% of payment links paid within 1 hour of sending
82% paid within 24 hours
95% paid within 3 days
Average payment time: 4.5 hours (vs 35 days for traditional invoicing)
Immediate payment rate (under 5 minutes): 31%

Why payment links get paid so fast:

Instant delivery (text/email arrives in seconds)
One-click payment (no complicated process)
Mobile-optimized (pay from any device)
No login required (immediate access)
Top-of-mind (customer sees request immediately)
Removes all barriers (as easy as clicking a link)

No Website or Technical Setup Required

Accept payments without building a website, shopping cart, or payment system.

What you DON'T need:

❌ Website or online store
❌ E-commerce platform subscription
❌ Shopping cart setup
❌ Payment gateway integration
❌ Technical knowledge or coding
❌ Web hosting or domain name
❌ SSL certificate setup
❌ Checkout page design

What you DO need:

✅ Coastal Pay merchant account (5-minute signup)
✅ Ability to send text or email (you already have this)
✅ Customer’s contact information (phone or email)

Perfect for:

Service businesses without websites
Freelancers and solopreneurs
Mobile-first businesses
Businesses transitioning online
Side hustles and part-time businesses
Businesses that primarily work via phone/text
Non-technical business owners

Send Payment Links Anywhere

Payment links work across every communication channel your customers use.

Delivery channels:

Text message (SMS):

Highest open rate (98% opened within 3 minutes)
Best for immediate payment requests
Works on any phone (smartphone or basic phone)
Customer clicks link directly from text
Perfect for on-the-go customers
No app download required

Email:

Professional presentation
Include detailed description
Attach supporting documents
Easy for customer to forward (to accounting, etc.)
Searchable for customer reference
Works on all devices

WhatsApp:

International customer reach (2+ billion users)
End-to-end encrypted communication
Common in many countries
Business WhatsApp integration
Group chat payment requests
Multimedia message support

Social media:

Instagram DM: Perfect for Instagram shops and influencers
Facebook Messenger: Send to social connections
Twitter/X DM: B2B payment requests
LinkedIn Message: Professional networking payments
TikTok DM: Creator economy payments

Other messaging apps:

Telegram
Signal
Slack (for B2B/team payments)
Microsoft Teams
WeChat (international)
Any app that supports links

QR codes:

Generate QR code from payment link
Print on invoices, receipts, signage
Display on phone/tablet for in-person scanning
Event table tents and displays
Business cards
Marketing materials

One-Click Payment Experience

Customers pay without creating accounts, logging in, or complex forms.

Customer payment flow:

Receive link via text, email, or message (instant)
Click link on any device (phone, tablet, computer)
See payment page with amount, description, your business info
Choose payment method (card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, ACH)
Enter payment details or use saved method
Click “Pay Now” button
Receive confirmation instantly
Get digital receipt via email/SMS

Total time: 30-90 seconds

No account creation barriers:

❌ No username/password required
❌ No email verification
❌ No personal information forms
❌ No profile setup
❌ No navigation through multiple pages
✅ Just click link and pay

Mobile-optimized experience:

Responsive design for all screen sizes
Large, tappable buttons
Auto-zoom on form fields
Digital wallet integration (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
Minimal typing required
Fast loading (< 2 seconds)

Accept All Payment Methods

Give customers flexibility to pay however they prefer.

Supported payment methods:

Credit and debit cards:

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
Instant authorization
Funds in 1–2 business days
2.5–3.5% processing fee
Most common payment method

Digital wallets:

Apple Pay (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch)
Google Pay (Android, Chrome)
Samsung Pay
One-tap express checkout
Saved payment credentials
Faster than manual card entry

ACH/Bank transfers:

Direct bank account payment
1% processing fee (vs 2.5–3.5% for cards)
Ideal for large payments ($1,000+)
3–4 day processing
Lower cost for high-value transactions

Payment plans:

Split payment into installments
Automatic recurring charges
Flexible schedules
Built-in payment plan option
Increases conversion for large amounts

Payment method selection:

Customer sees all options
Chooses preferred method
No need to ask customer in advance
Accommodates customer preference
Increases payment completion rate

Real-Time Tracking and Notifications

Know exactly when links are sent, opened, clicked, and paid.

Tracking capabilities:

Link status:

Created: Link generated, ready to send
Sent: Tracking when you sent (if using built-in sending)
Delivered: Confirmation of delivery (text/email)
Opened: Customer viewed payment page
Paid: Payment completed successfully
Expired: Link past expiration date
Canceled: Link manually canceled

Engagement metrics:

Time between send and open
Time between open and payment
Number of times opened (customer reviewing)
Payment attempts (successful and failed)
Device type used (mobile, desktop)
Geographic location (optional)

Instant notifications:

Email notification: Payment received with details
SMS notification: Text alert of payment
Push notification: Mobile app alert
Webhook: Real-time API notification for integrations
Dashboard update: Live status change

Business intelligence:

Average time to payment
Link conversion rate (sent vs paid)
Best-performing delivery channels
Payment method preferences
Optimal sending times
Customer payment patterns

Secure and PCI Compliant

Bank-level security protects your customers and your business.

