Send a payment link by creating an invoice or using PayPal's request money feature
PayPal gives you two main ways to send someone a payment link: create an invoice that they can pay through email, or use the Request Money tool to send a direct link. Both methods let the other person pay you without you having to ask for their card details or bank account information. The invoice route works best when you're billing for a service or product; Request Money is faster for casual payments between people who already know each other.
The person receiving your link doesn't need a PayPal account to pay you—they can use a credit card, debit card, or their own PayPal balance. The payment arrives in your account, and you can transfer it to your bank whenever you want. The link stays active until the payment is made or you cancel it.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal invoices let you itemize what you're charging for and set a due date, while Request Money is a faster way to send a simple payment link.
- The person paying doesn't need a PayPal account—they can use any major credit or debit card at checkout.
- You can customize the invoice with your business name, logo, and payment terms before sending it.
- Once the payment arrives in your account, you can transfer it to your linked bank account or keep it in PayPal to spend later.
Creating and sending an invoice
Log into your PayPal account on the website or app. On the website, look for "Tools" in the top menu, then select "Invoicing." On the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), scroll to "Money," and tap "Invoices." Click or tap "Create an invoice."
Fill in the recipient's email address, the amount, and a description of what you're charging for. You can add multiple line items if you're billing for different things—for example, "Website design: $500" and "Revisions: $150." Add a due date if you want one, or leave it blank. You can also upload your business logo and customize the invoice with your company name and payment terms. When everything looks right, click "Send Invoice."
PayPal sends the invoice to their email address. They'll see a button to pay right in the email, or they can click a link to view the full invoice and pay through PayPal's checkout page. You'll get a notification when they pay.
Using Request Money for a faster link
Request Money is simpler than invoicing and works well for one-off payments. On the website, go to "Tools" and select "Request Money." On the app, tap the menu, go to "Money," and tap "Request." Enter the amount and the recipient's email address, then add a note if you want to explain what the payment is for.
Click "Request" or "Send Request." PayPal sends them an email with a payment link. Unlike an invoice, there's no itemization or due date—just the amount and your message. The link works the same way: they can pay with a card or PayPal balance without needing an account.
What happens after you send the link
Once the link is sent, it stays active until the payment is made or you cancel it. You can see the status of any unpaid request or invoice by going back to your Invoicing or Request Money section. If the person hasn't paid after a few days, you can send a reminder—PayPal has a "Send Reminder" button for invoices.
When they pay, the money goes into your PayPal account right away. You don't have to do anything else to receive it. If you want the money in your bank account, go to your Wallet, select your bank account, and transfer the balance. Transfers usually take one to three business days, depending on your bank.
Customizing your invoice for business use
If you're sending invoices regularly, you can set up a business profile with your logo, company name, and standard payment terms. Go to "Settings" in your account, then "Business Information." Add your company details and upload a logo. These details will appear on every invoice you send from that point on.
You can also set a default due date for all invoices, add a note that appears on every one, and choose whether to include your tax ID or business registration number. This makes your invoices look more professional and helps clients understand your payment expectations upfront.
Payment link security and what the recipient sees
The payment link is secure—it only works for the specific amount and recipient you set. The person paying sees PayPal's standard checkout page, which encrypts their card or account information. They don't share their details with you directly, and you never see their full card number.
If the recipient doesn't have a PayPal account, they'll be prompted to create one or pay as a guest. Guest checkout is available in most countries and lets them complete the payment without signing up. Either way, they'll get a receipt, and you'll get a notification that the payment went through.
Canceling or resending a payment link
If you need to cancel an unpaid invoice or request, go back to your Invoicing or Request Money section, find the transaction, and select "Cancel Invoice" or "Cancel Request." Once you cancel it, the link stops working and the recipient can't pay through it anymore.
To resend a link to someone who didn't pay, look for the "Send Reminder" option on the invoice or request. This sends them another email with the same payment link. You can also delete the old one and create a new invoice or request if you want to change the amount or add more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a business account to send payment links?
No. Both personal and business PayPal accounts can send invoices and payment requests. The main difference is that business accounts can customize invoices with a logo and company name, but personal accounts work just fine for sending links and receiving payments.
Can someone pay a PayPal invoice without a PayPal account?
Yes. When they click the payment link, they can choose to pay as a guest using a credit or debit card. They don't need to create a PayPal account unless they want to. PayPal will ask for their email and card details at checkout.
How long does it take for the money to show up in my account?
The payment appears in your PayPal account instantly once they complete checkout. If you want to transfer it to your bank account, that usually takes one to three business days depending on your bank and country.
What if the payment link expires?
PayPal payment links don't expire on their own—they stay active until the payment is made or you cancel them. You can cancel an unpaid invoice or request anytime by going to your Invoicing section and selecting "Cancel."
Can I edit an invoice after I send it?
No. Once you send an invoice, you can't edit it. If you need to change the amount or details, cancel the original and create a new one. Send the new invoice to the recipient and ask them to disregard the first one.