What is a payment webhook? How apps hear about payments instantly
By SendPay Business · · 2 min read
A webhook is a message one system sends to another the moment something happens. In payments, it is how a provider tells your website or app that a payment has succeeded, failed, been refunded or disputed, without your app having to keep asking.
Webhooks versus asking
With an API call, your app asks the provider for the latest status. With a webhook, the provider tells your app as soon as the status changes. Most payment systems use both: API calls to start actions, and webhooks to hear the result.
How a payment webhook works
- Your app gives the payment provider a web address to send updates to.
- A customer pays, and the payment goes through or fails.
- The provider sends a short message to your address describing the event.
- Your app checks the message is genuine, updates the order and replies to confirm receipt.
Handling them safely
Check the signature on every webhook so fake messages are ignored, handle the same event arriving twice without charging or shipping twice, and reply quickly then do slower work in the background. Most providers retry if they do not get a reply.
Where SendPay fits
SendPay gives you a ready-built branded platform with accounts, cards, transfers and payment links, powered by licensed partners, so the payment plumbing is set up for you rather than built from scratch.
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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.