You finished the job. The client is happy. And now comes the awkward part: "How do you want to be paid?" If you're sending bank account numbers over WhatsApp, waiting for transfers that never arrive, or losing sales because you don't accept cards, you're leaving money on the table.
A payment link solves this. It's a URL you send your client by message, email, or social media. The client clicks, pays with their card or preferred method, and you receive the money. No online store needed. No coding knowledge. From your phone.
What is a payment link and how does it work?
A payment link is a web address that leads to a checkout page. When your client opens it, they see the amount, the description of the service or product, and a form to pay. No app downloads. No account creation.
The process is simple:
- You create the link with the amount and description of the charge.
- You send the link to the client via WhatsApp, email, DM, or wherever.
- The client pays with a credit card, debit card, or mobile wallet.
- You receive a notification and the money arrives in your account.
It's not a trend. More and more small businesses are replacing cash and manual transfers with payment links. The reason is simple: less friction means more closed sales.
How much does it cost to get paid online?
The question everyone asks first. The answer depends on your location and the payment processor you use. Here are the most common options for solopreneurs in Puerto Rico and Latin America:
Stripe — The global standard
Stripe charges 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. Accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Works in more than 40 countries. If your client has a card, Stripe processes it.
Best for: Businesses that sell to clients outside their country or need to accept international cards.
ATH Móvil Business — The favorite in Puerto Rico
ATH Móvil charges 2.25% per transaction (minimum $0.06) with no fixed monthly fees. Almost everyone in Puerto Rico has ATH Móvil on their phone. If your market is the island, this is the option with the least friction and the lowest commission. For more details, check our complete guide to ATH Móvil Business costs.
Best for: Local businesses in Puerto Rico serving clients on the island.
PlaceToPay (Evertec) — The regional option
PlaceToPay (from Evertec) processes cards in Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and Puerto Rico. Fees vary by country and volume — they don't publish fixed prices, so you'll need to contact them for a quote. It's the strongest option if your market is in those specific countries.
Best for: Businesses in Colombia, Ecuador, or Panama that need a local processor with Spanish-language support.
Quick comparison
| Processor | Fee | Payment methods | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stripe | 2.9% + $0.30 | Cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay | Global (40+ countries) |
| ATH Móvil | 2.25% | ATH Móvil | Puerto Rico |
| PlaceToPay | Varies (contact them) | Local and international cards | CO, EC, PA, PR |
5 ways to get paid online (from simplest to most complete)
1. Direct payment link from your processor
Stripe, PayPal, and Mercado Pago let you create individual payment links from their dashboard. Copy the link, send it via WhatsApp, done. It's the fastest way to start. The limitation: each link is manual. You don't have a branded page or a catalog.
2. Payment button on your website
If you already have a website, you can add a button that connects to Stripe or PayPal. The client clicks and goes directly to checkout. Requires some technical setup or a plugin if you use WordPress.
3. Digital catalog with integrated payments
Instead of sending individual links, create a digital catalog where your clients see all your products or services and pay directly. It's like having a mini store without the complexity of full e-commerce.
4. Booking system with automatic payment
If you sell services by the hour or session (consultations, classes, training), you can use a booking system that charges at the time of scheduling. The client picks the time slot, pays, and the appointment confirms itself. No back-and-forth on WhatsApp.
5. All-in-one platform with multiple payment methods
The most complete option: a platform that combines your professional page, catalog, booking, and payments in one place. You connect your payment processor (Stripe, ATH Móvil, or PlaceToPay) and everything works together. Puny.bz does exactly this — create your profile, add your services or products, connect your payment method, and your clients can pay you from any link you share.
How to start getting paid online today (step by step)
You don't need weeks of preparation. In 30 minutes you can be ready to receive your first digital payment. Here's the process:
- Choose your payment processor. If you're in Puerto Rico, activate ATH Móvil Business + Stripe to cover local and international clients. If you're in LatAm, start with Stripe or PlaceToPay depending on your country.
- Create your payment page. It can be a simple payment link, or a professional page with your service catalog. Tools like Puny.bz let you have both in minutes.
- Connect the processor to your page. Follow your processor's instructions to link your bank account. In Stripe, it takes less than 10 minutes.
- Share the link. Put the link in your Instagram bio, email signature, WhatsApp Business. Every point of contact with your client is an opportunity to get paid without friction.
- Get paid. When a client wants to pay, you send them the link. No sharing account numbers. No waiting for transfers. No "did my payment go through?"
Common mistakes when getting paid online (and how to avoid them)
Using only one payment method
If you only accept ATH Móvil, you lose every client outside Puerto Rico. If you only accept Stripe, you lose the local client who prefers ATH. The solution: offer at least two options. According to Baymard Institute, 10% of online shoppers abandon purchases because they can't find their preferred payment method. That sounds small, but if you have 100 potential sales per month, that's 10 lost clients for no reason.
Not having a professional page behind the link
A generic payment link doesn't build trust. If the client doesn't see your name, your logo, or a clear description of what they're paying for, they hesitate. A professional page with your brand, services, and testimonials converts far better than a bare link.
Not confirming the payment automatically
If the client pays and doesn't receive immediate confirmation, they get nervous. Make sure you use a platform that sends automatic confirmations by email or notification. This saves "did my payment arrive?" messages and makes you look more professional.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a website to get paid online?
No. You can start with a simple payment link from Stripe or PayPal and send it over WhatsApp. But having a professional page with your catalog and integrated payment system converts much better. Platforms like Puny.bz give you that page without needing to code.
How much do payment platforms charge per transaction?
It depends on the processor. Stripe charges 2.9% + $0.30. ATH Móvil Business charges 2.25% with no fixed fees. PlaceToPay varies by country and volume (you need to contact them). None charge a mandatory monthly fee — you only pay when you receive a payment.
Is it safe to get paid with a payment link?
Yes. Processors like Stripe and PlaceToPay use SSL encryption and comply with the PCI DSS standard, the same used by banks. Your client never shares their card data with you directly — everything goes through the processor.
Can I charge in dollars and in local currency?
With Stripe, yes. You can charge in more than 135 currencies and receive the deposit in your bank account currency. ATH Móvil only works in dollars (USD). PlaceToPay supports the local currency of each country where it operates.
What if the client wants a refund?
All major processors allow refunds from their control panel. In Stripe, it's one click. The amount is returned to the client's card in 5–10 business days. The original fee is typically not returned in most cases.
Getting paid online doesn't have to be complicated. A payment link, a reliable processor, and a page that represents you. That's all you need to stop chasing transfers and start getting paid like a professional.
Get started free on Puny.bz — create your professional page, connect your favorite payment processor, and start getting paid with a link. No credit card required. Ready in minutes.
