Link is a real payment processor, but legitimacy depends on how you encounter it
Link is a legitimate payment technology company owned by Stripe. It processes transactions for merchants and handles card payments, bank transfers, and digital wallets. However, the word "Link" alone does not tell you whether a specific payment request is safe — you need to know who is asking you to pay and whether you recognize the merchant.
Scammers sometimes use the name of real payment services to make fake payment requests look official. If you received a message, email, or link asking you to pay through "Link," check whether you initiated the transaction, whether you recognize the business, and whether the payment page matches the merchant's official website.
Key Takeaways
- Link is a real payment service owned by Stripe, used by thousands of online merchants to process transactions.
- A legitimate Link payment page will appear when you check out on a merchant's website or app, not when a stranger sends you a link via text or email.
- Scammers sometimes reference real payment services by name to make fake payment requests seem trustworthy.
- If you did not start the purchase yourself on a merchant's official website, do not enter your payment information.
How Link works as a payment method
Link is a checkout tool that merchants add to their websites and apps. When you buy something online, the merchant may offer Link as one of your payment options. Link stores your card or bank account information securely so you can check out faster on future purchases — you enter your email address and Link fills in your payment details automatically.
Link does not hold your money or act as a bank. It passes your payment information to the merchant's payment processor (usually Stripe) and confirms the transaction. The merchant receives the payment, and your bank or card issuer processes the charge on your end.
You will only see Link as a payment option when you are already on a merchant's checkout page — either their website or their official app. Link does not send you payment requests or ask you to pay money directly.
Red flags that a Link payment request is fake
Scammers send fake payment links through text messages, emails, and social media. They may say you owe money, that a package is waiting, that you won a prize, or that your account needs updating. The message includes a link that looks like it goes to a real payment service, but it actually leads to a fake website designed to steal your information.
A legitimate merchant will never ask you to pay by clicking a link in an unsolicited message. If you receive a text or email asking you to pay through Link or any other service, do not click the link. Instead, go directly to the merchant's official website by typing the address into your browser, or call their customer service number from your records.
Watch for these warning signs:
- You did not place an order or start a transaction.
- The message came from an unknown sender or a number that does not match the merchant's official contact information.
- The message creates urgency ("Pay now or your account will be closed").
- The link looks slightly off or uses a shortened URL that hides the real destination.
- The message asks for information Link would never request, such as your full Social Security number or PIN.
How to verify a Link payment is legitimate
Before you enter your payment information on any Link checkout page, confirm that you are on the real merchant's website. Check the web address in your browser — it should match the merchant's official domain. For example, if you are buying from a store called "ExampleShop," the URL should be something like exampleshop.com, not exampleshop-checkout.com or a shortened link.
If you arrived at the payment page by clicking a link in an email or text message, go back and navigate to the merchant's website directly instead. Type the merchant's web address into your browser yourself, or call their customer service number to confirm the payment request is real.
Look for security signals on the checkout page: a padlock icon in the address bar, "https://" at the start of the URL (not "http://"), and the merchant's name and logo. These do not may provide the page is safe, but their absence is a warning sign.
What to do if you entered payment information on a suspicious Link page
If you provided your card or bank account details on a page you now believe was fake, contact your bank or card issuer immediately. Tell them you may have entered your information on a fraudulent website. They can monitor your account for unauthorized charges and issue a new card if necessary.
If money was already taken from your account, report it as fraud. Your bank can reverse the charge and investigate. Most banks cover unauthorized transactions, though the process takes one to two weeks.
If the fake page also collected your email address or other personal information, monitor your email for phishing attempts and consider changing your password if you used the same password anywhere else.
Link versus other payment methods
Link is one of many checkout tools merchants use. You may also see options like PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or direct card entry. All of these are legitimate when they appear on a real merchant's checkout page. The key difference is that Link is owned by Stripe and is less widely known than PayPal or Apple Pay, which makes it a target for scammers who hope you will not recognize the name.
No matter which payment method you use, the rule is the same: only enter your information on a checkout page you reached by navigating to the merchant's official website yourself, not by clicking a link someone sent you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Link on any website?
No. Link only appears as a payment option on websites and apps where the merchant has set it up. If a merchant does not use Link, you will not see it as a checkout option. You cannot use Link to pay someone who does not have it installed.
Does Link charge me a fee to use it?
No. Link is free for you as a customer. The merchant pays a processing fee to Stripe, but you do not pay anything extra for using Link instead of entering your card details manually.
Is my information safe if I save it in Link?
Link uses encryption and security standards to protect your payment information. However, no system is completely risk-free. If you are uncomfortable saving your information, you can enter your card details manually each time instead of using Link's saved information feature.
What if a merchant says they only accept Link payments?
Legitimate merchants offer multiple payment methods. If a business insists you can only pay through Link and refuses other options, that is unusual and worth questioning. Most real businesses accept cards, bank transfers, or other common payment methods.
Can I dispute a charge I made through Link?
Yes. Link is just the checkout tool — your actual payment goes through your bank or card issuer. If you dispute a charge, you contact your bank or card company, not Link. They handle the dispute the same way they would for any other transaction.