> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.paintscout.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.paintscout.com/support/invoicing-and-payments/payment-requests/how-to-create-a-payment-request.md).

# Create a Payment Request

Payment requests in PaintScout let you request deposits, progress payments, or full balances on a single invoice. Your customer receives an email with a link to pay online.

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMyV8GmnxEM>" %}

## What are payment requests?

A payment request is a notification sent to your customer asking for a specific payment amount. You can send multiple requests on one invoice to collect deposits and progress payments throughout a project.

***

## How to create a payment request

1. Create an invoice, scroll to the Payments section, and click **Add/Request Payment.**

   <figure><img src="/files/W7fuwNB5xKCScf97JKMx" alt="Screenshot showing the Add/Request Payment button in the Payments section of an invoice"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
2. Choose **Request Payment.**

   <figure><img src="/files/a90a2UbTO10So8Z5JJyZ" alt="Screenshot showing the Request Payment option in the pop-up menu"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
3. On the Configure Payment screen, you’ll find two options for your payment request:

* **Full Amount:** Choose this option to request the total amount listed on the invoice. Ideal for collecting the full remaining balance in one go.
* **Custom:** Use this option to customize your payment request. You can request a deposit or progress payment in either a dollar amount ($) or a percentage (%). If you choose a percentage, you’ll have the option to calculate it based on the total invoice amount or the remaining balance.

<figure><img src="/files/BzArNWXVH58mxcI39rzw" alt="Screenshot showing the Configure Payment screen with Full Amount and Custom payment options"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. Add an optional note to your payment request. Your customer sees this message.
5. You can choose whether to allow credit card or ACH payments in the payment settings for this invoice.
6. When your payment request is ready, click **Next** to draft the email, then click **Send Payment Request** to send it by email or text.

   <figure><img src="/files/1ntnkuYGFT2Um5zLLcVC" alt="Screenshot showing the email composition screen with the Send Payment Request button"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

## How payment request statuses work

Sent requests appear in the Payments section with a **Requested** status. Some older screens may show **Pending** during rollout.

Online payments through [PaintScout Payments](/support/invoicing-and-payments/payments/paintscout-payments.md) or Stripe update to **Successful** automatically. Some older screens may show **Paid**.

For cash, check, or other offline methods, mark the request as successful manually:

1. Click the three dots to the right of the payment request.

   <figure><img src="/files/ODw8qJ1TDrrNoxIN9J78" alt="Screenshot showing the three-dot menu button on a pending payment request"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
2. Choose **Mark as Successful**. Some older screens may show **Mark as Paid**.

   <figure><img src="/files/HuKXEla7ajaDpwsnWIkG" alt="Screenshot showing the Mark as Paid option in the payment request context menu"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
3. Choose whether to take a card payment on-site or record an offline payment such as cash, check, or e-transfer.

   <figure><img src="/files/dKNMWacLO2AMvJeWo70A" alt="Screenshot showing the payment method options to process a credit card or record an alternative payment"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
4. Once the payment is logged, the request is marked as **Successful**.

   <figure><img src="/files/Urzq08aov8K6OndrbsNi" alt="Screenshot showing the payment request updated to Paid status in the Payments section"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Related articles

* [Request a Deposit](/support/invoicing-and-payments/payment-requests/how-to-request-a-deposit-payment.md) — Request a deposit by dollar amount or percentage
* [Delete a Payment Request](/support/invoicing-and-payments/payment-requests/how-to-delete-a-payment-request.md) — Remove a payment request while keeping the invoice accessible


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