Creating Payment Links
Payment links let clients pay you directly. Create a link, share it with your client, and they can pay any amount up to the balance due.
What You’ll Learn
- Creating payment links for invoices
- Emailing payment requests to clients
- Understanding deposit requirements
- Copying and sharing links manually
- When to use payment links vs. sending invoices
What is a Payment Link?
A payment link is a secure URL that lets your client:
- View what they owe
- Enter a payment amount
- Pay online by card or bank account, in a secure payment window right on the page
Payment links are flexible. Clients can pay the full balance, just the deposit, or any amount in between.
If you’ve turned on tips or a credit-card fee, clients see those in the payment window too. See Tips & Card Fees.
Creating a Payment Link
Step-by-Step Guide
- Open the invoice
- Click Request Payment in the action bar
- Choose whether to email the link:
- Toggle Email payment link on to send via email
- Toggle off to just generate a link to share yourself
- If emailing, enter:
- Client Email (auto-fills if on file)
- Client Name (optional, for personalization)
- Message (optional, add a note)
- Click Send Payment Request or Create Payment Link
The link is generated and shown in the dialog. You can copy it anytime.
Payment Constraints
The payment link shows your client:
| Field | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| Remaining Balance | Total amount still owed |
| Minimum Payment | Lowest amount they can pay (deposit if pending, otherwise $1) |
| Maximum Payment | Highest amount they can pay (full remaining balance) |
Deposits
If the invoice has a deposit:
- Before deposit is paid: Minimum payment = deposit amount
- After deposit is paid: Minimum payment = $1 (or remaining balance if less)
This ensures clients pay at least the deposit before you start work.
Emailing vs. Copying the Link
Email the Link
Best when:
- Client expects communication via email
- You want a professional, branded message
- Client info is already in Tallie
Copy the Link Manually
Best when:
- Client prefers text messages
- You’re on a phone call and want to send quickly
- You need to share via a different channel
To copy the link:
- Create the payment link
- Click the copy icon next to the URL
- Paste into a text, chat, or anywhere else
Payment Link vs. Invoice
| Feature | Send Invoice | Payment Link |
|---|---|---|
| Shows full invoice details | Yes | Link to invoice |
| Client can pay online | Via payment link | Yes, directly |
| Best for | First contact | Follow-ups and deposits |
| Status changes | Draft to Sent | No change |
Use Send Invoice when sharing the invoice for the first time. Use Payment Link for:
- Deposit requests
- Payment reminders
- Quick “pay now” requests
Adding a Personal Message
When emailing a payment link, you can include a message:
“Hi Mike! Here’s a quick link to pay your deposit so we can get your deck project scheduled. Looking forward to working with you!”
This personal touch can speed up payment.
Security
Payment links are secure:
- Each link has a unique token
- Links expire after 30 days
- Only the specific invoice is accessible
- No login required for clients
Tips
- Request deposits early - Send a payment link as soon as the estimate is approved
- Make it easy - Payment links work on mobile, so clients can pay from anywhere
- Follow up - If no payment after a few days, send a friendly reminder
- Keep it short - A brief message is more likely to be read
Troubleshooting
Client Can’t Access the Link
- Check if the link expired (30-day limit)
- Create a new payment link
- Send again
Client Wants to Pay a Different Amount
Payment links have a minimum and maximum:
- Minimum: Deposit amount (if pending) or $1
- Maximum: Full remaining balance
If they need to pay outside this range, record a manual payment instead.
Link Shows Wrong Balance
The balance updates in real-time. If payments have been recorded since you sent the link, the client sees the current balance.