What PayPal Links are and how they work
PayPal Links is a feature that lets you create a payment request and send it to someone else through a unique URL. Instead of exchanging account details or using PayPal's standard send-money button, you generate a link that the other person clicks to pay you. The person who receives the link can complete the payment using their own PayPal account, debit card, or credit card — they do not need a PayPal account to send you money.
When you create a PayPal Link, you set the amount you want to receive and add a description of what the payment is for. PayPal generates a shareable URL that you can send via email, text, or any messaging platform. The person you send it to clicks the link, reviews the payment details, and completes the transaction. The money lands in your PayPal account, and you can transfer it to your bank account or keep it in PayPal to spend later.
PayPal Links differ from the standard "Send Money" feature because you do not need the recipient's email address or phone number. You also do not need to know in advance exactly who will pay you — you can share a link publicly or with a group, and multiple people can use the same link to send you payments.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal Links let you create a payment request URL that you share with someone instead of sending money directly to their account.
- The person paying you can use a PayPal account, debit card, or credit card and does not need a PayPal account to complete the payment.
- You set the payment amount and description when you create the link, and the money goes directly to your PayPal account.
- PayPal Links work for splitting bills, collecting money from a group, or requesting payment for goods or services without exchanging personal account information.
How to create a PayPal Link
To create a PayPal Link, log into your PayPal account on the website or mobile app. On the website, click the "Tools" menu at the top and select "PayPal Links." On the mobile app, tap the menu icon, then select "PayPal Links." You will see a button to create a new link.
Enter the payment amount you want to receive. This is a required field — you cannot create a link without specifying how much money you are requesting. Add a description of what the payment is for, such as "Rent split" or "Concert tickets." The description helps the person paying you understand what they are paying for, but it is optional. Once you fill in these details, PayPal generates a unique URL.
Copy the link and share it however you want: email, text message, social media, or any other platform. The link does not expire, so you can reuse it or share it with multiple people. Each person who uses the link will see the same payment amount and description you set.
Who can pay you through a PayPal Link
Anyone with a PayPal account can click your link and pay you directly from their account balance. If they do not have a PayPal account, they can still complete the payment using a debit card or credit card. PayPal will ask them to enter their card details and billing address during checkout.
The person paying you does not need to create a PayPal account, provide you with their contact information, or have you send them a separate payment request. They straightforward click the link, confirm the amount, and choose their payment method. This makes PayPal Links useful when you are collecting money from people you may not know well or when you want to avoid sharing personal financial details.
PayPal Links are available to personal and business accounts in most countries where PayPal operates. If you are outside the United States, check PayPal's website to confirm that Links are available in your region, as the feature may not be offered everywhere.
Fees and costs for PayPal Links
When someone pays you through a PayPal Link using their PayPal account balance, PayPal does not charge you a fee. If they pay with a debit card or credit card, PayPal charges you a standard transaction fee. The fee amount depends on whether you have a personal or business account and varies by country.
In the United States, personal accounts are charged a flat fee plus a percentage of the transaction amount when someone pays with a card. Business accounts have a different fee structure. Check your PayPal account settings or PayPal's fee page to see the exact rate for your account type and location, since fees change and differ by region.
The person paying you never sees or pays a fee — PayPal deducts the fee from the money you receive. If you request $100 and the payer uses a card, you might receive $97 or $98 depending on the fee, while the payer still sends $100.
PayPal Links versus other PayPal payment methods
| Feature | PayPal Links | Send Money | PayPal.Me |
|---|---|---|---|
| You set the amount | Yes | Yes | No — payer chooses |
| Recipient needs PayPal account | No | No | No |
| You need recipient's contact info | No | Yes | No |
| Link can be shared with multiple people | Yes | No | Yes |
| Fee for card payments | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Send Money requires you to know the recipient's email address or phone number and send them a payment directly. You control the amount, but you must initiate the transaction yourself. This method works best when you know exactly who you are paying and want to send money to one person at a time.
PayPal.Me is a personalized payment link that you create once and share repeatedly. Unlike PayPal Links, you do not set a specific amount — the person paying you chooses how much to send. PayPal.Me links are useful for tips, donations, or when you want to let people decide the payment amount. The link stays the same and never changes, whereas each PayPal Link is independent.
PayPal Links work best when you want to request a specific amount from someone and do not want to exchange personal information. PayPal.Me works best when you want a permanent link that people can use to send you any amount. Send Money works best when you already know who you are paying and have their contact details.
Security and privacy with PayPal Links
PayPal Links do not expose your personal financial information to the person paying you. They do not see your PayPal account number, email address, or bank account details — they only see the payment amount and description you provided. This makes PayPal Links safer than sharing your account information directly.
The link itself is a unique URL that PayPal generates. Do not share it in places where strangers can find it, such as public forums or social media posts, unless you are comfortable with anyone using it to send you money. If you share a link privately with one person, only that person needs to know about it.
Once someone pays you through a PayPal Link, the transaction is final. PayPal's standard buyer and seller protection policies explore, but you should understand the terms before accepting payments. If you are collecting money for a specific purpose, such as a group trip or shared expense, keep records of who paid and how much.
Common uses for PayPal Links
PayPal Links work well for splitting shared expenses. If you paid for dinner or a hotel room and need to collect money from friends, you can create a link with each person's share and send it to them individually. They pay through the link, and the money goes into your account.
You can also use PayPal Links to collect money from a group for a gift, event, or fundraiser. Create one link with the total amount needed or the suggested contribution, and share it with everyone involved. Multiple people can use the same link to send payments.
Small business owners and freelancers sometimes use PayPal Links to request payment for services or products. Instead of invoicing through PayPal's formal invoice tool, they create a link with the service amount and description, then send it to the client. This works for one-time payments or straightforward transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the amount or description after I create a PayPal Link?
No. Once you create a link, the amount and description are fixed. If you need to change either one, you must create a new link. You can delete the old link and share the new one instead. This prevents confusion if you have already shared the original link with someone.
What happens if someone pays me through a PayPal Link but then disputes the charge?
PayPal's standard dispute and chargeback policies explore. If the payer disputes the transaction with their card company or PayPal, you may be asked to provide proof of what the payment was for. Keep records of any messages or agreements related to the payment. The description you added to the link can serve as documentation of what the payment covered.
Can I use a PayPal Link to receive payment for a business?
Yes, but you should use a business PayPal account rather than a personal account. Business accounts have different fee structures and may offer additional protections. If you regularly collect payments for a business, a business account is the appropriate choice and may provide better record-keeping tools.
Is there a limit to how much money I can receive through a PayPal Link?
PayPal sets transaction limits that vary based on your account age, history, and verification status. Check your account settings or PayPal's help center to see your current limits. If you need to receive a payment larger than your limit, you may need to verify additional information or contact PayPal support.
Can someone use a PayPal Link without a PayPal account?
Yes. The person paying you can enter their debit card or credit card information during checkout without creating a PayPal account. PayPal will ask for their card details and billing address. They do not need to sign up for PayPal to complete the payment.