QuickBooks doesn't have a built-in payment links feature. You can send invoices, but there's no native way to generate a shareable payment link that works across SMS, email, WhatsApp, or chat — processed through your own gateway.
This guide shows how to add payment links to QuickBooks invoices and standalone payment collection, so your customers can click and pay from anywhere.
What Is a QuickBooks Payment Link?
A payment link is a URL that opens a checkout page. The customer clicks it, enters their card details (or uses Apple Pay / Google Pay), and pays. The payment is processed through your gateway and auto-recorded in QuickBooks.
Unlike QuickBooks Payments (Intuit's native processor), a payment link through Shuttle works with your existing gateway — Authorize.net, Stripe, Braintree, PayPal, Worldpay, or others. You're not locked into Intuit's rates or US-only coverage.
Payment links can be:
Embedded in invoices — paste into your QuickBooks invoice template
Sent via SMS — text a pay link to a customer's phone
Sent via email — standalone payment request outside of QuickBooks
Shared via chat — WhatsApp, live chat, or any messaging channel
Posted on your website — a "Pay Invoice" button on your site
One link, multiple channels.
How to Create Payment Links for QuickBooks
Method 1: QuickBooks Invoice Integration
The simplest approach — add a payment link directly into your QuickBooks invoices.
Install the Shuttle QuickBooks Online Invoice Payments app
Connect your payment gateway
Copy your unique payment link
Paste it into your QuickBooks invoice template (in the notes or custom field)
Every invoice now has a clickable payment link
When a customer pays via the link, the payment is automatically recorded in QuickBooks against that invoice. No manual matching.
Full setup walkthrough: How to Accept Payments on QuickBooks Invoices
Method 2: Standalone Payment Links (Links Checkout)
For payment collection beyond invoices — ad-hoc payments, deposits, recurring billing, or payment requests sent outside QuickBooks — use Shuttle Links Checkout.
Use cases:
Send a deposit request before starting work
Collect payment over the phone by texting a link during the call
Add a "Pay Now" button to your website
Send payment reminders via WhatsApp or SMS
Collect recurring payments without manual invoice creation
Links Checkout generates branded checkout pages tied to your payment gateway. You can pre-fill amounts, add descriptions, and track payment status in real time.
Key features:
Branded checkout pages (your logo, your colours)
Pre-fill customer details and amounts
Multiple payment methods (cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay)
Payment tracking dashboard
Email/SMS delivery
Partial payments and deposits
PCI DSS Level 1 compliant
Payment Link vs. QuickBooks "Pay Now" Button
QuickBooks Payments (Intuit's native option) adds a "Pay Now" button to invoices. How does it compare to a Shuttle payment link?
Feature | QuickBooks Payments | Shuttle Payment Link |
|---|---|---|
Works with your gateway | No — Intuit only | Yes — Authorize.net, Stripe, Worldpay, etc. |
Send via SMS/WhatsApp/chat | No | Yes |
International support | US only | Global |
Custom branding | QuickBooks branding | Your brand |
Auto-reconciliation | Yes | Yes |
Multiple payment methods | Cards + ACH | Cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, local methods |
Standalone links (no invoice) | No | Yes |
Saved cards | Limited | Yes |
Partial payments | No | Yes |
If you're US-only and happy with Intuit's rates, their native button works for invoice-only collection. For everything else — international, multi-channel, BYO gateway — payment links through Shuttle cover more ground.
Practical Scenarios
Credit Controllers Chasing Overdue Invoices
Instead of calling a customer to ask for payment, send a link. Via SMS, they see it immediately. One tap, card details, paid. Average DSO reduction: 5-12 days.
Service Businesses Collecting Deposits
Before starting a job, send a payment link for the deposit. The customer pays before you arrive. No awkward "Do you have your card?" conversations on site.
Agencies and Consultancies
Send a project milestone payment link at the end of each phase. Cleaner than chasing invoice payments, faster than waiting for bank transfers.
Logistics and Transport
Driver delivers goods, sends a payment link from the cab. Customer pays immediately. No 30-day invoice cycle for delivery charges.
Auto Sales and Dealerships
Collect deposits, service payments, or parts orders via link. Customer pays from their phone without visiting the dealership.
Setting Up Payment Links: Step by Step
For Invoice Payments (QuickBooks Integration)
Time required: ~5 minutes
Click "Get App" and authorise QuickBooks access
Connect your payment gateway (API keys or OAuth)
Enable features: saved cards, partial payments, email notifications
Copy the payment link
Open your QuickBooks invoice template → paste the link in the notes/message field
Send an invoice — the customer now sees a clickable payment link
Free plan includes auto-reconciliation, saved cards, partial payments, and email alerts. Basic plan ($16/month) adds your logo, custom URL, and removes advertising.
For Standalone Payment Links
Sign up and connect your payment gateway
Create a payment link from the dashboard
Set the amount, description, and customer details (or leave blank for flexible-amount links)
Send via email, SMS, or chat
Track payment status in the dashboard
Security and Compliance
All payment links are PCI DSS Level 1 compliant. Card data is captured on Shuttle's secure checkout page and tokenised — it never touches your systems, your QuickBooks account, or your email.
Shuttle also holds ISO 27001 and SOC 2 certifications. For businesses in regulated industries, this matters: your payment collection is handled by infrastructure-grade security, not a lightweight add-on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customise the checkout page?
On the Basic plan, yes — add your logo and use a custom payment URL. The checkout page is clean, mobile-optimised, and branded to your business.
What gateways are supported?
Authorize.net, Braintree, PayPal, Stripe, USAePay, Worldpay, and more. If you already have a gateway, you can likely connect it.
Do customers need to create an account?
No. They click the link, enter card details, and pay. Optional card saving for repeat customers.
Can I send links to multiple customers at once?
With Links Checkout, yes — generate individual links per customer or use the API for bulk generation. For QuickBooks invoice links, the link is embedded in each invoice automatically.
What about refunds?
Refunds are processed through your payment gateway as normal. The refund status syncs based on your gateway's standard process.