How Payment Links Make Checkout Easier for Businesses and Customers

Payment links provide Singapore businesses with another convenient way to collect payments, alongside other popular methods such as through their website, in-store, or via invoices. They’re particularly useful in certain scenarios—for instance, collecting payment for a one-time custom order arranged through social media messages.

In this article, we'll cover what payment links are, when to use them, and which types of businesses can benefit the most from them. We’ll also explain why a Wise Business account is an excellent way to generate and send payment links to customers locally and overseas—plus how to set one up in just a few quick steps.

What is a payment link and why should Singapore businesses care?

A payment link is a secure, shareable URL that directs customers to a hosted payment page where they can instantly pay for goods or services. When opened, buyers can complete the transaction using various payment methods, such as credit or debit cards, bank transfers, or digital wallets.

Businesses or individuals can generate a link through a payment platform like Stripe, set a fixed amount or allow the buyer to enter it, and share it via email, messaging apps, social media, or even as a QR code. The hosted payment page can often be customised with notes, branding, or colour schemes to match the seller’s style.

Why should you use a payment link?

Payment links can simplify the payment process for both you and your customers. Here’s why you might want to use one:

• Easy to set up and share: Generate a customised link in minutes and send it through any channel, wherever your customers are.
• Convenient for customers: One click takes them to a secure checkout page, where they can pay quickly from any device, using familiar payment methods.
• Removes hassle: No need to exchange bank details or update your website; everything needed is instantly generated and contained in the link.
• Professional and trustworthy: Replaces awkward “send money to my account number” messages with a branded, secure checkout experience.

Which types of businesses in Singapore benefit most?

While almost any business can use payment links, they’re especially valuable if you:

• Don’t have a website: You can still take payments anytime, anywhere.
• Sell on social media or chat apps: Send a link straight to your customers.
• Offer custom or one-off orders: Create a link for exactly what’s owed.
• Work with overseas or remote clients: Get paid in multiple currencies without the need for in-person meetings.
• Send invoices: Add a link to make it easier for customers to pay.
• Run a charity or fundraiser: Share donation links so supporters can make quick and secure online donations.

The difference between payment links and payment gateways

A payment link is customer-facing, meaning it is something the user directly sees and interacts with.

A payment gateway, on the other hand, is a secure backend system that encrypts, processes, and authorises transactions.

Payment gateways operate behind the scenes for many payment methods, including e-commerce checkouts, in-app purchases, point-of-sale systems, and, in some cases, payment links.

➡️Read our guide to the Best Payment Gateways in Singapore here

How to collect payments using a Wise Business payment link

Wise Business is more than just a multi-currency business account. It also offers you several ways to collect payments from customers easily - including payment links. To create a payment link using your Wise Business account, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Wise Business account.
2. From your home page, select any of your currencies and click "Receive". Alternatively, go to "Payments" in the side menu and select "Payment Links".
3. On the Payment Links page, click "Create payment link".
4. Enter the payment details, including the amount to request, desired currency, and product or service description (optional).
5. Select payment methods to offer your customers, such as Pay with Wise, card, and bank transfer.
6. Click "Create" to generate your payment link.
7. Share the link with your customers by copying it, using the QR code, or sharing it directly.

Other ways businesses can generate payment links in Singapore

Wise Business isn't the only financial service that offers payment links. Other popular options for Singapore businesses include:

• Stripe: Widely used payment processor with payment links equipped with extensive customisation options.
• Airwallex: Popular business finance platform with payment links that support multiple payment methods and currencies.
• Adyen: Another payment service provider with branded payment links equipped with multi-channel and recurring payment capabilities.

Send payment links via any channel

One of the biggest advantages of payment links is their flexibility — you can share them wherever your customers already are. This means you don’t have to limit payments to your website or physical store; instead, you can meet buyers in their preferred channel and make checkout seamless.

