Email payments give businesses a fast, flexible way to get paid without a full website or checkout flow. With more than 4.5 billion users globally, email is one of the most widely adopted digital communication channels. Email payments allow businesses to collect digital payments in a way that matches how their customers already communicate by directly sending secure invoices or payment links.

Below, you’ll learn what email payments are, when they make sense, and how to effectively incorporate them into a modern payment strategy.

What’s in this article?

• What are email payments?
  
• How do email payments work for businesses?
  
• When should a business accept payments by email?
  
• Why should businesses use payment links rather than invoices?
  
• How are email payments different from email money transfers?
  
• How can businesses write effective payment request emails?
  
• How Stripe Payment Links can help
  

What are email payments?

Email payments allow businesses to request and accept digital payments by sending a customer an email with a secure path to pay. The payment itself doesn’t happen inside the email. Instead, the email delivers a link or button that takes the customer to a protected online checkout page, from which they complete the transaction.

You don’t need a website to accept payments by email. A hosted payment link acts as a stand-alone checkout and removes the need for a checkout page on a website.

How do email payments work for businesses?

Email payments are designed to be simple and predictable for businesses. They’re meant to move from “payment requested” to “payment received” with as few steps as possible.

Here’s how it works:

• The business creates a payment request: A business generates a payment link or online invoice using its payment provider, which creates a unique, secure checkout page tied to that specific transaction. The request defines the amount, currency, and what the payment is for.

• The business sends the request by email: The payment link is shared with the customer in an email that explains the charge and clearly asks for payment.

• The customer pays: When the customer clicks the payment link, they’re taken to a hosted checkout page where they can review the charge and enter their payment details. Sensitive information is handled entirely on this page.

• The system processes the payment: The payment system encrypts the data, checks for authorization, and confirms the transaction with the customer’s bank or card network. If the payment is approved, it’s captured immediately or according to the business’s settings.

• The business receives the funds: After processing, funds are deposited into the business’s account on a standard payout schedule, similar to other online payments. The timing depends on the payment method and the business’s banking setup.

• The system records the payment: The customer receives a confirmation or receipt, and the business’s system marks the payment as complete. This creates a clear audit trail for accounting and customer support.

Businesses can track whether payment emails were sent, whether links were used, and which invoices are still open, which makes it easier to follow up when necessary.

When should a business accept payments by email?

Email payments are often a practical option. It’s worthwhile to consider them whenever speed, clarity, and easy setup matter more than a fully built checkout experience.

The following scenarios might lend themselves to email payments:

• Direct client relationships: Businesses that speak directly with clients often communicate mainly through email. Sending a payment link in that same thread as the previous conversation situates the transaction within the existing relationship.

• Custom-priced or negotiated work: Sometimes, pricing varies by customer, scope, or engagement (e.g., for services, consulting, or individual projects). In these cases, email payments make it easy to request the exact amount without rebuilding a checkout flow.

• Remote or distributed customers: Email payments allow businesses to collect payments from customers in different cities or countries. As long as the payment method is supported, the payment process is the same everywhere.

• Low-volume or intermittent sales: If sales only happen occasionally, the process of building and maintaining a full checkout might be too much work. Email payments are easier to set up and manage.

• Low-tech, in-person payments: When a card reader isn’t available, an emailed link prevents payment delays.

Why should businesses use payment links rather than invoices?

Payment links have some advantages over invoices. In the right conditions, they can make payments faster, easier, and more accurate.

Here are some of the benefits:

• Fast payment: Payment links let customers pay the moment they open the email. They don’t have to log in to a bank or initiate a manual transfer, which speeds up payment.

• Clear, fixed amounts: Payment links lock in the amount due. This reduces errors caused by mistyped totals or partial payments.

• Minimal interaction: Traditional invoices can often generate questions about how to pay or where to send funds. Payment links are simple and direct, and the email provides context that might answer the customer’s questions.

• Clean reconciliation: Each payment link is tied to a specific request, which makes it easier for businesses to match payments to invoices or projects.

• Easy mobile experience: Payment links are built for phones and tablets. Invoices are often harder to work with outside of a desktop computer.

How are email payments different from email money transfers?

Email payments and email money transfers might at first seem similar. But in reality, they solve different problems and run on very different systems.

Here are the main areas of distinction:

• Transaction initiation: Email payments are initiated by the business, which sends a payment request that a customer responds to. Email money transfers are usually initiated by the money sender, who pushes funds to someone else using an email address.

• Underlying infrastructure: Email payments rely on payment processors and online checkout systems that handle cards, wallets, or local payment methods. Email money transfers typically move funds directly between bank accounts through a specific banking network.

• Use cases: Email payments are designed for commercial transactions, such as invoices, services, and sales. Email money transfers are more commonly used for peer-to-peer payments, such as splitting expenses or sending money to family.

• Geographic reach: Depending on the provider, email payments can support international customers, multiple currencies, and cross-border transactions. Email money transfers are often limited to specific countries or domestic banking systems.

• Payment methods: Email payments support cards and digital wallets, which many customers already use online. Email money transfers generally rely on bank balances and do not support card payments.

How can businesses write effective payment request emails?

Writing a payment request email is an opportunity to communicate well with your customers. The most effective ones are clear, respectful, and easy for customers to act on.

Here are some best practices:

• Send from a recognizable address: Use a business email and consistent formatting so customers know the message is authentic.

• Use a specific subject line: Reference the invoice or service directly in the subject line. This can help customers know what the email is about, potentially spurring them to open the message quickly.

• State the amount and purpose up front: Within the first sentence or two, explain what the payment is for and how much is due. This can help reduce follow-up questions and delays.

• Include a single, obvious payment link: Label the payment link well and place it somewhere easy to find, such as on its own line.

• Strike the right tone: Write as you would during any other business conversation. Polite, neutral language shows respect and reinforces trust.

• Provide a way to respond: Tell customers how to contact you with any questions or concerns.

How Stripe Payment Links can help

Stripe Payment Links is a no-code solution that allows you to quickly create and share secure payment pages online.

Payment Links can help you:

• Get paid faster: Share custom payment links with customers and accept one-time or recurring payments instantly, without invoicing or complex integrations.

• Improve conversion: Boost payment conversion rates with a mobile-optimized design and streamlined checkout experience.

• Save time: Easily create, customize, and share payment pages through the Stripe Dashboard—with minimal coding.

• Expand globally: Accept payments from customers worldwide, with Adaptive Pricing localizing prices for 135+ currencies and offering local payment methods that are ready to use.

• Access other Stripe products: Integrate Payment Links with other Stripe products—such as Stripe Billing, Stripe Radar, and Stripe Tax—to add more payment capabilities.

• Maintain control: Customize the look and feel of your payment pages to match your brand, and track all your payment activities in one place.

Learn more about how Payment Links makes it easy to accept online payments, or get started today.