Set Up PayPal on Your Squarespace Site
TL;DR:
- You need a PayPal Business account to accept payments (upgrading from Personal is free)
- Connect PayPal through your Squarespace store payments panel
- Approve transaction fees even if your plan doesn't charge extra fees
- Test with real transactions since PayPal doesn't offer a test mode
- Configure currency settings for international payments
- Contact Squarespace for integration issues, PayPal for account problems
Setting up PayPal on your Squarespace site gives customers another payment option alongside credit cards, Apple Pay, and other methods. Here's how to get it working properly.
Getting Your PayPal Business Account Ready
You'll need a PayPal Business account to accept payments. If you only have a Personal account, you can upgrade for free during the setup process.
Head to your store payments panel in Squarespace and click "Connect PayPal". A pop-up window will appear where you can log in or create your Business account.
If the pop-up doesn't show up, check that your browser allows pop-ups from Squarespace.
Connecting PayPal to Squarespace
Once you're logged into PayPal, you might need to verify your identity to complete the Business account upgrade. Follow PayPal's prompts and select "Go back to Squarespace" when you're done.
The final step is approving transaction fees. Even if your current Squarespace plan doesn't charge extra transaction fees, you still need to agree to the terms. This prevents payment disruptions later if you change plans.
Make sure your PayPal email address is verified through PayPal's confirmation email. Unverified accounts can cause delays in accessing your funds.
Managing Multiple Sites and Currencies
You can connect multiple Squarespace sites to one PayPal Business account, but each site can only use one PayPal account at a time.
For international sales, configure your PayPal account to accept multiple currencies. This prevents payment holds when customers pay in different currencies.
Testing Your Setup
PayPal doesn't offer a test mode like other payment processors. You'll need to process a real transaction from another PayPal account to test everything works correctly.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
If you need to switch PayPal accounts or fix connection problems, disconnect PayPal from your Store payments panel. Click "Manage" under PayPal, then "Disconnect PayPal".
To reconnect, follow the initial setup steps again. You might need to do this if you change your Squarespace plan or run into processing issues.
FAQs
Can I connect multiple Squarespace sites to one PayPal account?
Yes, but each individual site can only be connected to one PayPal Business account at a time.
How does PayPal handle foreign currencies?
PayPal converts non-native currencies automatically. If payments get held or declined, check your PayPal currency settings.
Who should I contact for PayPal issues?
Contact Squarespace support for integration and connection problems. Contact PayPal directly for account issues like declined payments or compliance questions.
Do I need to pay extra transaction fees?
This depends on your Squarespace plan. You still need to approve the fee structure during setup regardless of whether fees apply to your current plan.
Jargon Buster
PayPal Business Account – A PayPal account designed for businesses with features like multi-user access and additional payment tools
MCC (Merchant Category Code) – A code that categorises your business type, which affects available payment processing options
Transaction Fees – Charges applied to each payment, varying based on your agreements with PayPal and Squarespace
Wrap-up
PayPal integration makes checkout easier for customers who prefer this payment method. The setup process is straightforward once you have your Business account verified and connected properly.
Keep your PayPal settings updated if you change your Squarespace plan or start selling internationally. Both Squarespace and PayPal support teams can help if you run into problems.
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