Set Up Payment Processing on Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Connect Squarespace Payments or third-party processors like Stripe, PayPal, or Square to start accepting payments
- Choose processors based on your location and the payment methods your customers prefer
- Use Square for in-person payments and consider Afterpay for buy-now-pay-later options
- Compare transaction fees between processors and check they work with Squarespace Commerce policies
You'll need a Commerce Basic or Advanced plan to accept payments on your Squarespace site. Once you've sorted that, head to your commerce settings and connect your chosen payment processor.
Getting Started with Payment Processing
Before you can take payments, make sure you're on the right Squarespace plan. You'll need Commerce Basic or Advanced to access the full payment features.
Once that's sorted, you'll need to pick a payment processor. Your main options are Squarespace Payments (if available in your country), Stripe, PayPal, or Square.
Choosing Your Payment Processor
Pick based on what works for your business:
Location matters – Squarespace Payments isn't available everywhere, so check what's supported in your country first.
Payment types – Think about how your customers want to pay. Credit cards are standard, but you might want Apple Pay, Google Pay, or buy-now-pay-later options.
Other platforms – If you sell in person too, Square connects your online and offline sales nicely.
You can also add installment payment options like Afterpay and Clearpay if they make sense for your products.
Available Payment Methods
Squarespace Payments gives you:
- Major credit and debit cards
- Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
- Some installment payment services
Third-party processors offer:
- Stripe and PayPal handle card payments and digital wallets
- Square works brilliantly if you need both online and in-person sales
- PayPal gives customers the option to pay without entering card details
One thing to note – you can't usually mix Squarespace Payments with other processors like Stripe. Pick one as your main processor.
Setting Up Your Payments
The actual setup is straightforward:
- Go to your commerce settings
- Click 'Payments'
- Choose your payment processor
- Follow the connection steps (you'll need to create accounts with third-party processors first)
- Turn on the payment methods you want to offer
Your customers will see these options when they checkout.
Keep an eye on your payment settings. You might want to add new payment methods or switch processors as your business grows.
Understanding Fees and Settlements
Every payment processor charges transaction fees. These vary quite a bit, so it's worth comparing:
- Squarespace Payments typically charges around 2.9% + 30p per transaction
- Stripe has similar rates but may offer better terms for high-volume sellers
- PayPal charges vary depending on how customers pay
- Square's online rates are competitive, especially if you use their in-person systems too
Check how quickly each processor pays you too. Some hold funds for a few days, others pay daily.
FAQs
What Squarespace plan do I need for payment processing?
You need Commerce Basic or Advanced. The regular website plans don't include full e-commerce features.
Can I use multiple payment processors?
Not really. You'll pick one main processor for standard payments, though you can add separate services like Afterpay alongside it.
How do I compare fees between processors?
Check each processor's official fee structure. Don't just look at the headline rate – consider monthly fees, international transaction costs, and payout speeds too.
What happens if my chosen processor isn't available in my country?
Squarespace will show you which processors work in your location. PayPal and Stripe are available in most countries, while Squarespace Payments is more limited.
Jargon Buster
Payment Processor – The service that handles moving money from your customer's card or account to yours
Point of Sale (POS) – Systems for taking payments in person, usually with a card reader or tablet
Installment Payments – Buy-now-pay-later services that let customers spread costs over several months
Transaction Fee – The amount your payment processor charges for each sale, usually a percentage plus a fixed fee
Wrap-up
Getting payments working on your Squarespace site is pretty straightforward once you know what you're doing. Pick a processor that works in your location, offers the payment methods your customers want, and charges reasonable fees.
The key is matching your choice to your business needs. If you're online-only, Squarespace Payments or Stripe work well. If you sell in person too, Square might be your best bet.
Don't forget to review your setup regularly. As your business grows, you might find better deals or need different payment options.
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