--- title: "What are Payment Requests? | Helcim’s Payment Tools" slug: "what-are-payment-requests" description: "Learn about Helcim Payment Requests, a fast way to get paid. Find out what they are, their key benefits, and where to access them in Helcim." updated: 2026-07-23T16:02:07Z published: 2026-07-23T16:02:07Z canonical: "learn.helcim.com/what-are-payment-requests" --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://learn.helcim.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # What are Helcim Payment Requests? If you're looking for a simple, speedy way to collect payments from your customers without needing a physical card reader or a detailed online store, you're in the right place! Helcim's **Payment Requests** feature lets you send a direct payment link to your customers via text, email, or any other messaging app. It's an easy way to get paid quickly and efficiently. --- ## What are Payment Requests? --- Simply put, a Payment Request is a secure link you send to a customer that takes them directly to a page where they can enter their payment information (like credit card or bank details) to pay you. It's a digital request for payment that cuts out the need for lengthy invoices or complex online checkout processes for simple transactions. ## Key features and benefits --- Payment Requests are designed for speed and convenience, with several helpful features: - **Connect to customers:** Easily link each request to an existing customer profile or create a new one on the fly. This helps keep your payment records organized. - **Add details:** Include important context like a custom invoice number or a short description of what the payment is for. - **Flexible sending:** Choose the most convenient way to reach your customer – send the link directly via email, text message, or simply copy the link to share it yourself through any app you prefer. - **Direct payment link:** Customers are taken straight to a secure payment screen, making the checkout process smooth and fast for them. ## Comparisons with other payment tools --- There are many different payment tools that you have access to as a Helcim merchant. Some of these may sound similar on the surface, but are best used for different scenarios. Click below to learn how Payment Requests compare with other tools. **Payment Requests vs. Payment Pages** You might be wondering: how are Payment Requests different from our [Payment Pages](/v1/docs/what-are-helcim-payment-pages) feature? Both are great for getting paid, but they serve slightly different purposes: - **Payment Requests:** Think of these as quick, personalized pings. You create a request for a specific amount for a specific customer, and send them a direct link (via text, email, etc.) that takes them to a simple payment screen. It's all about getting that one specific payment collected fast. - **Payment Pages:** These are more like online payment forms you can customize with your branding. You might create a Payment Page for a specific product, for donations, or a general "Pay Your Invoice" page. You can share the link widely, embed it on your website, or use a QR code. They are designed to be reusable payment points that you can set and forget. If you need to send a one-off payment request directly to a customer, Payment Requests are your go-to. If you need a more permanent, customizable form you can share or embed for various purposes, [Payment Pages](/v1/docs/create-a-payment-page) are the way to go! **Payment Requests vs. Pay Now Invoices** Both Payment Requests and the '[Pay Now](https://learn.helcim.com/docs/process-a-payment-with-helcim-invoices#sending-a-payment-link-through-email)' option on Helcim Invoices let customers pay online via a link, but they're built for different scenarios. - **Payment Requests:** Use for charging a specific amount quickly. The link takes the customer directly to a simple payment screen without showing a formal invoice. You can send these links via **text message**, email, or by copying the link. - **'Pay Now' on Invoices:** Use when sending a formal *invoice* that includes multiple items or detailed tax/discount breakdowns. The link takes the customer to view the full invoice first, where they can then choose to pay online. These can only be sent via email or a shareable link, **not text message**. Choose the tool that fits whether you need a quick, simple payment (Payment Request) or a detailed invoice review (Pay Now on Invoice). **How to access Helcim Payment Requests** --- ### **In your Helcim Dashboard** You can easily access Payment Requests through your Helcim account in any web browser (mobile or computer). 1. [Login](https://hsso.helcim.com/login) to your Helcim account. 2. Click on **All Tools**, and then **Payments**. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/4e721329-1a9d-4ef0-8d2f-497e0c1f185a/Images/Documentation/image-IL0VLS92.png) 3. Select **Take payment** from the top right hand side. 4. Click Send payment request ![](https://cdn.document360.io/4e721329-1a9d-4ef0-8d2f-497e0c1f185a/Images/Documentation/image-QRXKPU24.png) This will take you to your Payment Requests dashboard, where you'll see a list of any requests you've already created. --- ### **In the Helcim POS App** If you're using the Helcim POS mobile app, you can also access and create Payment Requests on the go: 1. Open the [Helcim POS app](/v1/docs/what-is-the-helcim-pos) on your mobile device. 2. Select **More** from the bottom menu. 3. Select **Payments** under the 'My Tools' section. 4. Select **Payment requests**. This will show you a list of all your payment requests within the app. ## Next steps --- Now that you know what Payment Requests are and where to find them, the next step is learning how to create and send one to a customer. | ![](https://cdn.document360.io/4e721329-1a9d-4ef0-8d2f-497e0c1f185a/Images/Documentation/cursor.png) | Our next article will walk you through the simple process of [generating your first payment request.](/v1/docs/create-and-send-payment-requests) | | --- | --- | --- ### FAQs **Who are Payment Requests best for?** Payment Requests are ideal for businesses that need to collect payment quickly for a specific service, a custom order, or an existing invoice without requiring the customer to be present or go through a traditional online store checkout. **Can I use this for recurring payments?** Payment Requests are typically for one-time payments. For recurring billing, Helcim offers a dedicated [Recurring Payments](/v1/docs/what-are-helcim-recurring-payments) tool. **Is this different from a full Helcim invoice?** Yes. A full invoice provides a detailed breakdown of goods or services, while a Payment Request is a streamlined link focused purely on collecting the specified payment amount quickly via a simple payment page.