Pay by link

The simple, secure way to get paid faster.

Chasing late payments and navigating complicated checkouts can slow your business down. Pay by Link offers a refreshingly simple alternative — request payment with a secure link sent by email, SMS, or your favourite messaging app. Our experts help you find the right provider for your business.

  • Access 90% of the UK's leading merchant acquiring banks.
  • Preferential rates exclusive to Merchant Advice clients.
  • Dedicated to negotiating the best terms for your business.
  • Overcome the toughest merchant challenges and disapprovals.
  • 100% free advice, no obligations.

Powered by a growing network of trusted providers

  • Worldpay
  • Barclaycard
  • Cashflows
  • Fiserv
  • SumUp
  • Trust Payments
  • Adyen
What to look for

The right Pay by Link features for your business

The Pay by Link market is full of options, each with different features. We help you cut through the noise by identifying the functionality that will deliver real value to your business.

Custom branding

A consistent brand experience builds trust and encourages customers to complete payment. We'll find providers who let you customise payment pages with your own logo and brand colours.

  • Reinforce your professional brand identity.
  • Provide a seamless, trustworthy customer journey.
  • Lift payment completion rates.

Powerful reporting and management

Get a clear view of transactions and maintain full control. A good merchant portal makes it easy to track payments, process refunds, and analyse performance in real time.

  • Monitor the status of every payment as it happens.
  • Gain insight from detailed transaction reports.
  • Manage payments from anywhere, on any device.

Offer a choice of payment methods

Give your customers the freedom to pay how they want. The right solution accepts all major credit and debit cards, plus digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

  • Easily accept payments from international customers.
  • Meet growing demand for digital wallets.
  • Offer the flexibility your customers expect.
Why Pay by Link

The key benefits of using Pay by Link

Pay by Link can transform your cash flow and elevate your customer experience. It's a versatile tool for overcoming common payment hurdles — and the right provider directly supports your business goals.

Improve cash flow

Give customers a quick, easy way to pay you as soon as they receive the request. Dramatically reduces payment delays and gets funds into your account faster.

Greater customer convenience

A modern, seamless payment journey. Customers pay anytime, from any device — no reading card details over the phone or filling out complex forms.

Stronger security, simpler compliance

Leading Pay by Link solutions handle the heavy lifting of payment security. Using a provider's hosted page significantly reduces your PCI DSS scope and gives customers peace of mind.

How it works

A simple three-step process

The best Pay by Link systems are built for speed and simplicity. The core flow is designed to help you get paid in just a few clicks.

1

Create your link

Log into your provider's online portal, enter the amount and customer details, and instantly generate a unique, secure payment link.

2

Share it instantly

Share the link through the channel that works best for your customer — a professional email invoice, a quick SMS, or a direct message.

3

Get paid securely

Your customer clicks the link and pays on a secure, branded page. The moment payment is approved, you get a notification.

A small business owner on the phone at her shop counter, beside a card terminal and till
Next step

Ready to find the right Pay by Link solution?

Don't let clunky payment processes slow your business down. Our independent experts will compare the UK's leading providers and recommend a solution that saves you time and helps you get paid faster.

  • Independent guidance from people who do this every day.
  • Support comparing suitable providers for your business.
  • A clear shortlist based on how you actually trade.
Start My Free Comparison

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a website to use Pay by Link?
No website is required. You can send secure payment links directly from your provider's dashboard via email, SMS, or messaging apps — ideal for businesses without an e-commerce setup.
Is Pay by Link secure for my customers?
Yes. Trusted providers use encrypted links that lead to PCI-compliant, secure payment pages. Most also include fraud protection features like 3D Secure 2 authentication for added peace of mind.
Can I brand the payment page?
Absolutely. Most providers allow you to add your logo, brand colours, and even custom messaging to ensure a seamless and professional customer experience.
How do I know if someone has paid?
You'll have access to a real-time dashboard where you can track every payment link, from when it's sent, to when it's opened and successfully paid. This makes tracking and reconciliation much easier.
What types of businesses benefit from Pay by Link?
It's perfect for consultants, tradespeople, B2B services, or any business taking payments outside of a typical online checkout. It also works well for deposits, remote sales, and social media transactions.
Can I accept card and wallet payments via link?
Yes. Most Pay by Link providers support all major debit and credit cards as well as digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, offering flexibility for your customers.
Is it easy to set up and use?
Very. Pay by Link solutions are designed to be intuitive. With minimal setup and no technical integration required, you can be up and running quickly, even without tech expertise.
What does your service cost?
Our consultation is completely free. We're paid a small commission by the provider if you choose to move forward, but this doesn't affect your pricing or rates. It simply allows us to remain an independent and unbiased advisor.