Security features:

PCI DSS Level 1 compliance:

Highest level of payment security
Annual third-party audits
Secure data transmission
Encrypted storage
Network security testing
Compliance maintained continuously

Secure payment pages:

HTTPS/SSL encryption (padlock in browser)
Tokenization (card numbers never stored)
Encrypted data transmission
PCI-compliant payment forms
Secure server infrastructure
Regular security updates

Fraud prevention:

Real-time fraud detection
Velocity checks (frequency limits)
Amount limits per link
Geographic verification
Device fingerprinting
Risk scoring algorithms

Link security options:

Expiration dates: Links expire after set time
One-time use: Link disabled after first payment
Password protection: Require password to access link
Amount verification: Customer confirms amount
IP restrictions: Limit by geographic location
Recipient verification: Request customer email confirmation

Customer trust indicators:

SSL padlock visible in browser
Your business name displayed prominently
Recognized payment card logos
Security badges
Money-back guarantee (if offered)
Contact information displayed

Reduce Administrative Overhead

Eliminate manual invoicing, payment processing, and reconciliation work.

Time savings:

Traditional invoice process:

Create invoice in accounting system: 10–15 minutes
Review for accuracy: 3–5 minutes
Send via email or mail: 2–5 minutes
Follow up on non-payment: 10–30 minutes (multiple times)
Manual payment processing: 5–10 minutes
Reconciliation in accounting: 5–10 minutes
Total time per invoice: 35–75 minutes

Payment link process:

Create payment link: 30–60 seconds
Send via text/email: 10 seconds
Automatic payment processing: 0 minutes
Auto-reconciliation: 0 minutes (with integration)
Total time per payment: 1 minute

Time saved per transaction: 34-74 minutes

Administrative tasks eliminated:

❌ Invoicing software management
❌ Invoice template design
❌ Manual invoice creation
❌ Printing and mailing
❌ Payment follow-up calls
❌ Collections activities
❌ Check processing and deposits
❌ Payment reconciliation
❌ Accounts receivable tracking
✅ All automated with payment links

Cost savings:

Eliminate invoicing labor: $5–15 per invoice
Reduce collections costs: $25–100 per late payment
Lower bad debt: 70–90% reduction
Faster cash flow: Working capital freed
Total savings: $15,000–40,000 annually (typical business with 100 monthly invoices)

Increase Payment Conversion Rates

Remove barriers and watch payment completion rates soar.

Conversion statistics:

Traditional invoicing conversion:

Email invoice open rate: 40–50%
Payment completion rate: 60–70% (of opened)
Overall conversion: 24–35%
Average time to payment: 30–45 days

Payment link conversion:

Link click rate: 85–95%
Payment completion rate: 75–85% (of clicked)
Overall conversion: 64–81%
Average time to payment: 4–8 hours

Conversion improvement: 2-3x higher with payment links

Why payment links convert better:

Psychological factors:

Immediate call-to-action (click and pay now)
Reduces decision procrastination
Creates urgency (especially with expiration)
One-click convenience lowers resistance
Mobile-first (pay anywhere, anytime)

Technical factors:

No login barriers
No account creation friction
Mobile-optimized checkout
Multiple payment methods
Digital wallet express checkout
Auto-fill payment information

Behavioral factors:

Sent via preferred channel (text beats email for immediacy)
Top-of-mind awareness (notification gets attention)
Easy to pay immediately (no “I’ll do it later”)
Social proof (recognizable payment experience)
Trust signals (secure payment page)

Example conversion improvement:

Business with $100K monthly revenue
Traditional invoicing: 30% conversion, 35-day payment time
Payment links: 70% conversion, 6-hour payment time
Result: $40K additional monthly revenue from improved conversion
Plus: 140x faster cash flow

Professional Brand Experience

Customized payment pages that reflect your business.

Branding options:

Visual customization:

Upload company logo
Custom brand colors
Choose color scheme
Custom background images
Professional layout templates
Mobile-responsive design

Content customization:

Custom business name display
Tagline or slogan
Contact information
Business description
Social media links
Custom success message
Thank you page branding

Communication customization:

Custom SMS sender name
Branded email sender
Custom email subject lines
Personalized messages
Professional email templates
Custom receipt templates

Brand consistency:

Matches your existing brand identity
Professional appearance
Builds customer trust
Recognizable to customers
Reinforces brand awareness
Premium business impression

White-label options:

Complete white-labeling (enterprise)
Custom domain (pay.yourbusiness.com)
Remove Coastal Pay branding
Fully branded experience
API for complete customization

Payment Link Features

Quick Link Creation

Create payment links in seconds from any device.

Creation methods:

Dashboard (web browser):

Log in to Coastal Pay dashboard
Click “Create Payment Link”
Enter amount and description
Add customer email/phone (optional)
Click “Generate Link”
Total time: 30 seconds

Mobile app:

Open Coastal Pay app
Tap “New Payment Link”
Enter amount
Tap “Create and Send”
Total time: 15 seconds

Quick create widget:

Fastest method for repeat use
Pre-filled common amounts
One-click generation
Automatic sending
Template-based creation

Link customization:

Basic settings:

Payment amount (required)
Payment description (what customer is paying for)
Reference number or invoice number
Customer name
Customer email
Customer phone numb

Advanced settings:

Expiration date/time
One-time use vs. reusable
Redirect URL after payment
Custom success message
Require shipping address
Collect additional information
Add custom fields
Attach files or images

Payment Link Templates

Save time with pre-configured link templates for common transactions.

