PayPal adds new one-to-one payment links that will soon support crypto

PayPal is rolling out a new feature that allows people to send money to one another using peer-to-peer (P2P) payments through personalised, one-time links. The new system, called PayPal Links, builds on the company’s existing PayPal Me service, which will continue to operate as a way to share profile details and simplify getting paid.

Unlike PayPal Me, which doesn’t tie requests to a specific amount until the recipient enters the payment, PayPal Links are designed for single-use transactions. With this feature, users can generate a one-time link by selecting the link option, entering the amount, and sharing it directly in a chat, message, or conversation. This makes it faster and easier to request or send money without needing to confirm another person’s account details or verify their profile.

Another major upgrade is that PayPal Links will soon support cryptocurrency payments in the U.S. Customers will be able to send Bitcoin, Ethereum, PayPal USD (PYUSD), and other supported digital assets to PayPal, Venmo, and compatible crypto wallets.

Initially, the feature will roll out to U.S. users before expanding later this month to other regions, including the U.K. and Italy.

To create a PayPal Link, users simply open the PayPal app, enter payment or request details, and generate a unique link tied to that transaction. These links are private, valid only for that payment, and expire if not claimed within 10 days. Senders can also issue reminders or cancel the link anytime.

Recipients tap the shared link to approve the payment or complete the request within the PayPal app, where funds are transferred instantly.

PayPal also confirmed that personal payments remain exempt from 1099-K tax reporting requirements.