Payment link vs invoice: which one should your business send?
By SendPay Business · · 2 min read
A payment link is a web link a customer taps to pay you straight away. An invoice is a formal bill that records what was sold, what is owed and when it is due. They do different jobs, and many businesses send both at once: an invoice with a pay-now link on it.
When a payment link works best
- Quick sales by message, email or social media.
- Deposits and bookings, where you want the money before the work starts.
- One-off amounts where the customer doesn't need a formal bill.
When you need an invoice
- Selling to other businesses, who usually need an invoice for their accounts.
- Work paid on terms, such as 30 days after the job.
- Any sale where you are VAT registered and the customer needs a VAT invoice.
Using both together
Putting a payment link on the invoice gives the customer the paperwork they need and a one-tap way to pay it. That usually means fewer late payments and less time chasing.
Where SendPay fits
SendPay platforms include payment links and invoicing under your own brand, powered by licensed partners. You can also make a free invoice with SendPay's invoice generator.
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This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. PayPal, Patreon and Substack are named as reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.