Collect Payments Online: The Simplest Methods for Small Business

You need to collect money from clients online. You don't want to build a website, set up a shopping cart, or become an expert in payment processing. Here are the simplest ways to make it happen.

Method 1: Payment Links (One-Click Payment)

A payment link is a URL that takes someone directly to a payment form. No website needed.

Options:

• Stripe Payment Links: Accept credit/debit cards. 2.9% + $0.30 per payment.
• PayPal.me: Accept PayPal payments. 2.99% + $0.49 per payment.
• Square Payment Links: Accept cards. 2.9% + $0.30 per payment.
• Venmo profile link: Accept Venmo. 1.9% + $0.10 per payment.

Pros: Fast to set up, no website needed, shareable anywhere.
Cons: Each link only works for one payment method. No reminders.

Method 2: Payment Page (All Methods in One Place)

A payment page is a single URL that shows all your payment options. The client opens it and picks their preferred method.

Payable.at creates these in about 60 seconds. Your page at payable.at/yourname includes Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, credit card, Cash App, and any other method you accept. Share one link everywhere.

Pros: One link for everything, professional appearance, clients choose their method.
Cons: Requires a third-party tool (free tier available).

Method 3: Payment Requests (Email With Pay Button)

A payment request is an email you send to a specific client with the amount, description, and a link to pay. More targeted than a general payment page.

Payable.at payment requests:

• Enter the client's email and the amount
• They receive an email with a "Pay Now" link
• Automated reminders follow up if they don't pay
• Reminders stop when payment is received

PayPal Invoice:

• Create an invoice in PayPal, send to client's email
• They click "Pay Now" and pay through PayPal
• Manual reminder option

Pros: Targeted to a specific client and amount, includes follow-up.
Cons: PayPal only supports PayPal payments. Payable.at supports all methods.

Method 4: Online Invoicing

Formal invoices sent through invoicing software (FreshBooks, QuickBooks, Wave).

Pros: Professional, includes line items, tax calculation, receipt generation.
Cons: Overkill for simple payments. Takes more time to set up. Often locked to one payment method.

Which Method Should You Use?

Your Situation	Best Method
Quick payment from a known client	Payment link (Venmo, PayPal.me)
Ongoing clients with different preferences	Payment page (Payable.at)
Specific amount owed, need follow-up	Payment request with reminders
Corporate client needs formal documentation	Online invoice
Social media bio / general "pay me" link	Payment page

The Setup That Covers Everything

1. Create a payment page with all your methods (takes 60 seconds on Payable.at)
2. Put the link in your email signature, bio, and proposals
3. When a specific client owes you money, send a payment request with their email and the amount
4. Automated reminders handle follow-up

This covers every situation: bio link browsers, clients you text after a job, corporate clients who need a formal request, and everyone in between.

Related Guides

• Accept Payments Online Free
• Stripe Payment Link Guide
• How to Share Your PayPal Link
• Payment Request Template