Beginner
How to generate checkout links on FreshBooks
Quick Answer
Generate checkout links in FreshBooks by creating an invoice or estimate, then using the 'Accept Credit Cards' feature to create a secure payment link. The system automatically generates a unique URL that clients can use to pay online.
Prerequisites
- Active FreshBooks account
- Payment gateway configured
- Invoice or estimate created
- Client contact information
1
Navigate to Invoice or Estimate
Log into your FreshBooks account and go to the Invoices or Estimates section from the main dashboard. Select an existing invoice/estimate or click New Invoice to create one.
Tip
Ensure your invoice has all necessary details before generating a checkout link
2
Configure Payment Settings
In the invoice editor, scroll to the Payment Options section. Ensure Accept Credit Cards is enabled and your payment gateway (Stripe, PayPal, etc.) is properly configured under Settings > Payments.
3
Enable Online Payments
Within the invoice, click on the Accept Credit Cards toggle to enable it. You'll see payment method icons appear on your invoice preview, indicating online payments are active.
Tip
You can customize which payment methods to display in your payment settings
4
Send or Share Invoice
Click Send to email the invoice to your client, or click the Share button to access sharing options. The system automatically includes the checkout functionality in the invoice link.
Tip
The checkout link is embedded within the invoice view, not a separate URL
5
Copy Direct Payment Link
To get a direct payment link, click Share then select Copy Link. This generates a unique URL like
https://my.freshbooks.com/invoice/view/[invoice-id] that includes payment functionality.Tip
This link allows clients to view and pay the invoice without needing a FreshBooks account
6
Customize Payment Options
Go to Settings > Payments to customize your checkout experience. You can set up automatic receipts, payment confirmations, and choose which credit cards to accept through your configured gateways.
Tip
Enable automatic payment reminders to improve collection rates
7
Test the Checkout Process
Use the generated link to test the payment process. Click through to the invoice view and verify that the Pay Now button appears and payment methods are displayed correctly for clients.
Tip
Use test mode in your payment gateway to verify the complete payment flow
Troubleshooting
Checkout link doesn't show payment options
Verify that Accept Credit Cards is enabled in the invoice and your payment gateway is properly configured in Settings > Payments.
Payment gateway not connecting
Check your API keys in Settings > Payments and ensure they match your payment processor's live or test credentials.
Client can't access the payment link
Ensure the invoice status is set to Sent and verify the link hasn't expired. Resend the invoice or generate a new link if needed.
Payments not appearing in FreshBooks
Check your payment gateway webhook settings and ensure they're pointing to the correct FreshBooks endpoint. Contact FreshBooks support if payments aren't syncing.
Ready to get started with FreshBooks?
Put this tutorial into practice. Visit FreshBooks and follow the steps above.
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