Squarespace Payments Role-Based Permissions
TL;DR:
- Squarespace Payments creates a special role called Payments Account Owner
- Website owners and administrators can both create a Payments account
- The Payments Account Owner gets exclusive access to bank connections and payment settings
- You can transfer ownership of a Payments account to other qualified contributors
- Different roles have different levels of access to payment features
When you start using Squarespace Payments, the platform automatically creates role-based permissions to keep your financial data secure. Here's how it works and what each role can do.
How Squarespace Payments Roles Work
The moment you set up Squarespace Payments, you're dealing with a new permission structure that sits alongside your existing website roles. This isn't about replacing your current setup – it's an additional layer specifically for payment management.
Who Can Create a Payments Account
Both website owners and administrators can create a Payments account. Whoever creates it becomes the first Payments Account Owner. This matters because the owner gets access to the most sensitive financial controls.
What Each Role Can Do
Payments Account Owner
- Connect and manage bank accounts
- Access detailed financial dashboards
- Change payment settings and configurations
- View all transaction data
- Transfer ownership to other contributors
Website Owner/Administrator (without Payments ownership)
- Process refunds
- View transaction statuses
- Handle day-to-day payment operations
- Access basic payment reports
Store Manager
- Issue refunds
- View transaction information
- Handle customer payment queries
The key thing to remember is that being a website owner doesn't automatically make you the Payments Account Owner. These are separate roles.
Transferring Payments Account Ownership
You can transfer ownership of your Payments account to another contributor, but they need to have either website owner or administrator permissions first. The transfer process goes through Squarespace support rather than being something you can do directly in your dashboard.
This is particularly useful when team roles change or when you want someone else to handle the financial side of your business.
Managing Permissions Effectively
Keep your payment permissions tight. The Payments Account Owner role should go to someone who understands financial operations and regularly works with your business finances. Don't hand out this level of access unless it's actually needed.
Review these permissions regularly. As your team grows or changes, make sure the right people have the right access. Too many people with high-level payment access creates security risks.
FAQs
Can I transfer Payments account ownership in Squarespace?
Yes, you can transfer ownership to another contributor who has website owner or administrator permissions. You'll need to contact Squarespace support to complete the transfer.
What actions can a Payments Account Owner perform in Squarespace?
They can connect bank accounts, manage payment settings, access detailed financial dashboards, view all transaction data, and transfer ownership to other qualified contributors.
Do I need to be the website owner to create a Payments account in Squarespace?
No, both website owners and administrators can create a Payments account. Whoever creates it becomes the initial Payments Account Owner.
Can multiple people be Payments Account Owners?
No, only one person can be the Payments Account Owner at any time. However, you can transfer this role to someone else when needed.
Jargon Buster
Squarespace Payments – The built-in payment processing system that handles transactions on your Squarespace website
Payments Account Owner – The person with full control over payment settings, bank connections, and financial data
Administrator – A contributor role with extensive website permissions, including the ability to create Payments accounts
Store Manager – A contributor role focused on managing products and processing orders, with limited payment permissions
Wrap-up
Understanding these permission levels helps you keep your payment data secure while giving your team the access they need to do their jobs. Set up your roles thoughtfully from the start, and review them regularly as your business grows.
The most important decision is choosing who becomes your Payments Account Owner. This person will have access to your most sensitive financial data and settings, so pick someone you trust who understands the financial side of your business.
Learn more about Squarespace payments and ecommerce at Pixelhaze Academy