Template features:

Pre-saved configurations:

Amount (fixed or variable)
Description
Common reference numbers
Standard terms
Typical customer fields
Expiration settings

Template use cases:

Consultation fees
Deposit payments
Monthly retainers
Common service packages
Product price tiers
Membership dues
Recurring billing amounts
Standard invoice amounts

Template management:

Create unlimited templates
Name templates for easy finding
Edit templates anytime
Archive unused templates
Share templates with team
Template usage analytics

Quick template access:

One-click link from template
Auto-fill all fields
Customize amount if needed
Instant sending
Create link in 10 seconds

Multi-Use and Single-Use Links

Flexible link options for different payment scenarios.

Single-use links:

Link works for one payment only
Automatically deactivated after payment
Best for specific invoices
Highest security
Prevents accidental double-charging
Clear transaction tracking

Variable amount links:

Customer enters payment amount
Good for “pay what you want”
Donations and contributions
Tips and gratuities
Partial payment options
Flexible billing

Fixed amount links:

Amount pre-set (customer cannot change)
Best for specific invoices
Product pricing
Service packages
Deposits and retainers
Professional services

Expiration and Security Settings

Control when links expire and who can use them.

Expiration options:

Time-based expiration:

Expire after X hours (1, 6, 12, 24, 48)
Expire after X days (1, 3, 7, 14, 30)
Expire at specific date/time
Never expire (permanent links)
Custom expiration schedules

Event-based expiration:

Expire after first payment
Expire after X payments (multi-use)
Expire after certain date passes
Manual expiration (cancel anytime)

Security settings:

Password protection:

Require password to access link
Custom password per link
Share password separately
Extra security for high-value payments
Prevent unauthorized access

Email verification:

Require customer email confirmation
Verify email before payment
Reduces fraudulent payments
Ensures receipt delivery
Customer authentication

Amount limits:

Maximum payment per link
Minimum payment per link
Prevent accidentally high payments
Set sensible defaults
Business rule enforcement

Geographic restrictions:

Limit by country
Limit by state/province
Block high-risk regions
Compliance requirements
Fraud prevention

Automatic Receipt and Confirmation

Instant receipts sent to customers automatically.

Receipt delivery:

Email receipts:

Professional HTML receipt
PDF attachment option
Transaction details
Business contact info
Payment method used
Date and time
Transaction reference number

SMS/Text receipts:

Short confirmation message
Transaction amount
Date and time
Link to full receipt
High delivery rate (98%+)
Immediate confirmation

Receipt customization:

Company branding
Logo and colors
Custom messages
Return policy
Terms and conditions
Social media links
Marketing messages
Feedback requests

Confirmation features:

Success page after payment
Customizable thank you message
Next steps instructions
Redirect to your website
Additional offers
Survey or feedback request
Social sharing options

Payment Link Analytics

Track performance and optimize your payment collection.

Link-level analytics:

Aggregate analytics:

Total links created
Total links sent
Overall conversion rate
Average time to payment
Payment method breakdown
Best performing delivery channels
Optimal sending times
Busiest payment days

Revenue reporting:

Total revenue via payment links
Revenue by time period
Revenue by link template
Revenue by customer
Revenue by product/service
Average transaction amount
Largest transactions
Revenue trends

Conversion metrics:

Link send rate (created vs sent)
View rate (sent vs viewed)
Click-through rate
Payment completion rate (viewed vs paid)
Overall conversion funnel
Drop-off points
Optimization opportunities

Integration with Other Systems

Connect payment links to your existing business tools.

Accounting software:

QuickBooks (Online & Desktop)
Xero
FreshBooks
Zoho Books
Sage
Wave
Automatic payment recording
Customer sync
Invoice matching

CRM systems:

Salesforce
HubSpot
Pipedrive
Zoho CRM
Custom CRM via API
Payment activity logging
Customer payment history

E-commerce platforms:

Shopify
WooCommerce
BigCommerce
Wix
Squarespace
Payment for orders
Cart abandonment recovery

Communication platforms:

Twilio (SMS integration)
SendGrid (email integration)
Mailchimp (email marketing)
Intercom (customer support)
Slack (team notifications)

API and webhooks:

RESTful API access
Webhook notifications
Real-time payment events
Custom integrations
Developer documentation
Sandbox environment
Code examples

Recurring Payment Links

Set up automatic recurring payments from a single link.

Recurring payment features:

Billing schedules:

Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual
Custom intervals (every X days)
Specific day of month
Specific day of week
End date or infinite
Start date scheduling

Recurring link setup:

Customer clicks link once
Enters payment method
Saves for recurring billing
Automatic charges on schedule
Email notification before each charge
Easy cancellation option

Use cases:

Subscription services
Membership dues
Retainer agreements
Rent and lease payments
Installment plans
Ongoing services
Monthly maintenance

Recurring payment management:

Pause recurring payments
Modify schedule
Update amount
Change payment method
Skip next payment
Cancel subscription
Refund policy

Payment Link Use Cases by Business Type

Freelancers and Consultants

Freelancers need fast, simple payment collection without complex systems.

