> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.cashfree.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Overview
> Accept payments and manage business-wide payment flows without writing a single line of code.
Cashfree’s no-code payment tools allow you to accept payments without writing or maintaining code. These tools support both individual, one-to-one payment requests and large-scale, public-facing payment flows. This page explains the purpose of each tool and helps you select the option that best fits your business scenario.
Request payments from a specific customer by sharing a secure link through WhatsApp, email, SMS, or social media.
Collect payments from multiple or unknown users using a reusable, customisable form that can be embedded or shared publicly.
Embed a simple HTML code snippet on your website or blog to accept payments without any technical setup.
## Payment links vs payment forms
The table below summarises the differences to help you choose the right no-code solution.
| Aspect | Payment links | Payment forms |
| :------------------ | :---------------------------------------------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Definition** | A shareable link to request payment from a specific, known customer. | A reusable form to collect payments and data from multiple or unknown users. |
| **Primary purpose** | One-to-one, individual payment collection. | Public, high-volume collection with structured data. |
| **Audience** | Identified customers. | Broad or unknown users. |
| **Sharing method** | Sent directly via WhatsApp, SMS, email, or chat. | Embedded on websites or shared as a public link. |
| **Data collection** | Minimal details required. | Supports structured, multi-field inputs. |
| **Customisation** | Basic (amount, description, expiry). | Advanced (branding, layout, custom fields). |
| **Usage** | Transaction-specific or customer-specific. | Ongoing, repeatable, open to many users. |
| **Best for** | Invoices, order confirmations, individual fees, and targeted donations. | Donations at scale, registrations, educational fees, healthcare onboarding, and membership payments. |
| **Limitations** | Restricted for use by many unknown users. | Challenging for personalised amounts or individual customer targeting. |
Payment links are shareable, one-time or reusable URLs that allow you to request payment from a specific individual. They are suitable when you know the payer, the payment amount, and the context of the transaction. You can generate a link for each customer and send it through any communication channel.
### When to use
Payment links are most effective in the following scenarios:
* Requesting payment from an identified customer for a confirmed order or service.
* Sending post-service payment requests for consultation, repair, or professional work.
* Collecting deposits, booking amounts, or outstanding balances from a known customer.
* Converting a cash-on-delivery order into a prepaid payment.
* Sharing invoice-based payment requests with clients.
* Collecting targeted donations from specific donors.
* Requesting student-specific fees or payments that vary by individual.
### Key capabilities
Payment links provide various features to simplify your payment collection process:
* **Create-to-collect**: Create Payment Links easily with a few clicks and share them with customers.
* **No setup required**: Create and share Payment Links without building a website or technical integration.
* **Automatic sharing**: Customers receive a Payment Link via SMS or email for quick payment.
* **Partial payments**: Allow your customers to make partial payments and decide the first instalment amount.
* **Set reminders**: Send automated SMS to your customers to remind them about outstanding payments.
* **Easy integration**: Seamlessly integrate Payment Links with your systems using APIs.
Payment forms are customisable, reusable forms designed for collecting payments from multiple or unknown users. They are suitable when you need to gather structured information from the payer or expect high-volume or public-facing payment activity. Forms can be embedded on your website or shared as standalone URLs.
### When to use
Payment forms are ideal for the following scenarios:
* Collecting donations from a broad audience without identifying each payer.
* Managing admission, tuition, and event-related fee collection for educational institutions.
* Handling event registrations or ticket payments.
* Collecting onboarding information and consultation fees for healthcare services.
* Processing course, subscription, or program payments for online education businesses.
* Gathering client details before initiating service-based billing.
* Managing membership or recurring community organisation payments.
* Providing a reusable, branded payment page for small businesses.
### Key capabilities
Payment forms offer a wide range of features for comprehensive data and payment collection:
* **Public access**: Accessible by anyone with the link, no authentication required.
* **Unlimited submissions**: Suitable for ongoing use with unlimited form submissions over time.
* **Advanced data collection**: Supports custom fields, structured input, and document collection.
* **Visual customisation**: Allows full customisation including layout, branding, colours, and design elements.
* **Detailed analytics**: Provides comprehensive analytics on form submissions and payment activity.
* **Flexible embedding**: Can be embedded directly on websites or shared as standalone pages.