> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.alphapo.net/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create a payment request

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A payment request generates a unique payment link and QR code you can share with a customer to collect a one-time crypto payment. For an overview of how payment requests work, see [Payment requests](/payment-requests).

<Steps>
  <Step title="In your merchant dashboard, go to the Payment requests tab and click Create a payment request." />

  <Step title="Specify the amount and currency.">
    Select the currency and the amount you want to receive.

    If the customer [selects another currency](/payment-requests#currency-selection) to pay in, AlphaPo will automatically convert the funds into the currency you selected.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set the lifespan.">
    Choose how long the payment link remains valid. Set this as a duration (minutes, hours, or weeks) or as a specific date and time in your local time zone.

    Make sure your customer will have enough time to place the payment. We recommend setting the lifespan to at least 15 minutes. If your customers can pay in currencies on networks with higher confirmation times (such as BTC), consider setting the lifespan to at least an hour.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Fill out the additional fields if needed.">
    * **Description** — a short description of the product or service. This will be shown to the customer on the payment page.

    * **Customer email** — the customer's email address, used to send them a receipt and any [refund](/payment-requests/refunds) instructions if needed.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Create." />

  <Step title="Share the payment link or QR code with your customer.">
    Once the request is created, a unique link and QR code are generated. Share either with your customer to complete the payment.
  </Step>
</Steps>