Payment links
Bank transfer or payment link: which should you offer?
Compare customer steps, invoice references and tracking to choose between a bank transfer request and a payment link.
Published · Rewritten
The essentials
A bank transfer asks the customer to send money to your bank details. A payment link takes them to a page showing enabled payment methods. The choice depends on customer habits, amount, applicable fees and how easily you can identify the payment, not just advertised speed.
What are you asking the customer to do?
For a transfer, the customer uses their banking service and enters the recipient if needed. With a link, they open the page and follow checkout. An accounts team may prefer a transfer; a consumer may prefer a card. Ask how your customer works instead of imposing a habit.
In either case, state the amount, reference and due date clearly. Changing the method should not change the meaning of the request.
How will you identify the payment?
For a transfer, a precise reference helps match the bank credit to the invoice. For a link, add an identifiable description or reference when creating it. The payer’s name may differ from the customer’s, especially when a company pays for an employee.
A document sent by the customer is not enough to close the record: check the bank credit or confirmed status in the relevant tool.
Avoid duplicate requests
If you offer two methods, say “choose either option”. Once payment is confirmed, mark the invoice as paid and close the other request where possible. Check both sources before sending a reminder.
Compare the costs and timings in your bank and payment contracts. Neither “transfer” nor “link” automatically means zero cost or immediately available funds.
In practice
When a customer prefers their bank
A company wants to settle your invoice by bank transfer after you have sent a link. Confirm the reference to use, monitor the relevant account and close the link request after receipt. This prevents an unnecessary manual or automated reminder.
And with Blaya?
Payments that fit your work.
On your phone, by link and as a team: explore Blaya’s new direction. Tap to Pay and commercial terms still require qualification before a live launch.
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