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Getting Started

Essential

Create your first project and understand how PayHeld payment protection works

Last updated Jan 26, 2025 • 8 min read

For Clients: Creating Your First Payment Link

Follow these steps to create a secure project and protect your payment until work is delivered.

1

Navigate to Create Project

From your dashboard, click the "Create Payment Link" button, or navigate directly to /projects/new

2

Enter Payment Details

Provide a clear project title (e.g., "Website Redesign") and a brief description of what you need done.

Example:
Title: "Logo Design for Tech Startup"
Description: "Modern, minimalist logo for a SaaS company. Need 3 concepts with revisions."
3

Add Detailed Requirements

Use the rich text editor to provide comprehensive project requirements. Attach files (designs, briefs, references) to give your freelancer everything they need.

Supported: PDF, DOC, images, videos
4

Set Budget & Timeline

Enter the project amount (minimum $1), select your currency from 15 supported options, and optionally set a deadline.

Supported Currencies
USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, CNY, INR, MXN, BRL, ZAR, SGD, HKD, NZD
Platform Fee
2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
5

Assign Freelancer (Optional)

You can enter the freelancer's email address, or skip this step and share the payment link via SMS, WhatsApp, email, or any other channel. Hire from anywhere: Upwork, Fiverr, local talent, or someone you already know.

Maximum flexibility: Share your link however you want
6

Payment Options (Optional)

Choose how you want to structure the payment:

Installments
Split payment into multiple charges (monthly, weekly, biweekly)
Milestones
Break project into stages with approval checkpoints (requires PRO or BUSINESS plan)
Single Payment
Pay everything upfront (funds held securely until approved)
7

Review & Generate Link

Review your project summary, accept the terms and conditions, and click "Generate Payment Link". You'll receive a secure, shareable URL.

Your Payment Link:
https://payheld.com/pay/abc123xyz

Share this link with your freelancer to get started!

For Freelancers: Getting Your First Payment

Here's how to receive and complete your first PayHeld secure project.

1

Receive Payment Link

Your client will send you a PayHeld payment link via email, SMS, chat, or any messaging platform. Alternatively, they may create the project with your email address, and you'll receive an automatic notification.

2

Review Project Details

Carefully read the project requirements, check the amount, currency, deadline, and any milestones. Make sure you understand what's expected before accepting.

Funds are already secured - guaranteed payment upon approval
3

Accept Project

Click the "Accept Project" button. Once accepted, you can start working with confidence knowing the client has funds secured.

4

Deliver Your Work

Complete the deliverables according to the project requirements. Upload your files through the project dashboard and mark the project as "Complete" when ready.

💡 Pro Tip: Communicate regularly with your client, submit high-quality work, and meet deadlines to earn 5-star reviews.
5

Get Paid

The client reviews and approves your work. Once approved, secured funds are automatically released to your account.

Standard Payout
2-3 business days
Express Payout
Within 24 hours

Platform fee of 2.9% + $0.30 is deducted automatically

Understanding Payment Protection

PayHeld's payment protection system protects both clients and freelancers by securing funds until work is approved.

Client
Pays $1,000
Secure Hold (PayHeld)
Funds held securely
Freelancer
Receives $971*

*After 2.9% + $0.30 platform fee

For Clients (Buyer Protection)

Money held securely until work is approved - you're in control
Request unlimited revisions if quality doesn't meet expectations
Full refund available if work is not delivered as promised
Dispute resolution system if issues arise

For Freelancers (Payment Guarantee)

Client funds verified and secured before you start working
Guaranteed payment once work is approved by the client
Protected from non-payment and dishonest clients
Professional platform backing with dispute support

Key Payment Protection Facts

Secure Holding
Funds held by PayHeld, not client or freelancer
Stripe-Powered
PCI-compliant, bank-level security
Auto-Release
Automatic payment after client approval
Transparent Fees
2.9% + $0.30 per transaction

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Get Started?

Create your first payment link and experience secure protected payments.

Getting Started | PayHeld Documentation