How do I text a customer a link to pay?
Short answer
Generate the invoice, then send the payment link directly by text instead of relying on email alone. Keep the message short with the amount and a single link, and confirm receipt automatically once the payment clears.
Before you start
- Payment collection configured and tested.
- Customer mobile numbers captured accurately.
- An invoice or amount ready to send.
- Text messaging enabled for the business number.
Step by step
- 1
Confirm the amount and job
Verify the invoice matches the completed work before sending anything.
A wrong amount sent by text is harder to walk back than one caught before sending.
- 2
Generate the payment link
Create the link tied to that specific invoice or amount.
A dedicated link keeps the payment matched to the right job automatically.
- 3
Write a short, clear message
State the amount, what it is for, and include the single link.
A cluttered message with extra links or text lowers the chance of a quick payment.
- 4
Send at a reasonable time
Text during business hours unless the customer expects it otherwise.
Late-night or early messages can feel intrusive even with good intentions.
- 5
Confirm receipt automatically
Set up an automatic reply once the payment goes through.
Immediate confirmation reassures the customer and closes the loop without extra work.
- 6
Follow up if unpaid
Send a single polite reminder text if the link goes unused after a day or two.
A short reminder catches links that were simply missed or forgotten.
- 7
Record the payment against the job
Make sure the payment is logged and matched to the correct job record.
Unmatched payments create reconciliation work later.
What good looks like
- Customers pay faster because the link is right where they read messages.
- Fewer invoices sit unpaid due to missed emails.
- Payment confirmation happens automatically.
- Job and payment records stay linked without manual matching.
Common mistakes
The ways this goes wrong in money, and what to do instead.
Sending a generic link›
A link not tied to a specific invoice makes reconciliation harder later.
Do this instead: Always generate a link tied directly to the specific invoice or amount.
No confirmation after payment›
Customers are left unsure whether their payment actually went through.
Do this instead: Set up an automatic confirmation message triggered when payment clears.
Overloading the text with extra content›
A long message with multiple links buries the one action you want taken.
Do this instead: Keep the text to the amount, purpose, and a single payment link.
Frequently asked
5 questions about text a customer a link to payRelated guides
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