Payment link: fast and simple
A payment link is the lightweight option: a page with an amount (fixed or open) and a way to pay by card or bank. It's perfect for in-person sales, deposits, tips, donations, or 'just send me a link' moments. There's no itemization and no formal bill — the goal is to collect money with the least friction possible.
Invoice: the itemized record
An invoice is a proper bill: line items, quantities, amounts, due date, and terms, addressed to a specific client. It documents *what* was sold and *when* it's due, and it still carries its own payment link or QR so the client can pay in one tap. Use it when you need a paper trail, are billing on terms (Net 15/30), or want reminders and a clear record for both sides.
What they share: both post themselves
On Holdings, the difference is about the document, not the plumbing. Whether a customer pays a bare payment link or a full invoice, the payment and the journal entry are the same event — recorded in your books the instant it clears. Both are free to create on the $0/mo plan; both cost 3% + $0.30 only when collected; and neither leaves you anything to reconcile.
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Frequently asked questions
When should I use a payment link instead of an invoice?
Use a payment link for fast, simple, or in-person collection — deposits, tips, donations, or quick one-off sales where you don't need itemization. Use an invoice when you need an itemized bill, terms, a due date, or a formal record.
Does an invoice include a payment link?
With Holdings, yes — every invoice carries its own payment link and QR code, so the client can pay by card or bank in one tap. An invoice is essentially an itemized bill with a pay link attached.
Do payment links and invoices cost the same?
Yes. Both are free to create on the $0/mo plan, and both charge 3% + $0.30 only when a customer actually pays by card or ACH.