Freelance use cases:

Project deposits:

Send payment link with proposal
Collect 50% upfront deposit
Start work immediately after payment
No waiting for checks or invoices
Professional client experience

Final project payments:

Send link upon project completion
Get paid same day
No 30-day NET terms
Client pays immediately
No collections hassle

Hourly billing:

Track hours worked
Create link for total hours
Send weekly or monthly
Instant payment
Simple time-based billing

Retainer payments:

Monthly retainer link
Recurring payment option
Automatic monthly collection
Predictable cash flow
No invoicing overhead

Freelance benefits:

No website needed
No monthly software fees
Create link in seconds
Send via text or email
Get paid immediately
Professional appearance
Mobile payment acceptance

Common freelance services:

Writing and content: $100-$5,000
Graphic design: $500-$10,000
Web development: $1,000-$50,000
Consulting: $500-$20,000 per project
Photography: $500-$10,000
Video production: $1,000-$25,000

Service Professionals (Plumbers, Electricians, Contractors)

Field service workers collect payment at job completion.

Service professional use cases:

On-site payment collection:

Complete service call
Create payment link
Text link to customer immediately
Customer pays from phone
No check writing needed
Drive to next job

Emergency services:

After-hours emergency call
Complete urgent repair
Send payment link
Customer pays immediately
No waiting for business hours
Get paid for emergency work

Quote acceptance:

Send quote with payment link
Customer approves and pays deposit
Secure job immediately
No waiting for approval
Start work right away

Large project milestones:

Progress payments
Send link at each milestone
Customer pays upon completion
Steady cash flow throughout project
No invoicing delays

Service business benefits:

Text payment link from truck
No card reader hardware needed
Customer pays from their device
Immediate payment confirmation
Professional service
No check deposits
Digital receipt automatic

Typical service transactions:

Service calls: $150-$500
Emergency repairs: $300-$2,000
Installation jobs: $1,000-$10,000
Project deposits: $500-$5,000
Final payments: $2,000-$20,000

Coaches and Trainers

Personal coaches, fitness trainers, and instructors need flexible payment.

Coaching use cases:

Session payments:

Pay-per-session model
Send link after each session
Customer pays for session completed
No subscription setup needed
Flexible scheduling

Package purchases:

5-session package
10-session package
Monthly unlimited package
Send payment link for package
Customer pays upfront
Sessions tracked separately

Monthly coaching:

Recurring monthly link
Automatic monthly billing
Ongoing coaching relationship
Predictable revenue
No manual invoicing

Workshop and seminar registration:

Send payment link for event
Secure registration
Process payment immediately
Confirm attendance
Track registered participants

Coaching benefits:

No scheduling software needed
Simple payment collection
Multiple package options
Recurring billing available
International clients (multi-currency)
Virtual coaching payment

Common coaching services:

Personal training: $50-$150 per session
Life coaching: $100-$300 per session
Business coaching: $200-$500 per session
Nutrition coaching: $75-$200 per session
Session packages: $500-$3,000

Healthcare and Wellness

Medical practices, dentists, therapists, and wellness providers.

Healthcare use cases:

Patient responsibility:

After insurance processes
Send link for patient balance
Text or email to patient
Patient pays at convenience
Reduces front desk collections
Improves collection rates

Membership medicine:

Monthly membership fees
Recurring payment link
Automatic monthly collection
Direct primary care model
Concierge medicine

Cosmetic and elective procedures:

Not covered by insurance
Full payment required
Send payment link with quote
Secure procedure booking
Payment before service

Therapy and counseling:

Session payments
Package payments
Sliding scale options
Flexible payment amounts
HIPAA-compliant processing

Healthcare benefits:

HIPAA-compliant payment links
Business Associate Agreement (BAA) available
Secure patient data handling
Convenient for patients
Reduces billing costs
Improves collections
No handling cash/checks

Medical payment scenarios:

Co-pays: $20-$75
Patient balances: $50-$5,000
Cosmetic procedures: $500-$10,000
Therapy sessions: $100-$250
Membership medicine: $100-$500/month

Real Estate and Property Management

Landlords, property managers, and real estate professionals.

Real estate use cases:

Rent collection:

Monthly rent payment link
Recurring automatic collection
No checks to deposit
Automatic late fee calculation
Digital payment records

Security deposits:

Send link to new tenant
Collect deposit before move-in
Secure and documented
Easy refund process
Clear records

Application fees:

Rental application payment
Send link with application
Process applications faster
Non-refundable fees
Administrative costs

Maintenance and repairs:

Tenant-caused damage
Send payment link for repairs
Collect before scheduling
Document payment
Clear communication

Property management benefits:

Eliminate check processing
Automatic payment tracking
Reduce late payments
Lower administrative costs
Digital record keeping
Easy tenant communication

Real estate payment types:

Monthly rent: $500-$5,000
Security deposits: $500-$5,000
Application fees: $25-$100
Pet deposits: $200-$500
Maintenance charges: $50-$2,000

E-commerce and Online Sellers

Online businesses without full e-commerce sites.

