Payment Links and How they Help Businesses in the Philippines Get Paid Faster

In a modern digital economy, businesses are always looking for faster, simpler, and safer ways to collect and process payments. Payment links have become one of the easiest and seamless solutions to receive payment from customers locally and internationally. They are flexible to use, whether you’re a freelancer, an e-commerce seller, or a growing business.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about payment links – what they are, how they function, who can benefit from using them, and how to select the best provider to suit business needs. We’ll also discuss how a Wise Business account can make it easier for companies in the Philippines to collect payments from domestic and international customers by letting you receive money in multiple global currencies like a local, with lower fees and greater convenience.

Table of contents
What is a payment link, and how does it work? How payment links can help grow your business Essential factors for choosing a payment link provider Best practices for using payment links effectively Top payment link providers

What is a payment link, and how does it work?

Payment links are one of the simplest and most flexible ways to collect payments online without the need for a complicated checkout page. If you’re a serious business owner, you might be asking yourself, ‘How do I create a payment link for business?’.

Here’s how it works step by step:

1. Create a payment request: The business enters the amount to be paid, the purpose of the payments (product, service fee, or invoice), currency, amount, and other details in their payment system. The system then generates a unique URL corresponding only to the payment request.
2. Send the link to the customer: The business shares the link through various channels like email, text message, chat apps, printed QR code, or even social media.
3. Customer opens and pays: The customer clicks the link, taking them to a secure checkout page that shows the payment amount and details. They can complete the payment using their preferred method, either through debit card, credit card, bank transfer, or e-wallet.
4. Instant confirmation: Once the customer pays, both the merchant and the customer receive confirmation, and the funds are processed and sent to the former’s account.
5. Tracking and Reconciliation: Businesses have access to reports that automatically match invoices to payments and show the current balance, streamlining both the customer experience and internal accounting system. Since each payment link is unique and customized for a specific request, it simplifies monitoring of receivables and fund transfers. Sellers can see which payments are pending, have been completed, or have failed. No need to pay for a full e-commerce management or complex billing system.

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How payment links can help grow your business

In a fast-paced digital economy, efficiency and convenience can make a difference for freelancers, small business owners, or large enterprises. A payment link is a versatile tool for business growth.

Simplicity and speed of use

There is no need for technical setup or paying for developers. You can start accepting payments within minutes. Most e-commerce platforms offer intuitive dashboards where any staff member can generate and share payment links quickly.

Using online payment links for business results in faster payment. It also improves cash flow compared to traditional methods like manual bank transfers or check deposits, in which funds can take several business days to appear in the account. The quicker the business gets paid, the faster it can reinvest funds.

Control and flexibility

Sellers can customize the payment links according to specific needs (one-time sale, recurring service, or donations). They can also include taxes and discounts. This level of control ensures accuracy and transparency for the business and customers.

Improved customer experience

Using payment links is a secure and convenient way for customers to complete their purchases online. They can pay immediately through a trusted link using their preferred payment method. Payment links also allow customers to experience frictionless checkout since there are fewer steps needed to complete a transaction.

Empower finance teams

Payment links improve the operational efficiency of finance teams by eliminating manual work and follow-ups. Finance teams can manage payment requests independently through dashboards, saving time and minimizing reliance on other departments.

Enhanced Compliance

Payment links have built-in security and verification features to help reduce the risks of fraud or inaccurate payments.

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Who benefits most from using payment links?

Payment links can benefit almost any business model, including:

Professional services

For self-employed professionals, consultants, agencies, and other service providers, payment links can simplify the method of payment of clients for projects. They can customize payment terms like splitting payments for every project milestone achieved.

Using payment links also adds a level of credibility and professionalism that independent contractors can leverage to enhance client relationships and encourage repeat business.

Retail and wholesale

Payment links make it easy for retail and wholesale businesses to collect payment for both individual and bulk orders. Tracking orders is also more seamless, thereby improving inventory management.

SaaS and subscriptions

For software-as-a-service providers and subscription-based companies, payment links help with onboarding customers. Setting up recurring payments is as smooth as links can handle monthly, quarterly, or annual billing.

Non-profits and event organizers

Payment links are especially useful for organizations that depend on donations, as donors can contribute instantly through a secure payment link. Event organizers can also collect ticket sales or sponsorship fees without the hassle of setting up a full event website.

Transparency is critical for non-profit operations. By using payment links, organizers can tie a specific campaign or event to the specific people who contributed.

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Essential factors for choosing a payment link provider

With so many payment link providers available, choosing the right fit is important to ensure smooth operations, reliable cash flow, and a successful customer experience. Some of the relevant factors to consider when choosing a payment links provider are:

Fees, pricing, and scalability

• Understand the fee breakdown – some providers charge both a fixed cost and a percentage-based fee per transaction. Calculate how these add up based on the average sale amount and transaction volume.
• Look out for hidden charges – extra fees may apply for processing international payments or currency conversion. Be transparent, upfront, and show the breakdown of all applicable fees.
• Think long-term scalability – payment volumes increase as the business grows. Choose a provider that can handle the incremental growth of transaction volume without delays. Choosing one that supports multi-currency payments can save you a lot of money, time, and energy in the long run.

