By Alex Carter, Editor at GetVerifyCode
A Link verification code text is a one-time code from Link, Stripe's saved-checkout service, sent when a Link checkout starts with your phone number. Usually that's you on a new site or device, or details you saved at a past checkout. Sometimes someone typed your number by mistake. Never share the code.
Key facts
- A temporary activation on GetVerifyCode stays live for about 20 minutes, so it suits one-time codes.
- If no SMS arrives before the timeout, the unused credit returns to your wallet.
- GetVerifyCode lists numbers in 194+ countries, and the live catalog covers 1,600+ services.
- The number is shown right after you confirm, and you can cancel early from the inbox.
What is a Link verification code?
Link is a checkout feature from Stripe that saves your payment details so you can pay faster on sites that use it. Stripe's support page on the "Your Stripe verification code is" text says you got it because you saved your phone number for future purchases using Link, and that your number may be used to verify your saved information. You can read it on Stripe support.
So the code is not a bank code and not a code from the shop itself. It only unlocks the payment details saved in Link for that checkout. If you want the general picture of how these one-time codes work, see what a verification code is.
Why did I get a Link verification code text?
Link's help page lists the usual reasons, at the time of writing. It says Link uses email and SMS to verify you when you use Link on a new site or a new device. You can read it on Link support.
You saved your details at a past checkout
Many shops show a small "save my info for faster checkout" box. If you ticked it once, you have a Link account, even if you don't remember creating one.
You're remembered on another device
Link's help page says an SMS you didn't request most likely means you're being remembered on another device where you used Link before.
Someone typed your number by mistake
If you never saved anything with Link or Stripe, both support pages say someone else probably entered their own number incorrectly. In that case the code is useless to them unless you read it out.
What should I do if I didn't request it?
- Don't reply with the code, and don't read it to anyone who calls or messages you about it.
- If you use Link, log out of Link on all devices, as Link's help page suggests.
- Check Activity in your Link account to see past purchases made through Link.
- If you never meant to save your details, delete the Link account tied to your email.
- If the code has expired and a real checkout needs a new one, see why a code shows as invalid or expired.
Is a Link verification code text a scam?
The text itself usually comes from Link, so it isn't a scam on its own. The red flag is anyone asking you to share it. A shop, a delivery driver or a "support agent" never needs your code. If someone asks for it, stop and ignore them.
Some users report that the texts come from a short code. That's normal for one-time codes; see why codes come from 5- or 6-digit numbers. Google codes you didn't ask for work the same way; see why you got a Google verification code.
Keep stray codes off your real phone
Stray codes are one reason people keep their personal number for banking and close contacts, and use a separate number for one-off sign-ups. Read how to keep your personal number private for the full approach. Don't use a temporary number for a payment wallet like Link or for accounts you'll keep, because you need the same number to sign in later.
Top up your wallet from $1. Each number is priced live per service and country. You see the quote before you confirm. If no SMS arrives in about 20 minutes, the unused credit returns to your wallet. Some apps reject virtual numbers. Acceptance is decided by the app, not by us.
Using a temporary number to protect your privacy, travel, or test your own app is generally lawful in many places, but laws differ by country and each app sets its own terms. Check both. Never use it for fraud, impersonation, or getting around a ban. See are temporary phone numbers legal.
Related guides
- Why did I get a Google verification code?
- What is a verification code?
- Verification code invalid or expired
- Didn't get the verification code?
- How GetVerifyCode works
Ready for a one-time code on a separate number? Get started or check pricing.
About the author: Alex Carter is the editor at GetVerifyCode. Alex tests SMS verification routes across services and countries and writes plain-language guides on receiving OTP codes safely.
GetVerifyCode is not affiliated with the apps named in this article. Follow each app's terms and local law.
FAQ
FAQ
Link's help page says you're most likely remembered on another device where you used Link before. If you never saved details with Link or Stripe, someone may have typed your number by mistake. Don't share the code.
The code usually comes from Link itself, so the text alone isn't a scam. Anyone who asks you to read the code back to them is a red flag, so never share it.
It's a one-time code that Link, Stripe's saved-checkout service, sends to confirm it's you before it fills in your saved payment details on a site or device.
You might. Ticking a "save my info" box at a past checkout can create one. Link's help page says you can delete any Link account tied to your email if you don't want it.
Log out of Link on all devices and check Activity. If you don't want Link at all, delete the account tied to your email. Texts caused by someone else's typo usually stop on their own.
It isn't a good idea. Link verifies your saved payment details with the same number each time, so use your own phone number for it.
