Your guide to getting started with ZoomMate
Everything you need to start using ZoomMate: notes, search, workflows, and AI tools — all inside Zoom Workplace.
Select a language
Learn how to create and use payment links to simplify client payments. Discover how payment links support your freelance business with Bonsai.
13 min read
Published on August 25, 2026
Picture this: you've just wrapped up a project, sent the invoice, and now you're waiting, sometimes for days or even weeks, for your client to pay. Payment delays like these can disrupt your cash flow and add unnecessary stress. A payment link offers a direct solution: it lets you request and receive payments through a clickable URL, aiming to remove friction from the payment process.
This article breaks down what a payment link is, how it works, and why it can be a smart choice for businesses of all sizes. You'll get a step-by-step guide to creating payment links, plus best practices that may help you get paid faster and keep your finances on track. Whether you're a freelancer or run a small service business, mastering payment links can support streamlined billing and help improve your bottom line. For a broader overview of billing essentials, see our guide on how to create an invoice.
Invoice clients and collect payments in one place
Payment links have become a simple way for freelancers and small businesses to collect payments online. They remove the need for a website or complicated checkout systems. This section explains what payment links are, how they work, and who may benefit from using them.
A payment link is a unique URL or button that lets clients pay for your services online. You can create a payment link for a specific amount and share it directly with your client by email, text, or even in a chat app. The client clicks the link, enters their payment details, and completes the transaction.
For example, a freelance photographer can send a payment link to a client after a photo shoot. The client clicks the link and pays the agreed fee, without needing to visit a website or log in anywhere. Payment links are designed to make it easy to get paid quickly and securely.
Here's how the process of using a payment link typically looks:
For instance, a freelance web designer can create a $1,200 payment link for a website project and email it to the client. The client pays with just a few simple steps, and the designer receives the funds without any extra steps.
Many types of professionals and small businesses may benefit from payment links. Here are some common examples:
Payment links are especially useful for anyone who works with clients directly and wants a fast, easy way to collect payments without technical hassle.
Payment links are a simple way for freelancers and small businesses to get paid quickly without extra hassle. They let you request payments from clients in just a few clicks, making the process smoother for everyone involved. Here's why payment links can be a smart choice for growing your business.
Payment links are designed to help you get paid faster by cutting out manual steps. Instead of waiting for clients to find your bank details or mail a check, you send a secure link they can pay through efficiently. This means less time chasing payments and more time focusing on your work.
For example, imagine a freelance designer who finishes a $1,200 project. Instead of emailing an invoice and waiting days for a bank transfer, they send a payment link as soon as the project wraps up. The client clicks the link and pays by card soon after. The designer may receive their money more quickly, and there's less need to follow up or reconcile payment details manually.
With payment links, your clients can choose how they want to pay: credit card, debit card, digital wallet, or bank transfer. For more details on setting up bank transfer options, see our article on how to set up ACH payments for your business. If you want to dive deeper into accepting credit card payments, check out our guide on how to accept credit card payments. This flexibility can make it easier for clients to pay on time, since they aren't limited to one method.
Offering multiple payment options is a significant convenience, especially for clients who prefer digital wallets or need to use a business card. When clients have choices, they may be more likely to pay promptly and with less back-and-forth. If you want to offer even more flexibility, consider learning how to accept payments online to expand your payment methods.
You don't need a website or any technical skills to use payment links. They're designed for simplicity, so solo professionals and small teams can send them directly by email, text, or chat.
This means you can start accepting payments efficiently, even if you're just starting out or don't have a business website. Payment links help remove barriers and make it easy for anyone to get paid.
Creating a payment link is a straightforward way to get paid quickly, whether you're a freelancer billing for a project or an agency collecting deposits. Learn more about Bonsai invoicing. Here's a clear, step-by-step guide to help you set up and share a payment link with your clients.
Start by selecting a payment platform that fits your needs. Here are a few types of options and what to consider:
Think about transaction fees, supported currencies, and whether the payment solution connects with your other business tools before deciding. If you want to compare different ways to get paid, check out the one way to receive payments from clients.
Once you've picked a platform, you'll need to enter your payment information. Follow these steps:
Clear, accurate details help your client understand what they're paying for and avoid confusion later.
After entering your details, the platform will create a unique payment link for you. Share this link with your client using the method they prefer: email, text message, social media, or by adding it to your invoice. Make sure the link is easy to find—put it near the top of your message or invoice, and include a short instruction like "Click here to pay." This helps clients pay efficiently and reduces back-and-forth.
