What a Cash App Payment Link Does
A Cash App payment link is a URL you create and share that lets someone send you money without needing your $Cashtag or phone number. When they click the link, it opens Cash App (or the web version) with the payment screen already set to send money to you. You decide the amount beforehand, or you can leave it blank so they choose how much to send.
Payment links work whether the person has Cash App or not — if they don't have the app, they can pay through a web browser. The money lands in your Cash App balance the same way a regular transfer does, and you can then move it to your linked bank account or keep it in the app.
The main reason to use a payment link instead of asking for a $Cashtag is privacy. You're not sharing your Cash App username or any personal identifier — just a one-time link. It's useful for splitting bills with people you don't know well, collecting money for a group gift, or letting customers pay you without a formal invoice.
Key Takeaways
- Payment links are created inside the Cash App and can be set for a specific amount or left blank so the sender decides.
- You share the link by text, email, or any messaging platform, and the sender doesn't need to know your $Cashtag or phone number.
- The sender can pay through the Cash App or through a web browser if they don't have the app installed.
- Money from a payment link arrives in your Cash App balance within minutes and can be withdrawn to your bank account anytime.
- Payment links expire after 30 days if unused, and you can create a new one if needed.
How to Create a Payment Link in Cash App
Open Cash App and tap the + icon at the bottom left of the screen (on iPhone) or the + button at the bottom center (on Android). Select "Request" from the menu that appears.
Enter the amount you want to request, or leave it blank if you want the sender to choose. Tap "Create a Link" at the bottom of the screen. Cash App generates a unique URL and shows it to you. You can now copy this link and share it however you want — text message, email, social media, or anywhere else.
If you want to request a specific amount, the link will include that amount and the sender will see it when they click. If you left the amount blank, the sender will see a screen where they can enter any amount they want to send you.
Sharing Your Payment Link Safely
Once you have the link, you control how it spreads. Copy it and paste it into a text message, email, or direct message — anywhere the person you want to pay you can see it. You can also share it in a group chat if you're collecting money from multiple people, like for a shared meal or event.
Each link is unique to you and that specific request, so sharing it doesn't expose your Cash App account or personal information the way sharing your $Cashtag might. However, anyone who gets the link can use it to send you money, so only share it with people you actually want to receive payment from.
If you accidentally share a link with the wrong person or change your mind about requesting money, you can delete the link. Open the request in Cash App, tap the three dots in the corner, and select "Delete Request." The link stops working when ready.
What Happens When Someone Uses Your Link
When the person clicks your payment link, they see a screen showing your name and the amount (if you set one). If they have Cash App, they're already logged in and just need to confirm the payment. If they don't have Cash App, they can pay through a web browser by entering their card details.
The payment processes the same way as a regular Cash App transfer. The money leaves their account and arrives in yours within minutes, usually when ready. You'll get a notification that the payment came through, and the money sits in your Cash App balance ready to use or withdraw.
The sender gets a receipt showing the transaction went through. If something goes wrong — their card declines, they cancel halfway through — you'll see that too, and no money changes hands.
Moving Money From a Payment Link to Your Bank Account
Money that arrives through a payment link sits in your Cash App balance just like money from any other transfer. To move it to your bank account, tap the Balance tab at the bottom of the screen, then tap "Cash Out." Choose "Standard" (usually takes one to three business days) or "when ready" (arrives in minutes but costs a small fee, typically 1.5% of the amount).
Enter the amount you want to withdraw and confirm. The money leaves your Cash App balance and goes to the bank account you linked when you set up Cash App. If you haven't linked a bank account yet, Cash App will ask you to do that before you can withdraw.
You can also leave the money in your Cash App balance and use it to send to other people, pay bills through Cash App, or buy Bitcoin — whatever you want to do with it.
When Payment Links Expire and What to Do
A payment link stays active for 30 days from the day you create it. If nobody uses it in that time, it expires and stops working. You'll see a notification in Cash App that the request expired.
If the link expires and you still want to collect the money, create a new one. Open Cash App, tap the + icon, select "Request," enter the amount again, and tap "Create a Link." Share the new link with the person. There's no limit to how many links you can create.
If someone clicks an expired link, they'll see a message saying the request is no longer available. They can't send money through it, so you'll need to share the new link with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the amount on a payment link after I create it?
No, the amount is locked in when you create the link. If you need a different amount, delete the old link and create a new one with the correct amount. The sender will need the new link to pay you.
What if someone sends me money through a payment link and then asks for a refund?
You can refund the money by opening the transaction in your Cash App history, tapping the three dots, and selecting "Refund." The money goes back to their account. You're not required to refund, but Cash App makes it straightforward if you choose to.
Do I need to have a bank account linked to Cash App to receive money through a payment link?
No, you can receive money through a payment link without a bank account linked. The money will sit in your Cash App balance. You only need a linked bank account if you want to withdraw the money to your actual bank.
Can I see who sent me money through a payment link?
Yes, when you open the transaction in your Cash App history, you'll see the sender's name and their $Cashtag (if they have one). You can also see the exact time the payment arrived and any note they included.
Is it safe to share a payment link publicly, like on social media?
Technically yes — the link only lets people send you money, not access your account or personal information. But anyone who sees it can use it, so if you post it publicly, be prepared for strangers to potentially send you money. Most people use payment links for specific people or small groups instead.