How to take payments from customers?
Short answerOffer more than one way: a pay link sent by text or email, a card on file for repeat customers, bank transfer, and cash or check on site. Link every payment to its invoice so the books balance. Card payments carry the processor's fees, so read the rate before you sign.
The explanation
A pay link on the invoice is the easiest option for most customers. They tap, enter a card and the invoice closes. A card on file suits recurring work, where the same customer is charged each visit after they agree to it in writing.
Cash and checks still show up in home services. Record them on the invoice the day you receive them, and deposit them promptly. Bank transfer is cheaper per payment in many cases but slower, and it needs clear account details and matching.
Whichever you choose, set the rules in advance. Say when payment is due, what methods you take, and what happens when a card fails. Card processors set their own fees, so check them on the processor's page. Never write down full card numbers on paper.
Steps
- Choose a payment processor and read its fee schedule.
- Add a pay link to every invoice.
- Ask repeat customers to approve a card on file.
- Record cash and checks the same day.
- Match bank deposits to invoices each week.
What to watch for
- Card numbers written on paper.
- Payments not matched to invoices.
How Apex does it
Rolling out
The screen and the rules are built and tested. Saving real customer data is not connected yet. Status as of 2026-10-07; the badge shows the least-built feature involved.
Apex is designed to take card payments through a pay link, keep a card on file and record cash and checks, with the processor charging its own rate and Apex adding no margin. These pieces are demo screens.
- IN04Online pay link (text/email)(Rolling out)
- IN05Credit/debit card processing(Rolling out)
- IN07Card on file / autopay(Rolling out)
- IN20Check / cash recording(Rolling out)
Apex Flow Scheduler is in early access. See how we label status.
Where this question comes from: owners type it, or a close variant, into search boxes. It was returned by public search suggestions (Google, Bing or DuckDuckGo) when we collected them on 2026-10-06. We do not have search volumes.