Why Creators Are Replacing Payment Links With Handles

Why creators are moving beyond traditional payment links

A creator in Lagos may have a payment link in their Instagram bio, another link in Telegram, another checkout flow for subscriptions and separate payout systems for collaborations. A freelancer in Manila may use one platform for invoices, another for withdrawals and another for audience payments.

The creator economy increasingly operates through fragmented payment flows.

That fragmentation creates friction.

Modern creators already build audiences around:

• handles

• usernames

• profiles

• social identity

• digital communities

Yet payments still often depend on:

• bank details

• checkout forms

• processor-specific links

• country-specific payout systems

• platform-specific payment infrastructure

Spondula is being built around a different direction: portable payment identity through the S-Handle.

The internet already runs on usernames. Payments increasingly need to work the same way.

Why payment links became popular

Payment links helped simplify online commerce because they removed some friction from traditional checkout systems.

Creators and freelancers increasingly use payment links for:

• digital products

• remote invoices

• subscriptions

• tips and support

• online services

• cross-border payments

Instead of manually requesting:

• bank transfers

• routing information

• payment references

the creator simply shares a checkout link.

That was a major improvement compared to older banking flows.

However, payment links still often remain tied to:

• specific platforms

• specific processors

• specific accounts

• specific ecosystems

The creator’s payment identity still frequently depends on whichever platform they are currently using.

Why handles create a cleaner payment experience

Creators already spend years building recognition around:

• social handles

• creator names

• community identity

• audience trust

A handle-based payment model aligns naturally with that behaviour.

Instead of constantly switching between:

• checkout links

• processor accounts

• banking information

• platform payout systems

the creator simply shares one portable payment identity.

Spondula positions the S-Handle as that identity layer.

The intended experience becomes closer to:

• share handle

• receive payment

• participate through wallet infrastructure

That matters because creators increasingly behave like global internet-native businesses rather than traditional local merchants.

“Modern creators already have digital identity. Payments are starting to attach directly to it.”

Your handle is your identity online. Secure the payment handle that matches it before launch.

Creators, freelancers, streamers and online businesses are already reserving their S-Handles ahead of the Spondula launch.

Your S-Handle is designed to become your portable payment identity across:

• TikTok

• Instagram

• X

• OnlyFans

• Fansly

• YouTube

• livestream platforms

• online stores

Instead of sharing bank details, routing numbers or payment processor usernames, you simply share your S-Handle.

Claim your handle now before someone else takes it.

Join the waitlist and reserve your S-Handle today.

Why global creators still experience payout friction

Many creators still rely on combinations of:

• PayPal

• Payoneer

• Wise

• subscription platform payouts

• marketplace withdrawals

• bank transfers

Those systems help creators participate globally.

However, many creators still experience friction involving: