Paynote API — Quick-Start

The three-step pattern: create a customer → add a funding source → move money.
Click any link to jump to the full reference.

1. Create a Customer

Call POST /customers with the customer’s name, email, and phone.
The response returns a customer_id you’ll reuse everywhere else.

curl -X POST https://api.paynote.io/v1/customers \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -d '{"name":"Acme Inc.","email":"[email protected]","phone":"555-123-4567"}'

2. Add a Funding Source

Choose the verification flow that fits your user experience:

Method	Best for	Reference
Plaid Instant Verification	Fastest conversion (user logs in with bank credentials)	`add-via-plaid-instant-verification`
Automated Micro-Deposits	Plaid fallback; user confirms two micro-deposits	`create-funding-source`
Plaid Processor Token	You already captured a Plaid token elsewhere	`add-funding-source-via-processor-token`
Manual Routing & Account #	You handle your own KYC and just need tokenization	`create-3rd-party-funding-source`

Each call returns a source_id.

Using Checkout.js?
The drop-in Plaid modal in Checkout.js creates both the customer and verified funding source in one step.

3. Move Money

All transfers use POST /payments; set the type field to control behavior:

Payment	`type` value	When to use	Reference
Direct Debit	`ach_debit`	Pull funds from the customer (checkout, invoice)	`create-ach-direct-debit`
Direct Credit	`ach_credit`	Push funds to the customer (payouts, refunds)	`create-ach-direct-credit`
RTP Credit	`rtp_credit`	Real-time payout to RTP-enabled banks
Subscription	`subscription`	Recurring charge on a schedule	`create-subscription`
Authorization Only	`authorization`	Save bank details now, charge later

curl -X POST https://api.paynote.io/v1/payments \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -d '{
        "customer_id":"cust_123",
        "source_id":"src_456",
        "type":"ach_debit",
        "amount":"250.00",
        "currency":"USD",
        "description":"Order #9876"
      }'

More payment tools

Recurring invoices — create-recurring-invoice
Refunds — create-a-refund

Webhook Events

Get real-time status updates with the Webhook guide.

Environment Setup

Sandbox keys for testing
Production keys for live traffic

For help email [email protected].