How to Take Payments by Email

Email payments allow businesses to request and receive payments by sending a secure payment link directly to a customer’s inbox.

The customer opens the email, clicks the link, and completes the payment using their preferred method, such as debit or credit card, digital wallets, or open banking. Because the payment is completed on a secure page, sensitive financial details are not shared with the business.

This guide explains how email payments work, the risks involved, and the safest ways to accept them.

How Do Email Payments Work?

Email payments follow a simple process:

A business sends a payment request via email
The email contains a secure payment link
The customer opens the link and selects a payment method
The transaction is completed on a secure hosted page

This approach allows businesses to offer multiple payment options within a single request, improving flexibility and increasing the likelihood of fast payment.

Are Email Payments Safe?

Email payments can be secure when processed through trusted systems and secure links.

Customers enter their payment details into a protected environment, reducing the risk of sensitive data being exposed. Additional security measures, such as authentication and bank verification, help protect against fraud and unauthorised transactions.

Why Do Businesses Use Email Payments?

Email payments are widely used because they provide more control and context than other remote payment methods.

Businesses can:

include invoice details and supporting information
offer multiple payment options, including open banking
maintain a clear audit trail of requests and payments
follow up easily on outstanding balances

They are particularly effective for B2B transactions and higher-value payments where clarity and trust are important.

Can You Accept Open Banking Payments via Email?

Yes, email payment links can support open banking as a payment option.

This allows customers to pay directly from their bank account without entering card details. Open banking payments can reduce processing costs, improve security, and provide faster settlement compared to traditional card payments.

Are Email Payments PCI Compliant?

Email payments can support PCI compliance when implemented correctly.

As payment details are entered by the customer on a secure hosted page, businesses do not need to handle card data directly. This reduces PCI scope and simplifies compliance requirements.