What is Pay by Link?
Pay by link is a payment method where a business sends a customer a secure URL to complete a payment. The customer clicks the link, enters their card details on a hosted payment page, and the transaction is processed without the business needing to handle card data directly.
How Pay by Link Works
Pay by link is one of the simplest ways to collect a payment remotely. Instead of taking card details over the phone or setting up a full e-commerce checkout, you generate a unique payment link and send it to your customer. They open the link in their browser, see the payment amount and details, enter their card information on a secure page, and confirm the payment.
The payment page is typically hosted by a payment service provider or gateway, meaning the card data is captured in a PCI DSS-compliant environment. The merchant never sees or handles the card details, which significantly reduces compliance scope and security risk.
Common Use Cases for Payment Links
Pay by link is particularly useful in situations where traditional payment methods are impractical:
- Telephone orders — Instead of asking a customer to read their card number over the phone, you can send them a payment link during or after the call.
- Invoice payments — Include a payment link in an invoice email so customers can pay immediately rather than setting up a bank transfer.
- Deposits and bookings — Send a link to collect a deposit before confirming a reservation or appointment.
- Debt collection — Provide a convenient, secure way for customers to settle outstanding balances.
- Remote services — Collect payment from customers who are not physically present, such as in field services, consultancy, or professional services.
How Payment Links Are Delivered
Payment links can be sent through virtually any communication channel:
- SMS or text message
- Messaging apps (WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, etc.)
- QR codes (the QR code encodes the payment link URL)
- Live chat or chatbots
This flexibility makes pay by link one of the most versatile payment collection methods available, reaching customers on whatever channel they prefer.
Benefits of Pay by Link
Reduced PCI scope
Because the payment page is hosted by a PCI-compliant provider, your business never handles card data. This typically allows you to qualify for the simplest SAQ type.
Faster payments
Customers can pay instantly when they receive the link, rather than waiting for a paper invoice or visiting a physical location.
Lower risk of errors
When customers enter their own card details on a secure form, there is no risk of an agent mishearing or mistyping a card number during a phone call.
Improved customer experience
Many customers prefer the convenience and privacy of entering their own payment details rather than reading them aloud over the phone.
Paytia offers advanced payment links as a core part of its secure payment platform. During a telephone call, your agent can generate a personalised payment link and send it to the customer instantly via SMS or email. The customer receives the link, taps through to a secure, branded payment page, and completes the transaction — all while remaining on the call with your agent.
Paytia's payment links are fully customisable. You can set the payment amount, add a reference, and brand the payment page with your organisation's logo and colours. The links work alongside Paytia's other payment methods, including DTMF keypad payments and IVR payments, giving your contact centre multiple ways to collect payments securely.
Because the payment page is hosted within Paytia's PCI DSS Level 1 certified environment, card data never enters your systems. This keeps your PCI compliance simple and your customers' data safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are payment links secure?
Yes, when provided by a PCI DSS-compliant service. The payment page is hosted in a secure environment, and the customer's card details are encrypted and processed without the merchant ever seeing or handling them.
Can I send a payment link during a phone call?
Yes. With Paytia, your agent can generate and send a payment link via SMS or email during a live call. The customer can complete the payment while still on the phone with your agent.
Do payment links expire?
Yes, payment links typically have an expiry time to prevent misuse. With Paytia, you can configure expiry periods to suit your business needs.
Related Terms
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