Ease of use and systems integration

• User-friendly dashboard – choose a platform that makes it easy for every staff member to generate, customize, and share payment links
• Built-in templates – templates help businesses create professional and consistent payment requests quickly.
• Seamless integration – the chosen platform should easily connect with your existing operational tools and accounting software for a more streamlined financial tracking and monitoring

Payment methods and security

• Multiple payment options – the provider should support different payment methods (debit and credit cards, digital wallets, and bank transfers). The more choices there are for customers, the more convenient it is to complete a purchase.
• Strong security measures – security is paramount when transacting online. The provider should comply with global standards like PCI DSS compliance, use unique encryption for every transaction, and offer fraud detection tools to protect the interests of both the business and the customers

Expand your reach and accept payments from any corner of the globe with Wise Business

💡Are bank accounts limited to USD, EUR, or GBP options holding back your business? With a Wise Business multi-currency account, you can access over 10 local account numbers — far more currency options than the handful most banks offer. Plus, Wise makes it easy to hold, send, receive, and exchange 40+ currencies from a single account. With the freedom to send and receive payments in more currencies globally, you can focus on what matters most: growing a local business that knows no borders.

• Obtain account details to receive payments in USD, EUR, GBP, SGD, HKD and more for a one-time fee of 1,400 PHP.
• Zero fees when you get paid via ACH, FAST, InstaPay/PESONet, & other local transfers.
• Send money to pay invoices, suppliers & contractors fast, with less fees
• Always get the mid-market rate with transparent conversion fees starting from 0.57%.
• Pay your bills and ad-hoc overseas expenses using the Wise Business card without hefty foreign transaction fees.
• Seamless integrations with popular accounting software.

➡️Get started with Wise Business today

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Best practices for using payment links effectively

To get the most out of payment links, businesses should use them strategically to minimize payment errors, improve conversion rates, and strengthen their brand’s credibility.

Testing and branding links

• Brand your checkout pages – customize the payment links to include the business name, a logo, and brand colors.
• Test internally before sending – make sure the link opens properly on both desktop and mobile devices. Broken or incorrect links may lead to customer frustration and, ultimately, lost sales.
• Verify payment method – double-check to make sure all supported payment methods are working smoothly for a seamless checkout experience.

Clear terms and process automation

• Set clear payment terms – besides adding crucial details like total amount due and description of what the payment covers, always include any refund or cancellation policies to avoid miscommunication or disputes.
• Automate payment tracking – connect the payment provider to your accounting or finance systems to monitor payments in real time, flag unpaid invoices, and simplify reconciliation.

Top payment link providers

Several providers make it easy for small business owners and companies to send a link, receive payment, and track transactions in real time. Some of the world’s leading platforms for business are:

• Stripe – equipped with powerful tools and API, and support for over 135 currencies¹
• Square – popular among retailers and local businesses and known for having zero monthly fees and integration capabilities with point-of-sale systems²
• PayPal – one of the oldest and trusted names in online payments, offering flexible payment methods and built-in buyer and seller protection³

➡️Check out our guide to PayPal Business Account in the Philippines

In the Philippines, payment links have become an essential tool for business. Some of the top payment link providers used in the country are:

• DragonPay – one of the Philippines’ most established online payment gateways that offers bank transfers and over-the-counter payment options across the country⁴. It has access to a wide network of local banks (BPI, Metrobank, UnionBank, BDO, etc.) and payment centers (7-Eleven, Cebuana Lhuiller, LBC, etc.)
• PayMongo – a reliable partner of online sellers, PayMongo has a robust API to support split payments so that funds can be distributed among different recipients, like sellers and suppliers, automatically based on a fixed or percentage-based agreement⁵.
• GCash – the leading mobile wallet in the Philippines GCash is popular among small and medium-sized businesses, online sellers, and freelancers⁶. With GCash, sellers can generate a personalized payment link or QR code that customers can click or scan directly from their wallets. GCash is also well-integrated with social selling platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
• Maya Business – an end-to-end digital payment solution for small businesses and large corporations, Maya Business allows customers to pay using debit and credit cards, Maya, and other digital wallets through the payment links sent by the seller⁷.

For businesses in the Philippines that also deal with international clients, opening a Wise Business account can help you:

• get paid by international clients quickly and conveniently, often with no hefty international transfer fees, or conversion fees,
• get paid in multiple global currencies like a local by using local account details,
• create a single-use or reusable payment link by setting the amount and currency,
• Receive payments from both Wise and non-Wise customers, meaning clients who don't have a Wise account can still pay you easily using standard banking methods (like a regular bank transfer from their local bank).

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Conclusion

Payment links have become an essential tool for modern businesses, offering a flexible, fast, and scalable way to collect payments online. They simplify transactions, reduce manual work, and allow finance teams to focus on running and growing the business instead of chasing payments or managing complex banking systems.

For businesses that also serve international clients, opening a Wise Business account can enhance payment efficiency even further. Wise lets you receive cross-border payments in multiple currencies like a local, with lower fees and transparent mid-market exchange rates, helping your business operate globally while keeping costs under control.

➡️Get started with Wise Business today

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Sources:

1. Stripe Payments
2. Square
3. PayPal Purchase Protection
4. DragonPay
5. GCash
6. Maya for Business

Sources checked on November 5, 2025