> 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—this message will be visible to your customer.
5. You can choose whether to allow Credit Card payments or ACH in the Payment Settings for this invoice. Just click the **Payment Settings** button to make any changes.
6. When your Payment Request is ready, click the **Next** button to craft an email to your customer. Click **Send Payment Request** to send the request via 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 Do Payment Request Statuses Work?

Sent requests appear in the Payments section with a **Pending** status. Credit card payments through Stripe are marked **Paid** automatically.

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

1. Click the three dots located 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 the **Mark as Paid** option.

   <figure><img src="/files/HuKXEla7ajaDpwsnWIkG" alt="Screenshot showing the Mark as Paid option in the payment request context menu"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
3. Decide whether to process a credit card payment on site or record payment through alternative methods like cash, check, electronic transfer, etc.

   <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 will be marked as paid.

   <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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