E-commerce use cases:

Social media selling:

Instagram shop sales
Facebook Marketplace
TikTok shop
Send payment link in DM
Complete transaction quickly
No e-commerce platform needed

Custom orders:

Personalized products
Made-to-order items
Custom quotes
Send payment link for custom price
Secure order before production

Abandoned cart recovery:

Customer interested but didn’t complete checkout
Text payment link directly
Personal follow-up
Higher conversion than email
Immediate purchase option

Pre-orders and crowdfunding:

Collect pre-orders
Gauge interest
Secure funding before production
Limited edition releases
Early bird pricing

Online seller benefits:

No e-commerce platform fees
No website required
Sell on any social platform
Direct customer relationships
Lower overhead costs
Mobile-first selling

E-commerce scenarios:

Handmade products: $25-$500
Custom art: $50-$5,000
Clothing and accessories: $20-$300
Digital products: $10-$1,000
Pre-orders: $50-$500

Nonprofits and Fundraising

Charitable organizations need easy donation collection.

Nonprofit use cases:

One-time donations:

Send donation link via text/email
Share on social media
Include in email campaigns
QR codes at events
Emergency fundraising appeals

Recurring donations:

Monthly giving programs
Sustainer programs
Ongoing support
Predictable funding
Donor retention

Event fundraising:

Fundraising event tickets
Silent auction payments
Peer-to-peer fundraising
Team fundraising campaigns
Challenge campaigns

Sponsorship and major gifts:

Corporate sponsorships
Major donor appeals
Capital campaigns
Legacy giving
Named gift opportunities

Nonprofit benefits:

Lower processing costs
Simple donor experience
Mobile giving optimization
Social media friendly
Recurring giving options
Donor management integration
Tax receipt automation

Donation amounts:

Small donations: $10-$100
Mid-level: $100-$1,000
Major gifts: $1,000-$50,000+
Recurring monthly: $25-$500
Event tickets: $50-$500

Event Organizers and Venues

Event planners, venues, and entertainment businesses.

Event use cases:

Ticket sales:

Individual event tickets
Group ticket sales
VIP packages
Early bird pricing
Last-minute sales

Event deposits:

Venue rental deposit
Catering deposit
Equipment rental deposit
Hold date with deposit
Balance due closer to event

Event services:

Photography packages
Videography services
DJ and entertainment
Décor and florals
Catering and bar services

Merchandise and concessions:

Event merchandise
Pre-order food/beverage
Souvenir packages
Program advertisements
Sponsorship opportunities

Event business benefits:

Fast ticket sales
No ticketing platform fees
Last-minute sales
Group purchases easy
QR code entry
Capacity tracking
Contact information collection

Event payment types:

Individual tickets: $10-$200
Group tickets: $100-$2,000
Venue deposits: $500-$5,000
Full venue rental: $1,000-$20,000
Service deposits: $250-$2,500

Payment Link Best Practices

Create Clear, Descriptive Payment Links

Help customers understand exactly what they’re paying for.

Description best practices:

Be specific:

❌ “Payment”
✅ “January 2025 Website Design Services”
✅ “Consultation Session – January 15, 2025”
✅ “Plumbing Repair – Kitchen Sink Installation”

Include key details:

Service or product name
Date of service
Invoice or reference number
Quantity (if applicable)
Any relevant details

Professional tone:

Clear and concise
Professional language
No abbreviations customers won’t understand
Complete sentences
Proper capitalization

Amount transparency:

Show subtotal, tax, and total separately
Explain any fees
Itemize if multiple items
Show discounts applied
Match quoted prices exactly

Choose the Right Delivery Channel

Match the delivery method to your customer and situation.

When to use text/SMS:

✅ Immediate payment needed
✅ Customer is mobile-focused
✅ Quick, casual transaction
✅ Customer gave you their mobile number
✅ After in-person service completion
✅ Reminder for overdue payment

When to use email:

✅ Professional B2B transactions
✅ Need to include detailed information
✅ Formal business relationship
✅ Customer prefers email communication
✅ Attaching supporting documents
✅ Creating email paper trail

When to use social media DM:

✅ Social selling (Instagram, Facebook)
✅ Existing conversation on platform
✅ Younger, social-native customers
✅ Informal business relationship
✅ International customers on WhatsApp

When to use multiple channels:

✅ High-value transactions (send via both text and email)
✅ Important payments (multiple touchpoints)
✅ Overdue payments (escalate through channels)
✅ Uncertain which channel customer prefers

Set Appropriate Expiration Dates

Balance urgency with customer convenience.

Expiration timeline guidelines:

Immediate services (same day):

Expiration: 24-48 hours
Reason: Payment expected quickly
Creates appropriate urgency
Prevents indefinite outstanding payments

Short-term services (within week):

Expiration: 3-7 days
Reason: Reasonable payment window
Not too rushed
Clear deadline

Invoices (NET terms):

Expiration: Match your payment terms (NET 15, NET 30)
Reason: Aligns with contract
Professional standard
Enforceable deadline

Deposits and pre-payments:

Expiration: Until service date
Reason: Tied to specific event
Clear cut-off
Automatic enforcement

Ongoing/recurring:

Expiration: No expiration (permanent link)
Reason: Meant for repeated use
Customer convenience
Subscription model

Expiration communication:

Clearly state expiration in message
“This link expires in 24 hours”
“Please pay by January 15, 2025”
Send reminder before expiration
Offer to extend if reasonable

Follow Up Strategically

Increase payment completion with smart follow-up.

