Stripe vs Square: Sending Payment Links for Bookkeeping Services

Learn how to create and send payment links using Stripe or Square. Make it easy for clients to pay you online for bookkeeping services, fast and securely.

2 min read

Graphic illustrating how to send payment links using eLink

Stripe vs Square – How to Send Payment Links for Bookkeeping Services

For bookkeepers and service providers, collecting payment doesn’t have to be awkward or complicated. Instead of chasing invoices manually or relying on outdated payment methods, you can send professional payment links directly to your clients using tools like Stripe or Square.

Both platforms allow you to get paid remotely — without needing a website or eCommerce setup — and they’re especially useful when paired with quoting or proposal workflows.

This guide will walk you through how to use both tools and which may suit your business best.

💡 Why Use Payment Links?

Payment links make it easy for your clients to pay you the moment they approve a quote or finish a project. They’re fast, secure, and professional.

Benefits include:

Getting paid faster
No need for complex integrations
Works for one-off or recurring services
Easy tracking of payments and receipts
Built-in tax and GST handling

Whether you offer monthly bookkeeping or once-off reconciliations, sending a payment link simplifies the whole process.

🔹 Using Stripe Payment Links

Stripe lets you create shareable payment pages that you can email or text to clients.

How to Create a Stripe Payment Link:

Log in to your Stripe dashboard
Go to Payments → Payment Links
Click + New and set up the service you’re charging for (e.g., “Monthly Bookkeeping – $330 incl. GST”)
Choose one-time or recurring billing
Add your business details and branding
Generate the link and copy it into your quote email or onboarding message

Clients can pay instantly with credit/debit card, Apple Pay, or other supported methods.

Bonus Tip:

You can connect Stripe to your proposal software or tools like Zapier to automate what happens after someone pays — such as sending a receipt or scheduling a meeting.

🔸 Using Square Payment Links

Square is another simple and powerful tool for sending click-to-pay invoices or payment requests.

How to Create a Payment Link with Square:

Log in to your Square Dashboard
Go to Invoices or Checkout Links
Set up the service name, price, and tax
Customize your payment page with your business name and message
Copy the payment link and send it to your client by email or SMS

Clients don’t need to create an account — they just click, pay, and receive confirmation.

Square is especially useful if you already use their hardware (POS) or invoice tools, and it supports Australian businesses with full compliance.

🎯 Which One Should You Use?

Here’s how to decide:

Use Stripe if you need a more modern, customisable checkout experience, recurring billing options, and integration flexibility.
Use Square if you prefer a simpler setup, work in-person sometimes, or already use Square for other payments.

Both tools work perfectly for digital services, remote billing, and automated onboarding flows.

💼 Best Practices for Sending Payment Links

Always pair the link with a clear quote or invoice
Add a personal message confirming what the payment is for
Make sure the client understands next steps after payment
Test the link before sending to avoid errors
Follow up with a thank-you or receipt email once payment is made

You can even go a step further and automate payment confirmation and onboarding using Zapier or your CRM — something we’ll cover in an upcoming blog.

Final Thought

Whether you choose Stripe, Square, or both, the goal is to remove friction from your payment process. When it’s easy to get paid, clients are more likely to approve your services quickly and feel confident in your professionalism.

A simple payment link might be the tool that helps you turn more quotes into income — without back-and-forth emails or accounting headaches.

Justwise Accounting helps businesses of all sizes simplify quoting, invoicing, and payments — so you can focus on delivering great service, not chasing money.