Invoice clients and collect payments in one place
Using payment links can make getting paid much easier, but only if you use them the right way. By following a few simple best practices, freelancers and agencies can help improve their chances of getting paid on time and avoid confusion or security risks.
A clear payment request helps clients understand exactly what they owe and when it's due. Always include a detailed description of the service, the exact amount, and the payment deadline. Use polite and concise language, such as "Please pay by June 15" or "Thank you for your business." If you have branded templates, use them to make your requests look more professional and trustworthy. This helps build confidence, especially with new clients.
Even with the best clients, payment links sometimes go unnoticed. It's a good idea to send a gentle reminder a few days before the due date and another if the payment is late. Many payment platforms, including Bonsai, let you set up automated reminders so you don't have to track each invoice manually. This can save time and help keep your cash flow steady. For more strategies on ensuring you get paid, see our tips on how to collect money.
Protecting your client's data is just as important as getting paid. Always use payment link providers with strong security, like SSL encryption and a solid reputation. Before sending a link, double-check that the payment solution keeps client information private and offers options like password protection or limited access. This helps you and your clients feel safe when sending or receiving payments online.
Choosing the right payment link provider can help you get paid faster and more easily as a freelancer or small team. Not all payment solutions are the same, so it's important to evaluate your options based on your business needs. Here's what to consider when selecting a payment link provider:
Bonsai's payment links are built into its connected toolset for freelancers and small agencies. You can generate a payment link quickly, directly from an invoice, project, or client record. Each link is tied to your client CRM, making it easy to track payments and manage client details alongside it.
Bonsai supports multi-currency billing, making it easier to work with international clients, which is helpful for freelancers with international clients. The platform also lets you automate reminders, set up recurring payments, and view payment status at a glance. Because payment links are part of Bonsai's broader toolkit (contracts, proposals, time tracking), it's especially useful for solo freelancers and small teams who want to keep client work organized.
Imagine a freelance copywriter who just finished a $900 content package for a SaaS startup. Before using Bonsai, they'd draft an invoice in a document editor, attach it to an email, and wait for the client to initiate a bank transfer, sometimes needing to follow up multiple times. Payments could take days or even weeks to arrive, and tracking who paid what was a manual headache.
With Bonsai, the process looks very different. After the project wraps, the copywriter generates an invoice and creates a payment link directly from the client's record. The payment link is sent via email or shared via email during a project debrief. The client clicks the link, pays by card or bank transfer, and the payment status updates automatically in Bonsai's CRM.
You can configure Bonsai to send automated reminders if the payment isn't received by the due date, so you don't have to chase clients manually. For freelancers who bill hourly, Bonsai's time tracking lets you log hours and attach them to invoices with payment links, making it easy to bill for exactly what you worked.
Because Bonsai integrates with Zoom Meetings, you can also share payment links quickly during Zoom Meetings, with meeting transcripts syncing back to the client record in Bonsai. This integration is designed to help reduce delays and keep your projects and payments moving forward.
By combining payment links, invoicing, CRM, proposals, contracts, e-signatures, time tracking, and Zoom Workplace integration, Bonsai gives freelancers and small agencies a unified way to help get paid faster and manage client relationships with less administrative effort.
A payment link is a unique URL that allows clients to pay for goods or services online quickly and securely. It simplifies the payment process by letting clients click the link, enter their payment details, and complete the transaction without needing a full e-commerce setup.
You create a payment link using a payment platform or invoicing tool that supports this feature. Typically, you enter the payment amount and description, generate the link, and then share it with your client via email, text, or chat.
Bonsai, a Zoom company, integrates payment links with invoicing, proposals, contracts, and client management. It allows freelancers to generate payment links directly from invoices or proposals, automate reminders, and track payments as part of the same process.
Payment links can enable faster payments by allowing clients to pay efficiently with a click, reducing administrative tasks and potentially improving cash flow. They are convenient for clients and may help freelancers get paid more quickly.
Reputable payment link providers use encryption and comply with industry security standards like PCI DSS to help protect your and your clients' financial information during transactions.
Many payment link providers, including Bonsai, support payments in multiple currencies, making it easier to work with international clients and receive payments in their preferred currency.
Using payment links can transform the payment experience by making it quicker and less stressful for both freelancers and small businesses. Bonsai aims to enhance this process by integrating payment links directly with invoicing and client management tools, helping you stay organized. This combined approach may help speed up payments and give you clearer tracking with less administrative hassle. Looking ahead, adopting streamlined payment solutions like these can free you to focus more on your work and less on chasing payments, ultimately supporting your business with smoother cash flow.