Follow-up schedule:

After sending (no click):

Wait: 24 hours
Action: Send gentle reminder
Message: “Just checking if you received the payment link”
Channel: Same as original (text or email)

After click (no payment):

Wait: 2-4 hours
Action: Check in on issues
Message: “I saw you viewed the payment link. Any questions?”
Channel: Personal text or call

Approaching expiration:

Wait: 1 day before expiration
Action: Expiration reminder
Message: “Reminder: Payment link expires tomorrow”
Channel: Text (highest urgency)

After expiration (unpaid):

Wait: Same day
Action: Send new link
Message: “Previous link expired. Here’s a new one.”
Channel: Text or call

Follow-up best practices:

Be polite and professional
Assume good intentions
Offer to help with issues
Provide alternative payment methods
Escalate tone gradually if needed
Know when to stop (don’t harass)

Optimize for Mobile

Most payment links are opened and paid on mobile devices.

Mobile optimization tips:

Message formatting:

Keep messages concise
Put link on its own line
Don’t include long paragraphs
Use emojis sparingly (if appropriate)
Clickable phone numbers for callbacks

Timing consideration:

Send during business hours (higher open rate)
Avoid late night (unless urgent)
Consider time zones
Best times: Tuesday-Thursday, 9am-3pm
Avoid Monday mornings and Friday afternoons

Link testing:

Test on multiple devices (iPhone, Android)
Test on multiple screen sizes
Verify clickability in SMS
Check email rendering
Test payment form usability

Communicate Payment Terms Clearly

Set expectations upfront to avoid confusion and disputes.

Terms to communicate:

Payment due date:

“Payment due upon receipt”
“Payment due within 24 hours”
“Payment due by January 15, 2025”
“50% deposit due now, balance due at completion”

Accepted payment methods:

“We accept all major credit cards”
“Credit cards, debit cards, and ACH”
“Apple Pay and Google Pay available”
List what you accept

Refund policy:

“All sales final”
“Full refund if canceled 48 hours in advance”
“Deposits non-refundable”
Be clear and upfront

Late payment policy:

“Late fee of $X after due date”
“Service will be paused for non-payment”
“Interest charged on overdue amounts”
Stated clearly

Questions and support:

“All sales final”
“Full refund if canceled 48 hours in advance”
“Deposits non-refundable”
Be clear and upfront

Payment Link Security

Protecting Your Business and Customers

Security best practices:

Use expiration dates:

All links should expire eventually
Prevents old links from working indefinitely
Limits exposure window
Forces new links for new transactions

Enable one-time use when appropriate:

For specific invoices or transactions
Prevents double-charging
Clear transaction boundaries
Automatic deactivation

Set payment amount limits:

Maximum amount per link
Prevents accidentally large payments
Fraud prevention
Business rule enforcement

Monitor unusual activity:

Multiple failed payment attempts
Payments from unexpected locations
Large or unusual amounts
Suspicious customer behavior
Velocity violations

Educate customers:

Legitimate links always go to secure domain
Never asks for sensitive info via text/email
Report suspicious links
Verify sender before clicking
Look for HTTPS and security indicators

Fraud Prevention

Red flags to watch:

Customer rushing unusual payment
Overpayment then refund request
Payment from different person than recipient
Request to ship to different address than billing
International transaction for local service
Multiple failed payment attempts
Suspicious customer communication

Fraud prevention measures:

Verify customer identity for large amounts
Confirm shipping address matches billing
Be cautious with new customers
Use address verification (AVS)
Require CVV for card payments
Monitor for unusual patterns
Trust your instincts

Payment Link Pricing

Simple, Transparent Pricing

Processing fees:

Credit/debit cards: 2.5-3.5% + $0.10 per transaction
ACH/Bank transfers: 1% per transaction
Digital wallets: Same as card rates (2.5-3.5%)
Interchange-plus pricing (most transparent)

No additional fees:

Link creation: Free (unlimited)
Link sending: Free (unlimited)
Monthly fees: $0
Setup fees: $0
Link expiration: Free
Customer payment portal: Free
Receipt delivery: Free
Support: Included at no charge

Cost Comparison

Payment links vs. alternatives:

Solution
a

Coastal Pay Payment Links

PayPal.me

Venmo Business

Square Invoices

Stripe Payment Links

Monthly
Cost

Per-Link
Fee

Processing
Fees

2.5-3.5%

2.9% + $0.30

1.9% + $0.10

2.9% + $0.30

Total Cost (100 links/month, $50K processed)

$1,250-1,750

$1,480

$960 (limits apply)

$1,480

Coastal Pay advantages:

Lowest card processing fees (interchange-plus)
No per-link charges
All features included
Better for higher volumes
Transparent pricing

Payment Link FAQ

What is a payment link?

A payment link is a secure, unique URL that allows customers to pay you instantly with a single click. You create the link for a specific amount and description, send it to your customer via text, email, or any messaging app, and the customer clicks the link to reach a secure payment page where they complete payment in seconds. No website, login, or account creation is required. It’s the fastest, simplest way to collect payments remotely—perfect for invoicing, deposits, service payments, or any situation where you need to get paid quickly without complicated systems.

How do I create a payment link?

Creating a payment link takes about 30 seconds. Log in to your Coastal Pay dashboard, click “Create Payment Link,” enter the payment amount and description (what the customer is paying for), add customer email or phone (optional but helpful), choose expiration date if desired, and click “Generate Link.” The link is immediately ready to copy and send. You can send it via text message, email, social media DM, or any communication method. For even faster creation, use the Coastal Pay mobile app to create and send links on the go in about 15 seconds.

