CHILDMINDERS · PAYMENT LINKS
Payment Links for Childminders - Complete UK Guide (2026)
A practical UK guide to how childminders get paid, including bank transfers, childcare funding, vouchers, card readers and modern payment links. Learn how to reduce late payments, avoid awkward chasing, and build a simple payment system that works for families.
It is Friday afternoon. A parent messages: “Sorry, I will send it later.” You smile, say no worries, and carry on packing away toys.
But later becomes next week. Then it is the weekend, bills are due, and you are stuck deciding whether to chase or stay quiet and hope they remember.
UK childminders often juggle bank transfers, funded hours, vouchers, invoices, and a mix of payment habits across different families. Some setups feel fine until one late payer throws your cashflow off for the month.
This guide shows you the full picture.
You will learn the main ways childminders get paid in the UK, where late payments and confusion usually start, and a simple system using payment links, deposits and reminders that keeps payments tidy without turning you into a debt collector.
It is written for UK childminders and small home settings who want clear boundaries, predictable income, and fewer awkward money conversations with families.
How UK Childminders Get Paid Right Now
Most childminders do not rely on just one method, especially if you have a mix of funded hours, part time families, and different payment preferences. These are the common setups:
1. Bank transfer (the default for many families)
Parents transfer weekly or monthly, often after you message them an amount or send an invoice.
Pros
- No card fees
- Money goes straight to your bank
- Familiar for most parents
Cons
- Easy to delay if they are busy
- References can be inconsistent
- You end up checking your banking app and chasing manually
2. Cash (less common now, but still happens)
Some parents pay cash at drop off or pick up, especially for ad hoc sessions.
Pros
- Immediate payment in person
- No tech needed
Cons
- Easy to forget at pick up
- Harder to track and reconcile
- Not ideal for regular monthly fees
3. Card readers (SumUp, Zettle, etc.)
A few childminders use a card machine at pick up so parents can tap to pay.
Pros
- Fast in person payment
- Parents already understand tap to pay
Cons
- Parent has to be there at pick up
- Extra device, battery and signal issues
- Fees and admin across another platform
4. Funded hours, vouchers and childcare accounts
Many families use some form of support, such as funded hours or childcare accounts. That can reduce what the parent pays directly, but it can also increase admin if you are tracking different amounts, weeks, and term dates.
The key is to keep the parent paid part simple, clear, and consistent so you are not sending different messages every week.
5. Payment links (simple for parents, tidy for you)
Payment links are secure online payment requests you send directly to parents on the apps they already use:
The parent taps the link, pays by card or wallet, and you see the payment in one place. With Simply Link, you can add deposits, keep clear payment notes, and use polite automatic reminders so late payments get nudged without you having to do it manually.
If you want a deeper breakdown of these methods and how to combine them, read How Childminders Get Paid in the UK .
Common Payment Situations Childminders Face
Childminding is built on trust. That is exactly why late payments feel so uncomfortable. These situations are where a clear system helps most.
A lovely family, but payment is always late
They are kind, the child is settled, and you do not want tension. But each month you are waiting, then sending a message, then checking your bank, then feeling awkward about it.
Automatic reminders fix this quietly. The system does the nudging and you only step in when it really matters. We break down a friendly reminder system in Automatic Payment Reminders for Childminders .
A new enquiry, then they disappear after you hold a space
You have done the calls, paperwork, settling chat, and you have kept a space open. Then they go quiet or they choose somewhere else.
This is where a small deposit or retainer for holding a place can protect your diary and your income.
For wording and timing, read How Childminders Can Request a Deposit Professionally .
Term time changes, ad hoc days, and “how much do I owe you?”
Fees change week to week, funded hours kick in, or a parent adds an extra day. Suddenly you are explaining amounts in WhatsApp and hoping they get it right.
A payment link with a clear amount and label removes confusion. For practical examples of what to send and when, read How Childminders Send Payment Links to Parents .
A Simple Payment System For UK Childminders
This is a practical structure that keeps payments clear for parents and predictable for you.
Set a clear payment rhythm
Pick one default rule so families know what to expect. Common examples:
- •Monthly fees paid in advance on a fixed date
- • Weekly fees paid every Friday for the following week
- • Ad hoc days paid when booked, not after the care is delivered
Use a deposit when you are holding a space
Deposits do not need to be aggressive. They simply create commitment and protect your diary.
Typical approaches childminders use:
- •A holding fee equal to one week of care
- • A small set amount like £20 to £50 for admin and commitment
- • A first invoice paid in advance, especially for new families
If you want message templates and non awkward wording, see How to Request a Deposit as a Childminder .
Send a clear payment link with the exact amount
When the amount is precise and the link is easy, parents are far more likely to pay promptly. Keep the message short and consistent.
Example message:
“Hi Sarah, your childcare fees for March are £320. Here is your payment link. Tap to pay securely. Thank you.”
For more examples including ad hoc days and part payments, read How Childminders Send Payment Links .
Turn on automatic reminders for anything unpaid
If a parent forgets, your system should follow up automatically so you do not have to. The tone stays polite and professional, without you chasing in the evenings.
- •A gentle reminder 1 to 2 days after the due date
- •A firmer reminder after a week
- •A final reminder that makes next steps clear
Simply Link handles reminder timing and wording around each payment link, so your process stays consistent.
Save templates for the messages you repeat
Childminders end up sending the same messages across multiple families. Save the best versions once.
Useful template types:
- •Holding fee or deposit request
- •Monthly invoice payment link message
- •Late payment reminders
- •Extra session confirmation and payment request
You can copy and paste ready to use wording from Payment Reminder Templates for Childminders .
