PayLink (Hosted Checkout)

Summary Every invoice gets a personal PayLink via Stripe Connect. Link leads to a secure hosted Stripe Checkout. Webhooks update payment status instantly. Service providers receive payments directly to their bank account.

Status: ✅ Implemented (Issue #28)

Implementation Details

Built with Stripe Connect Express accounts: - Each service provider connects their own Stripe account - One-click payment link generation per invoice - Secure Stripe-hosted checkout pages - Support for 135+ currencies with automatic conversion - Apple Pay, Google Pay, and card payments - Automatic webhook updates (paid status) - Copy-to-clipboard functionality - Real-time connection status monitoring

Technical Architecture: - Backend: StripeService with Connect account management - Frontend: Settings → Payments tab for account connection - Invoice page: Generate/copy/open payment links - Webhooks: Automatic status updates on payment - Database: Stripe account fields + payment link storage

Service Provider Benefits: - ✅ No Stripe account needed (created through platform) - ✅ Payments go directly to their bank (2-day payout) - ✅ Full PCI compliance handled by Stripe - ✅ Multi-currency support out of the box - ✅ Professional checkout experience - ✅ Automatic invoice status tracking

Platform Benefits: - ✅ No payment processing liability - ✅ Optional application fees (not currently enabled) - ✅ Simplified onboarding flow - ✅ Stripe handles compliance & fraud - ✅ Webhook automation reduces support

Examples

  • Freelancer Anna: Connects Stripe → Generates payment links → 70% click-to-pay rate → +25% liquidity → −3h/month on reminders.
  • Coach Martin: Multi-currency invoices → Payment links support USD/EUR/GBP → Automatic FX conversion → 90% auto-payment rate.
  • Designer: Sends invoice with payment link → Customer pays via Apple Pay in 30 seconds → Invoice marked paid automatically → No manual follow-up needed.
  • Eventify: Email conversion 55% → 78% with embedded payment links → Better cash flow planning → Lower burn rate.

Related Features: - See Invoicing for full payment workflow - See Payment Reminder for automated dunning - See Dunning (Mahnwesen) for escalation with fees