What is Request to Pay? Asking for money instead of chasing it
By SendPay Business · · 2 min read
Request to Pay is a way for a business or person to send a digital request for money, which the payer can then pay, part-pay, ask to delay or decline. It keeps the payer in control while making it easy to pay on time.
How a payment request works
- The business sends a request with the amount, due date and reference.
- The payer sees it in their banking or payment app.
- They choose to pay now, pay part, ask for more time or decline.
- The business sees the response and the payment arrives if approved.
How it differs from other methods
An invoice is just a document, and the payer has to copy the details into a transfer. A Direct Debit lets the business pull money without asking each time. A payment request sits in between: the payer approves each payment, but with the details already filled in.
Where it is used
Pay.UK has published a Request to Pay standard in the UK, and in Europe the European Payments Council runs a SEPA Request-to-Pay scheme. Payment links sent by email or message work in a similar way for many small businesses today.
Where SendPay fits
SendPay platforms include payment links and invoicing under your own brand, so customers can pay from a request without typing bank details, powered by licensed partners. SendPay tells you in writing which licences apply to your platform before you pay.
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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.