The fastest way to send money through PayPal
You can send a PayPal payment link in two ways: through the PayPal app or website, or by copying a link and pasting it into a text, email, or messaging app. The method you choose depends on whether the other person has PayPal already and how quickly you need them to pay.
If you want someone to send you money, the quickest route is to use PayPal's "Request Money" feature, which creates a link they can click to pay you directly. If you want to send money to someone who may not have PayPal yet, you can generate a payment link that lets them pay without signing up first.
Key Takeaways
- PayPal's "Request Money" feature creates a link you can text or email to ask someone to pay you, and they can complete payment in seconds if they have PayPal.
- You can send a payment link through the PayPal app by tapping the send button, entering the amount, and selecting "Share Link" instead of choosing a recipient.
- Payment links work on mobile and desktop, and the person receiving the link does not need a PayPal account to pay you if you allow guest checkout.
- Links expire after a set time if unpaid, and you can cancel a link at any point before someone completes the payment.
Sending a request link through the PayPal app
Open the PayPal app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right. Select "Request Money" from the menu. Enter the amount you want to request, add a note if you want (like "dinner" or "concert tickets"), and tap "Next."
On the next screen, you will see options to share the link. Tap "Share Link" or the share icon. PayPal will show you options to copy the link, text it, email it, or send it through other apps on your phone. Choose whichever method reaches the person fastest. They will receive a clickable link that takes them directly to a payment screen.
The person who receives the link can pay immediately if they have PayPal, or they can pay as a guest using a debit or credit card. Once they complete payment, you will get a notification and the money will appear in your PayPal account.
Sending a payment link from the PayPal website
Log into PayPal.com on your computer or mobile browser. Click "Send & Request" at the top of the page. Select "Request Money" from the dropdown menu.
Enter the amount, add a note if needed, and click "Next." On the confirmation page, you will see a "Share" button or a link you can copy. Click the share button to email the link directly, or copy the link and paste it into a text message, chat app, or email yourself. The link works the same way as one sent from the app — the recipient can pay with PayPal or as a guest.
Creating a payment link without requesting a specific amount
If you want to let someone send you money without specifying an exact amount first, you can create a general payment link. In the PayPal app, tap the send button and select "Share Link" without entering an amount. PayPal will generate a link that lets the other person enter whatever amount they want to send.
This method is useful for splitting bills, collecting money from a group, or letting someone reimburse you for something without you having to calculate the exact total first. The person clicking the link will see a blank amount field and can type in whatever they owe.
What happens after you send a link
Once you send a payment link, you can track its status in your PayPal activity. The link will show as "pending" until the other person pays. If they do not pay within a certain time, the link will expire — PayPal typically keeps links active for several months, but this can vary.
You can cancel a link at any time before payment is made. In the PayPal app, go to your activity, find the pending request, and select "Cancel Request." Once you cancel it, the link will no longer work and the other person will not be able to pay through it.
If the link expires and the person still owes you money, you can send a new link. There is no limit to how many times you can request the same amount or create new links.
Differences between PayPal links and direct transfers
A payment link is different from sending money directly to someone. When you send money directly, you choose a recipient from your contacts and the money leaves your account right away. When you send a link, you are asking the other person to initiate the payment themselves — you are not sending them money, you are giving them a way to send money to you.
Payment links are better when you are not sure if the person has PayPal, when you want to request money rather than send it, or when you want to give someone a choice of payment methods. Direct transfers are faster if you already know the person has PayPal and you want the money to move immediately.
Troubleshooting common issues with payment links
If someone says they cannot click your link, first check that you sent the full URL and not just a partial text. Copy the link again directly from PayPal and paste it into a fresh message. If the link is very old, it may have expired — create a new request and send a fresh link instead.
If the person is trying to pay as a guest and the payment fails, they may need to use a different card or contact their bank to make sure the transaction is not being blocked. PayPal will usually show an error message explaining why the payment did not go through. If the issue persists, they can try paying through the PayPal website instead of the app, or vice versa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone pay a PayPal link without having a PayPal account?
Yes. When you send a payment link, PayPal allows guest checkout by default, which means the person can pay with a debit or credit card without signing up. They will see a "Pay as Guest" option on the payment screen. Some business accounts have guest checkout disabled, but most personal accounts allow it.
How long does a PayPal payment link stay active?
PayPal keeps payment links active for several months, though the exact timeframe is not publicly specified and may vary. If a link stops working, you can create a new request and send a fresh link. You can also cancel old requests manually to clean up your activity.
What if someone clicks the link but does not complete payment?
The link will remain active until it expires or you cancel it. You can send a reminder message with the same link, or create a new request and send a fresh link. PayPal does not charge you for sending links or for requests that go unpaid.
Can I edit the amount after I send a payment link?
No. Once you send a link with a specific amount, that amount is locked in. If you need to change the amount, cancel the original request and create a new one with the correct amount. If you sent a link without an amount, the other person can enter whatever they want to pay.
Does the person see my name when they click the link?
Yes. When someone clicks a PayPal payment link, they will see your name and the amount (if you specified one) before they complete payment. They will also see any note you added to the request, like "dinner" or "rent."