How to Collect Card Payments as a Tradie or Mechanic
25 May 2026
Bank transfers are slow. “I’ll transfer it tonight” turns into chasing a payment two weeks later. Card readers require hardware, cables, and customers being physically present.
There’s a better option: a Stripe payment link on every invoice. Your customer pays by card from their phone in under a minute, without you needing any hardware or a point-of-sale system.
This guide explains how it works and how to get set up.
Why tradies struggle to get paid on time
The traditional payment flow for tradies:
- Finish the job
- Send invoice (sometimes days later)
- Hope the customer remembers to transfer
- Follow up when they don’t
- Follow up again
- Eventually get paid
The problem isn’t that customers are dishonest — it’s that bank transfers require effort. Finding the BSB, the account number, opening the banking app, typing in a reference. It’s easy to put off.
Card payments require almost no effort. Tap a link, enter card details, done in 30 seconds.
What is a Stripe payment link?
A Stripe payment link is a URL that takes your customer to a secure checkout page where they can pay by credit or debit card. You don’t need a card reader. Your customer doesn’t need to be physically present. It works from any device.
When you add a Stripe payment link to an invoice in Spanner, the customer taps the link in their WhatsApp message or email, enters their card, and pays. You receive a payment confirmation notification immediately.
How to set up card payments in Spanner
Step 1: Connect Stripe Go to Account → Earnings → Connect Stripe. You’ll be guided through Stripe’s Express onboarding. You’ll need:
- Your business name
- Your personal details (for identity verification)
- Your bank account details (where funds will land)
Stripe’s onboarding typically takes 5–10 minutes. Once approved, card payments are live on all your invoices.
Step 2: Add a payment link to an invoice Open any invoice → tap “Create Payment Link”. Spanner sends a request to Stripe and adds the payment link to the invoice automatically.
Step 3: Share the invoice Send the invoice via WhatsApp, email, or PDF as normal. The payment link is embedded. Your customer taps it to pay.
What do card payments cost?
When a customer pays via Stripe, standard Stripe processing fees apply:
- USA: 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction
- Australia: 1.7% + 30¢ for domestic cards; 3.5% for international
- UK: 1.4% + 20p for European cards; 2.9% + 30p for other cards
- Canada: 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction
- New Zealand: 2.7% + 30¢ per transaction
These fees are deducted by Stripe before the funds reach your account. Spanner also earns a small platform commission on payments — this is what keeps card payments available on the free plan.
Whether the fee is worth it depends on your situation. For most tradies, getting paid the same day (with no chasing) is worth more than the 2–3% processing cost.
Card payments vs bank transfers: a comparison
| Bank transfer | Stripe payment link | |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware needed | None | None |
| Customer effort | High (open banking app, enter details) | Low (tap link, enter card) |
| Time to receive funds | 1–3 business days | 2 business days (next day with instant payout) |
| Payment confirmation | No notification | Instant push notification |
| Average payment speed | 5–14 days | Same day |
| Cost | Free | 1.7–2.9% + fixed fee |
Tips to get customers to pay by card
- Send the invoice on the job — don’t wait. The customer is most likely to pay when the work is fresh and they’re happy.
- Lead with the payment link — put “Tap here to pay” near the top of your message.
- Offer it as the primary method — “I’ve included a payment link — easiest way to pay” removes the decision for the customer.
- Use it for deposits too — ask for a 20–50% deposit upfront on large jobs using the same payment link workflow.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a card reader? No. Stripe payment links work entirely online. No hardware required.
How long does it take to receive the money? Stripe typically pays out within 2 business days. Instant payouts are available in some countries for a small additional fee.
Can free plan users collect card payments? Yes. Card payment collection is available on both free and Pro plans. This is what makes Spanner different — you don’t need to pay for Pro to get paid by card.
What currencies are supported? AUD, USD, GBP, NZD, and CAD — matching Spanner’s 5-country support.
Is Stripe safe? Yes. Stripe is used by millions of businesses globally and is one of the most trusted payment processors in the world.
Learn more about Invoicing in Spanner or download Spanner free to start collecting card payments today.
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