• Social media and chat apps: Share links on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or WhatsApp DMs to close sales after enquiries or promote limited-time offers in posts and stories.
• Email and SMS: Add payment links to invoices, quotes, order confirmations, or promotional messages, allowing customers to pay easily.
• Customer support: Send payment links via live chat or other support channels during or right after assisting a customer.
• Video calls: Share a payment link in the chat during remote consultations, live product demos, or virtual events so customers can pay on the spot.
• QR Codes: Turn your payment link into a scannable code for posters, flyers, receipts, packaging, or in-store counters.

FAQs about payment links

What is the difference between a payment link, a checkout button, and an invoice?

While all three are ways to request payment, they work slightly differently:

• Payment link: A shareable URL that takes customers to a secure payment page, often sent by email, text, or social media for quick, one-off payments. Example: A personal trainer sends a link via WhatsApp so you can pay for your next session.
• Checkout button: A button built into a website or app that starts the checkout process when clicked, common in e-commerce. Example: Clicking “Proceed to Checkout” on an online clothing store after adding items to your cart.
• Invoice: A formal bill listing items, the amount owed, and payment instructions, often used for B2B transactions or service-based work. Example: A wedding photographer invoices 50% of the package fee before the event.

Increasingly, businesses are adding payment links to invoices, making it faster and easier for customers to pay compared to traditional methods, such as manually entering bank account details for a transfer.

Why would I need a payment link when I have a website or app?

Even if you already have a website or app, there may be times when sending a payment link is the most convenient option. They’re especially useful for custom orders, personalised quotes, or situations where paying through your site or app isn’t practical.

Do payment links support multiple payment methods?

Yes — payment links typically support multiple payment methods. When you create a payment link through Wise Business, you can enable options such as Pay with Wise, bank transfers, and card payments.

Wise payment links also let you choose the currency you want to be paid in — either your preferred currency or one that suits your customer.

• Enjoy Flexibility and Control: Because you're not restricted to your home currency, this is particularly useful for businesses that deal with international clients. You can choose a currency that is more stable, has a better exchange rate, or is more convenient for your financial planning.
• Reduce Conversion Costs: By accepting payments directly in a foreign currency, you can potentially reduce or even eliminate the need for an immediate currency conversion. This can save you money on currency conversion fees and hidden exchange rate markups that most corporate banks typically charge.

Are payment links safe to use?

Yes — when created and processed through a trusted, regulated financial service or payment processor, payment links are generally very safe.

Reputable services use encryption to protect sensitive information and follow strict security standards set by the payments and financial services industry.

That said, treat any link you receive with caution, especially if you weren’t expecting it. Here’s how to stay safe and avoid phishing scams:

• Only click payment links you were expecting.
• Confirm that the payment amount and reason are correct before proceeding.
• Double-check the URL for spelling errors or unusual domains.
• Avoid entering payment details over public Wi-Fi.
• If anything feels off, contact the sender directly via another channel.

Conclusion

For Singapore businesses, payment links offer a modern and versatile way to receive payments quickly and securely—no matter where your customers are located. From social media sales and one-off custom orders to overseas invoices, they remove friction from the payment process, delivering a smooth and trustworthy checkout experience.

With Wise Business, creating and sending payment links is effortless, allowing you to receive payments locally or internationally in just a few clicks. By integrating payment links into your operations, you can meet customers where they are, simplify collections, and boost satisfaction—while avoiding extra hassle like updating your website or exchanging bank details.

For businesses that serve customers beyond Singapore, payment links from Wise are just the start. They are one of the many reasons why you should consider a Wise Business account to offset the problems associated with traditional banks.

• Obtain account details to receive payments in GBP, EUR, CAD, AUD and more for a one-time fee of S$ 99.
• Simply share your account details with customers or add them to invoices.
• Hold, send, and convert money at the mid-market rate in one account.
• Simplify customer payments with Wise request payment feature.
• Accept payments from customers and payment service providers (PSPs) like Stripe and Amazon.
• Generate payment links to request money in specific currencies.

➡️Get started with Wise Business today