Payment links: zero code, instant
A payment link is a secure URL tied to an amount or product. Send it by email, text, invoice or social DM, and the customer pays in a couple of taps. No website or developer needed, perfect for service businesses and one-off sales.
Hosted checkout: secure and low-effort
Hosted checkout puts a ready-made payment page on your site. The sensitive card entry happens on the provider's secure page, which keeps your PCI scope small while still feeling like part of your store. It's the sweet spot for most ecommerce sites.
Gateway API: full control
A gateway API lets developers build a fully custom checkout and handle the card data flow themselves. It offers the most flexibility but the most responsibility, including a larger PCI burden. Choose it only when you truly need a bespoke experience.
Which should you choose?
- Need to get paid today, no site: payment links.
- Running a store, want low effort and low PCI: hosted checkout.
- Custom product, in-house developers: API.
All three are available with Armour Payments. See online payments or contact sales.