A payment link is a web address that opens a payment page. You send it on WhatsApp, Instagram or by SMS; the person taps it, pays by mobile money or card, and you're notified. No website, no product page, no "please send the screenshot".
It's the fastest way to get paid in Ghana for anything that isn't a ready-made product: a deposit, a custom order, a service, an event ticket or a contribution.
When a payment link is the right tool
- Deposits: a tailor taking 50% before cutting fabric, a photographer securing a wedding date, a caterer buying ingredients.
- Custom orders: a cake, a branded T-shirt run, a made-to-measure dress.
- Services: a logo, a consultation, a repair, a tutoring session.
- Event fees: workshop seats, conference tickets, a church harvest, a class reunion.
- Dues and contributions: association dues, a group gift, a donation drive.
If you sell the same product to many people, a store or product page is better because it shows photos and options. For a client who owes you a specific amount for specific work, an invoice is better because it lists every item.
Why not just send your MoMo number?
It works for one or two sales. After that it costs you:
- Time. You check every payment by hand and match it to a name.
- Fake screenshots. Edited "payment successful" screens are a real problem.
- Lost details. You still need to ask for their name, size, address or email in a separate chat.
- No record. At the end of the month you can't easily see who paid what.
A payment link confirms the payment itself and records it with the payer's details.
How to create a payment link on Paylead
- Open Payment links in your dashboard and click New payment link.
- Give it a title the payer will see, for example "Bridal gown deposit".
- Choose the amount:
- Fixed: everyone pays the same, for example GH₵ 500.
- Open: the payer types the amount. Good for donations, part payments and "pay what you owe".
- Choose the options you need:
- One payment only for a single client, or reusable for many people.
- Limit the number of payments, for example 40 workshop seats.
- Expiry date so it stops taking money after an event.
- Collect email if you need to send something afterwards.
- Save, then copy the link or download its QR code.
The full steps are in our payment link guide.
Five ways to get people to actually pay
1. Send the link with a clear message. "Hi Esi, here's the link for the 50% deposit on your gown (GH₵ 450). Once it's paid I'll book your fitting." People pay faster when they know exactly what it's for.
2. Use a QR code at your counter. Print it and stick it at your salon, shop or stall. Customers scan and pay without asking for your number.
3. Pin it. Put a reusable deposit link in your Instagram bio and WhatsApp business profile.
4. Set a deadline. "The early price ends Friday" works. An expiry date on the link makes it real.
5. Follow up once, kindly. "Just checking you got the link?" brings in many payments that were simply forgotten.
What it costs
Online payments on Paylead cost 4% + GH₵ 1, with payment processing included. On a GH₵ 500 deposit that is GH₵ 21, so you receive GH₵ 479. If you'd rather receive the full amount, turn on Customer pays transaction charges and the payer covers it. Withdrawals to MoMo or bank are a flat GH₵ 5. See pricing.
Ideas you can copy
A salon: keep a reusable "Braids deposit: GH₵ 100" link with its QR code at the front desk. Every booking comes with a deposit, so fewer clients fail to show up.
A youth group: create an open-amount link for a harvest with an end date and share it in the group chat. Every contribution is listed with the giver's name.
A freelance designer: send a one-time GH₵ 1,200 link for a logo project and start work when it's paid.
Frequently asked questions
What is a payment link?
A link that opens a secure payment page. The person you send it to pays by mobile money or card, and you're notified with their details.
Can I create a payment link without a website?
Yes. Payment links work on their own. Share them on WhatsApp, Instagram, SMS or as a printed QR code.
Which payment methods work with a Paylead payment link?
MTN MoMo, Telecel Cash, AirtelTigo Money, Visa and Mastercard.
Can the payer choose the amount?
Yes. Choose an open amount and the payer types what they're paying, which works for donations and part payments.
Should I use a payment link or an invoice?
Use a payment link for a simple amount or for many people paying the same thing. Use an invoice when you need to list items, quantities, tax or a due date for one client.
