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How invoice payment links work

Updated yesterday

Every invoice you create in Acctual includes a payment link that makes it easy for clients to pay. Payment links provide automatic invoice matching for crypto payments (fiat coming soon) and give clients a professional payment experience.


What is a payment link?

A payment link is a unique URL generated for each invoice that directs clients to a payment page where they can:

  • View invoice details

  • Choose how to pay (if you have Flexible Payment Options enabled)

  • Complete payment with automatic invoice matching


Where to find payment links

Clients can access payment links in three ways:

  1. Email: Clients receive an email with the payment link and invoice details.

  2. Invoices page: You can copy the payment link manually from the I]invoices page in your Acctual dashboard and share it with clients.


How payment links work

With flexible payment options enabled:

  1. Client clicks the payment link

  2. Client sees "Choose how you'd like to pay"

  3. Client selects their preferred method (ACH, SEPA, crypto, etc.)

  4. Client completes payment

  5. Payment is automatically matched to invoice (crypto now, fiat coming soon)

  6. You receive notification

With manual payment details:

  1. Client clicks the payment link

  2. Client sees your payment details (wallet address or bank account)

  3. Client copies the details

  4. Client pays you directly

  5. You manually match payment to invoice


Automatic vs Manual invoice matching

Understanding when payments are automatically matched vs when you need to manually match them:

Automatic matching (No action required):

  • Client uses the payment link

  • Client pays with crypto (USDC, USDT)

  • Payment is automatically matched to the invoice

Coming Soon: Automatic matching for fiat payments (USD ACH, EUR SEPA)

Manual matching required:

  • Client pays via Flexible Payment method but NOT using the payment link

  • Client pays manually using your payment details (copies wallet or bank account)

  • All manual payment details payments


Example scenarios

Scenario 1: Client uses payment link with crypto Client clicks payment link, pays with USDC on Ethereum. Result: Automatically matched to invoice. No action needed.

Scenario 2: Client uses payment link with fiat Client clicks payment link, pays with USD via ACH. Result: Coming soon - will be automatically matched. Currently requires manual matching.

Scenario 3: Client pays directly to your wallet (not using payment link) Client copies your wallet address from invoice and sends USDC directly. Result: You must manually match using invoice match feature.

Scenario 4: Client pays to your bank account manually Client copies your bank details and sends payment via their bank. Result: You must manually match using invoice match feature.


Benefits of payment links

  • Professional experience Clients see a polished payment page, not just payment instructions.

  • Automatic matching No need to manually track and match crypto payments (fiat coming soon).

  • Multiple payment options Clients can choose their preferred method (with Flexible Payment Options).

  • Faster payments Clients can pay immediately without leaving the invoice page.

  • Payment tracking You get notified when payments are received.


Frequently asked questions

Do all invoices have payment links?

Yes. Every invoice you create includes a payment link.

Can I customize the payment link?

No. Payment links are automatically generated for each invoice.

What if the client doesn't use the payment link?

You'll need to manually match the payment to the invoice using the invoice match feature.

When will fiat payments be automatically matched?

Automatic matching for fiat payments (USD ACH, EUR SEPA) is coming soon.

Can I share the payment link multiple times?

Yes. You can share the payment link as many times as needed. It remains active until the invoice is paid.

What happens after the invoice is paid?

The payment link remains accessible, but clients will see that the invoice has been paid.


Next Steps

  1. Complete verification – Freelancer verification or business verification

  2. Set up flexible payment options – Learn how to configure flexible payment methods

  3. Adding manual payment methods - Learn how to add manual payment methods

  4. Supported currencies and payment methods - Learn about supported currencies and payments

  5. Transfer your funds - Learn how to send money

  6. Send your next invoice - Learn how to create and send invoices

  7. Tracking payments and transfers - Learn how to payments and transfers

  8. Matching invoices and payments - Learn how to match invoices and payments

  9. Troubleshooting payment issues - Learn how to trouble payment issues


Need Help?

If you have questions about Acctual:

  • In app messenger chat: Click the chat icon in the right corner of your dashboard

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