How much do payment links cost?

Payment links cost nothing to create or send—you can generate unlimited links with no monthly fees, setup costs, or per-link charges. You only pay standard payment processing fees when a customer actually pays: 2.5-3.5% + $0.10 for credit/debit cards, 1% for ACH/bank transfers. These are the same rates as traditional payment processing, with no premium for using payment links. All features are included at no extra charge: link tracking, receipt delivery, expiration settings, branding customization, and integration with accounting software. This makes payment links the most cost-effective way to collect payments.

Are payment links secure?

Yes, payment links are extremely secure and meet the same standards as traditional payment processing. Coastal Pay is PCI DSS Level 1 certified (highest security level), all payment pages use HTTPS/SSL encryption, card data is tokenized (real card numbers never stored), payment information is encrypted in transit and at rest, and we undergo annual third-party security audits. Additionally, you can add security features like expiration dates, one-time use limits, password protection, and customer verification. Payment links are more secure than checks, cash, or emailing credit card numbers, and meet all banking and card network security requirements.

Can customers pay without creating an account?

Yes, customers pay without any account creation, login, or registration. They simply click the link you send them, see the payment page with the amount and description, choose their payment method (credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, ACH), enter payment information (or use saved digital wallet), and click “Pay Now.” The entire process takes 30-90 seconds with no barriers or friction. This convenience is why payment links have 2-3x higher conversion rates than traditional invoicing—there’s nothing to slow customers down or make them abandon the payment.

Where can I send payment links?

Payment links work anywhere you can send a clickable URL. The most popular channels are text message/SMS (98% open rate, perfect for immediate payments), email (professional, good for B2B, can include details), WhatsApp (international customers, very popular globally), Instagram and Facebook DM (social selling), messaging apps (Telegram, Signal, Slack), QR codes (print on invoices, display at events), and even handwritten or verbal sharing (short custom URLs available). Links work identically across all channels—customers click and pay regardless of how they received the link. This omnichannel flexibility ensures you can reach customers wherever they are.

How long does it take to get paid?

Payment via payment links is extremely fast compared to traditional methods. The customer pays within minutes to hours of receiving the link (68% within 1 hour, 82% within 24 hours), you receive instant notification when payment is complete, and funds are deposited to your bank account in 1-2 business days (same as card processing). Compare this to traditional invoicing which averages 30-45 days to payment, or checks which take 5-10 days to receive and clear. The speed advantage of payment links dramatically improves cash flow—many businesses reduce their days sales outstanding (DSO) from 35 days to under 2 days.

Can I send the same payment link to multiple customers?

You can create either single-use links (specific to one customer and one payment) or multi-use links (same link works for multiple customers and payments). Single-use links are best for specific invoices, customer-specific amounts, and highest security—they automatically deactivate after the first payment. Multi-use links are best for fixed-price products or services, donation pages, tip jars, event tickets, and membership signups. You can also create variable-amount multi-use links where customers enter their own payment amount, perfect for “pay what you want” donations, tips, or partial payment options.

What payment methods do customers have with payment links?

Customers can pay via credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, Apple Pay (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch), Google Pay (Android, Chrome browser), Samsung Pay, ACH/bank transfers (1% fee, best for large payments), and payment plans (split into installments). All options are displayed on the payment page and customers choose their preferred method. This flexibility increases payment completion rates because customers can pay however they prefer. You don’t need to ask the customer in advance—they see all options and decide at checkout.

Can I customize the payment page with my branding?

Yes, payment pages are fully customizable with your business branding. You can upload your company logo, choose brand colors for buttons and headers, customize background colors or images, add business description and tagline, include contact information, add social media links, customize the success/thank you message, and even use a custom domain (pay.yourbusiness.com for enterprise). Branded payment pages build customer trust, reinforce your professional image, create consistent brand experience, and increase conversion rates. All branding options are included at no additional cost.

What happens if a payment link expires?

If a customer tries to use an expired link, they see a clear message: “This payment link has expired. Please contact [Your Business] for a new link.” The customer cannot complete payment on an expired link. You receive a notification if someone attempts to use an expired link, and you can immediately create and send a new link. Set expiration dates based on your payment terms: 24-48 hours for immediate services, 7-14 days for standard invoicing, 30 days for NET 30 terms, or specific dates for deposits tied to events. Expiration dates create appropriate urgency and prevent old links from being used indefinitely.

Can I track if a customer opened my payment link?

Yes, payment links include comprehensive tracking. You can see exactly when the link was sent (if using built-in sending), when customer opened/viewed the payment page, how many times they viewed it (customer reviewing multiple times), if they started but didn’t complete payment, when payment was successfully completed, and which device they used (mobile, desktop). This visibility helps you follow up appropriately: if unopened, resend the link; if opened but not paid, ask if they have questions; if viewed multiple times, may indicate confusion. Real-time notifications keep you informed of every status change.

How do refunds work with payment links?

Refunds are processed through your Coastal Pay dashboard. Find the original payment link transaction, click “Refund,” choose full or partial refund amount, add refund reason (for your records), and confirm. The customer’s payment method is credited automatically within 3-5 business days, the customer receives refund notification via email, and the refund appears in your reporting. Note that processing fees are not refunded (standard industry practice), and refunds must be processed within 180 days of the original transaction. You can also set up automatic refund policies for specific scenarios like event cancellations.

