Using the Cash app is already easy enough. However, on Wednesday, the payments platform owned by Block, Inc. introduced a new feature designed to greatly facilitate the user experience: payment links.
The feature allows app users to send payments via a hyperlink that can be linked to a variety of communications.
Users can access the links by following the standard steps in the payment tab of the Cash app, but instead of clicking “add recipient,” the user now has the option to click “share link.” Selecting this will generate a link that can then be added to texts, emails and DMs as a payment request. The recipient clicks on the link, which preloads the requested payment amount, allowing the transaction to be quickly facilitated.
Cash App says the links can be used for recurring payments as well as group payments.
Cash App introduced the new feature after researching Gen Z users and found that it was common for multiple communications to take place around payments. The links are designed to alleviate any social awkwardness that may accompany these communications, while also making payments more immediate.
“Payment links make the movement of money even more seamless, but just as importantly, they make the task of requesting money seem more human and less awkward,” said Kristen Anderson, head of P2P & Networks products at Cash App. “We’ve heard from our customers that sending in-app payment requests and push notifications can sometimes come across as overly formal or even passive-aggressive. Payment Links solves this by allowing customers to send requests via whatever platform feels most natural, so they can add content, politeness or humor to the conversation.”
The Cash App has added a number of new features recently, including an AI chatbot that debuted late last year designed to advise users on their finances, as well as a new benefits program with a high borrowing limit.