Childminder Fee and Deposit Examples
Fees vary by location, experience, and what is included (meals, outings, school runs). Most UK childminders still price around an hourly rate, then convert it into weekly or monthly invoices.
- Hourly rate: often around £4 to £8 per hour per child depending on area
- After school sessions: commonly priced as a set session fee or a shorter hourly block
- Ad hoc days: often priced slightly higher to protect your diary and planning
Suggested deposit styles that suit childminding:
| Scenario | Typical deposit approach |
|---|---|
| Holding a space for a start date | One week of care, or £20 to £50 holding fee |
| New family first month | Fees paid in advance, plus a small admin deposit if needed |
| Ad hoc day bookings | Payment at booking, not after the session |
| Part payment setup | Deposit now, then balance on a fixed date |
If you want help setting fees, handling extra hours, and reviewing your pricing without stress, read Childminder Pricing and Rates Guide .
If you prefer taking a holding fee and then collecting the remaining balance later, see Deposit and Balance Payment Links for Childminders .
The Childminders Payment Links Guide Series
This pillar page is your overview of the full payment system. Each guide below goes deeper into one part of the process, written specifically for UK childminders.
How Childminders Get Paid in the UK
A deeper breakdown of transfers, funding, vouchers, card readers and payment links, with pros and cons.
How Childminders Can Request a Deposit Professionally
Friendly wording, timing, and examples for holding fees, retainers, and first payments in advance.
Reduce Late Payments for Childminders
Practical ways to set boundaries, invoice clearly, and prevent the slow drift of overdue fees.
How Childminders Send Payment Links
What to say, when to send, and how to make it feel normal and professional for parents.
Automatic Payment Reminders for Childminders
A calm reminder schedule that keeps things polite, consistent, and far less stressful.
Payment Reminder Templates for Childminders
Copy and paste messages for fees due, gentle reminders, and clear next steps, written in UK English.
Deposit and Balance Payment Links for Childminders
How to take a holding fee upfront, then collect the remaining balance on a fixed schedule.
How Childminders Can Chase Late Payments
A step by step approach to chasing politely, setting boundaries, and protecting your business.
Childminder Pricing and Rates Guide
Setting rates, handling extra hours, and keeping invoices clear for parents across the year.
Case Study: Childminder 1
A real world style example of moving from manual transfers to a clear payment link routine.
Case Study: Childminder 2
A second case study showing deposits, reminders, and predictable monthly fees across multiple families.
The Big Wins For UK Childminders
A clear payment system is not about being harsh. It is about protecting your home business while staying kind and professional.
- Predictable income
Fees land closer to the dates you plan around, which makes life and budgeting less stressful.
- Fewer awkward conversations
When reminders are structured, it feels like process, not personal chasing.
- Clear boundaries with new families
Deposits and clear due dates filter out the families who are unreliable before problems start.
- Less admin
One place to see who paid, who did not, and which invoice a payment relates to.
- A more professional feel for parents
Simple, secure payments build trust and reduce confusion, especially when families are juggling multiple childcare costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a website to use payment links as a childminder?
No. You can create a payment link and send it through WhatsApp, text or email. Parents pay on a secure checkout page.
Should childminder fees be paid weekly or monthly?
Both can work. Many childminders prefer fees paid in advance on a fixed weekly or monthly date because it keeps cashflow predictable.
How much should I take as a deposit to hold a childcare space?
There is no single rule, but many childminders use a holding fee equal to around one week of care, or a smaller set amount such as £20 to £50. The goal is commitment, not pressure.
What if a parent is struggling and cannot pay on time?
This happens. A clear process helps you respond calmly. Start with a gentle reminder, agree a date if needed, and keep everything in writing. A consistent reminder system also reduces repeated late payments.
Can payment links and reminders reduce late payments for childminders?
Yes. When parents get a clear amount and an easy link, plus polite reminders if they forget, most payments arrive earlier and you spend less time chasing.
Related Guides
Continue learning with these related guides:
How Childminders Get Paid — UK Methods Explained
A breakdown of the common ways UK childminders accept payments from parents and carers.
Read guideHow Childminders Can Request a Deposit Professionally
A professional UK guide for childminders on requesting deposits using payment links.
Read guideHow Childminders Can Reduce Cancellations
A practical guide to reducing cancellations and late changes for UK childminders using clear policies and deposits.
Read guideHow to Send Payment Links as a Childminder
A simple guide for UK childminders on how to send payment links by text, WhatsApp and email.
Read guideAutomatic Payment Reminders for Childminders
Learn how to automate payment chasing as a UK childminder.
Read guidePayment Reminder Templates for Childminders
Professional payment reminder templates for UK childminders.
Read guideDeposit and Balance Payments for Childminders
How to take deposits upfront and collect balances professionally as a childminder.
Read guideHow Childminders Can Chase Late Payments
A practical guide for chasing late payments without awkward conversations.
Read guideChildminder Pricing and Rates Guide
A practical pricing and rates guide for UK childminders.
Read guideChildminder Case Study — Client A
A realistic case study showing how a UK childminder improved payment reliability.
Read guideChildminder Case Study — Client B
A second case study showing payment improvements for childminders.
Read guideCreate a Payment Link in Seconds
Learn how to create payment links manually and with Simply Link.
Read guideHow to Chase Late Payments Automatically
Automate payment reminders and reduce late payments.
Read guideStart Getting Paid Faster Without Awkward Chasing
If you are a UK childminder who wants calmer cashflow and fewer late payments, Simply Link helps you send payment links in seconds, take deposits when you are holding spaces, and automate polite reminders around anything unpaid. Create your free account and send your first payment link in under 2 minutes.
Start Free TodayNo card required · Cancel anytime