Can I use payment links for recurring billing?

Yes, payment links support recurring payments. Create a payment link with recurring billing enabled, set the billing schedule (weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual, custom), specify start date and end date (or ongoing), and send the link to your customer. The customer clicks the link once, enters their payment information, and authorizes recurring charges. They’re automatically charged on schedule, receive email notification before each charge, and can manage or cancel through the customer portal. Perfect for subscriptions, memberships, retainers, rent collection, and any ongoing service that requires regular payments.

Do I need a website to use payment links?

No, payment links work without any website. The payment link itself IS the payment page—it’s hosted securely by Coastal Pay and includes everything needed for customers to complete payment. This makes payment links perfect for businesses without websites, mobile-first businesses (hair stylists, contractors, personal trainers), social media sellers (Instagram, Facebook shops), side hustles and part-time businesses, businesses transitioning online, and anyone who primarily communicates via text or social media. If you can send a text message or email, you can collect payments with payment links.

Can I accept international payments with payment links?

Yes, payment links work internationally with multi-currency support (100+ currencies), international credit cards accepted, cross-border payment processing, automatic currency conversion, and transparent exchange rates. Customers pay in their local currency while you receive funds in your preferred currency. Payment links are especially useful for international business because they work across any messaging app (WhatsApp is huge internationally), eliminate language barriers (payment form shows in customer’s language), and bypass complicated international invoicing. Note that cross-border transaction fees apply and specific payment methods vary by country.

What if my customer has trouble paying through the link?

If a customer encounters payment issues, the payment page displays clear error messages explaining the problem (card declined, insufficient funds, incorrect card number, expired card, etc.). Common solutions include trying a different payment method (different card, ACH instead), checking card details for typos, ensuring billing address matches card, contacting their bank for declined cards, or using a digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay). If technical issues persist, Coastal Pay support can help troubleshoot (available via phone, email, chat), and you can send a new payment link or offer alternative payment methods. Most issues are simple user errors resolved quickly.

Can I send payment links through my business texting system?

Yes, payment links integrate with most business texting and communication platforms including Twilio (SMS API), MessageBird, RingCentral, Podium, Weave, and custom SMS platforms via API. You can also manually copy links and send through your existing text messaging, use Coastal Pay’s built-in sending (tracks delivery and opens), or integrate with CRM systems that have texting capabilities. The links work identically regardless of sending method—just paste the link into any text message or communication platform. For high-volume businesses, API integration enables automated payment link generation and sending based on business workflows.

How do payment links compare to invoicing software?

Payment links are simpler, faster, and often more effective than traditional invoicing software. Invoicing software requires invoice creation (10-15 minutes), formatting and professional appearance, sending via email (often goes to spam), customer receiving and reviewing, customer navigating to payment (separate process), and payment averaging 30-45 days. Payment links require 30 seconds to create, instant sending via text or email, customer clicks and pays immediately, payment averaging 4-8 hours, and 2-3x higher conversion rates. Payment links are better for immediate payment needs, mobile businesses, and situations where speed matters. Combine both for optimal results: use invoicing software for record-keeping and payment links for fast collection.

Can I create payment links from my phone?

Yes, the Coastal Pay mobile app lets you create and send payment links from anywhere in about 15 seconds. Open the app, tap “New Payment Link,” enter the amount, add description (optional), tap “Create,” choose how to send (text, email, or copy link), and send directly from the app. This is perfect for service professionals (create link at job site), mobile businesses (farmers markets, food trucks), delivery drivers (collect COD or tips), field sales (process orders on the go), and anyone who needs to get paid while away from their computer. The mobile app syncs with your dashboard so all links are tracked regardless of where they’re created.

What information can I collect with payment links?

Payment links can collect essential payment information (customer name, email, phone, billing address) plus custom information specific to your business including shipping address, product preferences, appointment preferences, special requests or notes, custom fields you define, file uploads (for custom orders), and checkbox agreements (terms, policies). You decide which fields are required vs. optional. This makes payment links versatile for many scenarios beyond simple payment: order forms with payment, registration forms with fees, appointment booking with deposits, and custom service requests with payment. All collected information appears in your dashboard and can be exported or integrated with other systems.

Get Started with Payment Links

Start Collecting Payments in 60 Seconds

Stop waiting weeks for payment. Create your first payment link in seconds, send it via text or email, and get paid instantly.

What happens next:

Sign up free – Quick merchant account application (5 minutes)
Create first link – Enter amount and description (30 seconds)
Send to customer – Text, email, or social media (10 seconds)
Get paid instantly – Customer clicks and pays in under 1 minute
Funds in 1-2 days – Money deposited to your bank account

Free to start:

$0 setup costs
No monthly fees
Unlimited payment links
First 30 days free processing (up to $1,000)
Cancel anytime, no commitment

Questions About Payment Links?

Our payment specialists can demonstrate how payment links work, show you example links in action, calculate your time and cost savings, and help you send your first payment link in minutes.

No sales pressure. No obligation. Just expert guidance.

Phone: 888 266 1715 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm ET)
Email: paymentlinks@coastalpay.com
Live Chat: Available on our website
Text: Send "LINK" to XXXXX for instant demo
Video: Watch payment links in action (2 min)