What Cash App payment links do and how to use them
Cash App payment links let you send a single link to one or more people, and they can pay you through it without needing your $Cashtag or phone number. You create the link in the app, set the amount you want to receive, and share it however you choose — text, email, social media, or a group chat. The person who receives the link taps it, enters their Cash App information if they're not already logged in, and sends the payment. The money lands in your Cash App balance.
This is different from the standard Cash App payment, where you need to know someone's $Cashtag or phone number beforehand. Payment links work better when you're splitting a bill with people you don't have saved in your contacts, collecting money from a group, or sending an invoice-style request to someone you've never paid before.
Key Takeaways
- Payment links are created inside the Cash App and can be shared through text, email, or any messaging platform without revealing your $Cashtag.
- You set a fixed amount on the link, and anyone who receives it can pay that exact amount or choose a different one depending on your settings.
- The person paying needs a Cash App account or can create one when they tap the link, but they do not need to know your contact information.
- Payment links expire after a set time if unused, and you can delete a link at any point to stop accepting payments through it.
- Cash App does not charge a fee for sending or receiving money between personal accounts, whether through a link or a direct payment.
How to create a payment link in Cash App
Open Cash App and tap the Cash or Money tab at the bottom of the screen (the exact name varies by version). Look for the option labeled Request or Send Money — the interface has changed over time, so the button may be worded differently depending on when your app was last updated. Tap it.
Enter the amount you want to request or receive. You'll see an option to Create a Link or Share a Link — again, the wording shifts between app versions. Tap that option. Cash App generates a unique link and shows you a preview of what the recipient will see. From there, you can share the link directly through text message, email, or by copying it to paste elsewhere.
Some versions of Cash App let you set whether the amount is fixed (the person must pay exactly that amount) or flexible (they can adjust it up or down). Check your link settings before sharing to confirm which mode you're using, since this affects what the recipient sees.
Who can use a payment link and what they need
Anyone with a Cash App account can pay through a link. If someone receives your link but does not have Cash App yet, they can download the app and create an account right from the link — Cash App will walk them through it. They'll need to provide their name, date of birth, email, and a phone number to set up an account, then link a debit card or bank account to fund the payment.
The person paying does not need to know your name, phone number, or $Cashtag. They only need the link itself. This makes payment links useful for situations where you want to keep your contact information private or when you're collecting money from people you don't have saved in your phone.
Payment link expiration and security
Cash App payment links expire after a certain period of time if they go unused. The exact expiration window varies — Cash App does not publicly state a fixed number of days, but links typically remain active for weeks rather than months. Once a link expires, it stops working, and anyone who tries to use it will see an error message.
You can manually delete a link at any time by going back into the Cash App request or payment section and removing it. This stops the link from working immediately, even if the recipient hasn't used it yet. If you want to stop accepting payments through a particular link, deletion is the fastest way.
Payment links are encrypted, and Cash App does not display your full account details to the person paying. However, treat links the same way you'd treat any payment method — do not share them publicly on social media or in places where strangers can see them, since anyone with the link can send you money (or attempt to).
Payment links versus direct Cash App payments
A direct Cash App payment requires you to search for the recipient's $Cashtag or phone number, select them, and send money. A payment link flips this around — you create the link, and the recipient initiates the payment. Direct payments are faster if you already have someone saved in your contacts. Payment links are better for one-time transactions, group collections, or situations where you don't have the other person's information.
Both methods have the same fee structure: no fee for personal-to-personal transfers between Cash App accounts. If you're receiving money from a debit card or credit card, Cash App may charge the sender a small fee, but this depends on the sender's account type and Cash App's current policies.
Common reasons to use payment links
Splitting rent or utilities with roommates is one of the most common uses. Instead of asking each person for their $Cashtag, you create one link, set the amount each person owes, and send it to the group chat. Each person taps the link and pays their share.
Collecting money for a group gift, event, or shared expense works the same way. You can send the link to multiple people without worrying about whether they use Cash App or what their contact details are. If someone doesn't have Cash App yet, they can create an account through the link.
Invoicing a client or contractor is another option. If you do freelance work or sell items, you can generate a payment link with the amount owed and send it as part of an invoice or receipt. The link serves as a direct way for them to pay without needing to know your $Cashtag.
Troubleshooting payment links that don't work
If someone tells you they can't tap your payment link, the most common reason is that the link has expired. Ask them to let you know the error message they see. If it says the link is no longer valid, create a new one and send it to them.
If the link works but the payment fails after they tap it, the issue is usually on their end — their Cash App account may not be fully set up, their payment method may have declined, or they may not have enough funds. Ask them to check their Cash App balance and confirm their payment method is active. If they're new to Cash App, they may need to wait a few minutes after creating their account before they can send money.
If you created a link but can't find it in your app, check the request or payment history section. Some versions of Cash App show active links in a separate tab. If you deleted the link by accident, you'll need to create a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the amount on a payment link after I share it?
No. Once you create and share a link, the amount is set. If you need to change the amount, delete the old link and create a new one with the correct amount. This is why it's important to double-check the amount before sharing.
What happens if someone pays me through a link but then disputes the payment?
Cash App handles disputes on payment links the same way it handles any other personal transfer. If the sender claims the payment was unauthorized, Cash App may reverse it. Keep records of what the payment was for — a screenshot of the link or a message explaining the transaction helps if a dispute comes up.
Can I use a payment link to collect money from a business or company?
Payment links are designed for personal transfers between Cash App users. If you're trying to collect payment from a business, Cash App's Cash for Business or Invoice features may be better options, though these have different requirements and fees. Check Cash App's business tools if you're regularly collecting payments from companies.
Do I need to accept a payment link request, or does the money go straight to my account?
When someone pays through your link, the money goes directly to your Cash App balance. You don't need to accept or confirm anything. The payment is final once they complete it, similar to a direct Cash App payment.
Can I see who paid me through a payment link?
Yes. When someone pays through your link, the transaction shows up in your Cash App history with their name and the amount. You can tap the transaction to see more details about when it was sent and from which account.