Payment methods explained

Bookem supports a variety of payment methods so you can track how payments are received and manage reconciliation accurately. You can offer clients flexibility in how they pay - while keeping your records clean and organised.

Types of payment methods

Bank transfer / EFT

Clients pay directly into your bank account

Reconciliation is done manually

Card payments

In-person payments using a POS system not linked to Bookem

Reconciliation is done manually

Cash payments

For walk-in clients or those who prefer to pay with cash

Reconciliation is done manually

Online payments

Clients pay via a link in their invoice or at the time of booking

Reconciliation is automatic

Supported providers: SnapScan, PayFast, PayPal, Yoco, WigWag

Other payments For example, medical aid

Reconciliation is done manually

Where payment methods appear

Your bank transfer and online payment details appear at the bottom of your invoices:

How to add a new payment method

  1. Go to Settings > Payments & Invoicing > Payment methods

  2. Click + New payment method at the top right

Learn more

Details for each payment method type

Bank transfer / EFT

  • Add one or more business bank accounts

  • Link accounts to specific locations

  • Bank details and instructions show on your client invoices

👉 How to set up a bank transfer payment method

Online payments

Use online payment methods to:

  • Collect payment upfront during online booking

  • Allow clients to pay directly from their invoice

Supported providers:

👉 SnapScan: How to set up

👉 PayFast: How to set up

👉 PayPal: How to set up

👉 WigWag: How to set up

Fees for online payments

Bookem does not charge any transaction fees on online payments.

Transaction fees are set and handled by your chosen payment provider (e.g. SnapScan, PayFast, PayPal, WigWag). These are separate from Bookem and based on your agreement with the provider.

You’ll receive the payment (minus any applicable fees) directly from the provider - not via Bookem.

👉 For more details, visit your provider’s website:

  • SnapScan

  • PayFast

  • PayPal

  • WigWag

Card payments

If you accept in-person card payments using an external POS or card reader, you can manually record these payments in Bookem.

👉 How to record manual card payments

Cash payments

To track when clients pay in cash, you’ll need to add a dedicated cash payment method.

Why use online payments

Online payments provide the smoothest experience for both you and your clients. Here’s why:

✅ Automatic reconciliation

Bookem matches online payments to the correct invoice automatically—saving you time and admin.

✅ Secure bookings with upfront payment

You can require payment during online booking, reducing no-shows and late cancellations while improving cash flow.

✅ Fast and convenient for clients

Clients can pay anytime, from anywhere—via email, SMS or WhatsApp payment links.

✅ Cleaner cash flow management

You always know which invoices are paid and which are outstanding, without needing to manually reconcile payments.

Do online payments clear instantly?

Yes and no - it depends on what you mean by "clear".

  • Payment confirmation: This happens instantly. As soon as the client pays through the integrated online method, Bookem marks the invoice as paid and reconciles it automatically.

  • Money in your bank account: This is not instant. Funds are transferred by your payment provider based on their payout schedule, which is typically within 1–3 business days. The timing may vary depending on the provider and your agreement with them.

Check your provider's documentation for payout timelines and any associated fees.

Pro tip: Use payment links (not generic QR codes)

To send a client a unique payment link:

  1. Go to Settings > Payments & Invoicing > Messages

  2. Add #Payment link to your message template

  • This generates a client- and invoice-specific link

  • Clients can pay using your integrated online methods

  • Payments will be automatically reconciled in Bookem

When clients click the link, they’ll see your supported online payment options:

Learn more