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A payment request represents a request for funds from a payer. It defines the amount, currency, and optional payer, and provides a way to collect payment through a hosted page or embedded element. Payment requests are the core object for collecting funds in Acclaim.

How payment requests work

Payment requests follow a simple flow: create, collect, pay, and track.
  1. Create a payment request Define the amount, currency, and optionally the payer and available payment methods.
  2. Present the payment experience Use a hosted page (payment link) or embedded element to collect payment details.
  3. Payer completes the payment The payer selects a payment method and submits payment.
  4. Track and reconcile Monitor status, receive webhooks, and match the payment to your internal records.

Hosted vs embedded

Payment requests can be fulfilled through two integration models:

Hosted pages

A hosted page is a secure, Acclaim-managed payment page accessed via a link. Use hosted pages to:
  • Send payment links via email, SMS, or other channels
  • Launch quickly with minimal integration
  • Offload UI, validation, and compliance handling

Embedded elements

Embedded elements allow you to integrate payment collection directly into your application. Use embedded elements to:
  • Maintain full control over the user experience
  • Embed payment forms within your product
  • Customize flows while relying on Acclaim for processing

Creating payment requests

You can create payment requests using:
  • API — programmatically create and manage requests
  • Console — create and manage payments on behalf of payers
Once created, the payment request can be:
  • Presented immediately
  • Shared via a hosted link
  • Embedded in your application

Payment request details

A payment request typically includes:
  • Amount and currency
  • Payer (optional)
  • Allowed payment methods
  • Metadata for internal tracking
Additional fields may be required depending on the payment method and region.

Payment methods

Payment methods determine how the payer can complete the payment. Examples include:
  • Cards
  • Bank debit methods
  • Local payment methods
Available methods vary by country and currency. See Payment methods for more.

Payers

A payment request can be associated with a payer, or completed without predefining one.
  • Known payer → prefill details and reuse across requests
  • Unknown payer → collect details during the payment flow

Status and tracking

Each payment request has a lifecycle and status that reflects its current state. Statuses typically include:
  • Pending or awaiting payment
  • Processing
  • Succeeded
  • Failed
Use webhooks to:
  • Track payment completion
  • Update internal systems
  • Trigger downstream workflows

When to use payment requests

Use payment requests when you need to:
  • Collect funds from a payer interactively
  • Control the payment experience (hosted or embedded)
  • Track payments from request through settlement
For other collection models:
  • Use virtual accounts to receive bank transfers
  • Use tokenization requests to collect payment details for future use

Best practices

  • Define clear amounts and currency upfront
  • Limit payment methods to those relevant for the payer’s region
  • Use hosted pages for fast implementation
  • Use embedded elements for full UX control
  • Leverage webhooks for real-time updates

Summary

  • Payment requests are the core object for collecting funds
  • They define what is being paid and how payment is collected
  • Hosted and embedded experiences handle payer interaction
  • Every payment is tracked from request to completion
Last modified on March 29, 2026