You don't need a checking account to start a Squarespace website, but you will need one to receive payments from customers

Squarespace lets you build and publish a website without a bank account. You can create pages, add products, write blog posts, and set up your store entirely through Squarespace's interface. The platform doesn't require proof of a bank account just to exist as a website.

The moment you want to accept payment from customers—whether through Squarespace's built-in payment processing, PayPal, or Stripe—you need a way to receive that money. A checking account is the most straightforward method because payment processors deposit customer payments directly into it. Without one, your money has nowhere to land.

If you're not ready to open a checking account yet, you have a few temporary workarounds, though they come with friction. You can use a payment processor that deposits to a savings account, or route payments through PayPal and keep the balance there while you decide. But these are delays, not solutions—most business owners eventually need a checking account anyway.

Key Takeaways

  • Building a Squarespace website requires no bank account, but accepting payments does.
  • Payment processors like Stripe and Square deposit customer money into a checking account, which is why you need one to get paid.
  • PayPal can hold your balance temporarily, but transferring it out eventually requires a bank account.
  • If you don't have a checking account yet, you can still build your site and launch it without payments enabled.
  • Opening a checking account takes one to three business days at most banks and online banks.

What Squarespace actually requires at signup

Squarespace asks for an email address and password to create your account. That's it. No Social Security number, no proof of income, no bank details. You can build an entire store, upload products, write descriptions, and design pages without ever connecting a payment method.

The platform does ask for billing information to pay for your Squarespace plan itself—that's separate from customer payments. You can use a credit card, debit card, or PayPal to pay Squarespace's monthly fee. A checking account is not required for that either.

When you need a checking account: accepting customer payments

Squarespace's payment processing works through third-party processors: Stripe, Square, or PayPal. When a customer buys something on your site, that money goes to the processor first, then gets deposited into your bank account a few days later. The processor needs a real bank account to send the money to—they won't hold it indefinitely.

Stripe and Square both require a U.S. checking account (or business account) to connect. They verify the account by depositing small amounts and asking you to confirm them. This is their fraud check. If you only have a savings account, some processors will accept it, but most prefer checking because it's the standard business account type.

PayPal is slightly more flexible. You can receive payments and keep the balance in your PayPal account without a bank account connected. But PayPal charges a fee to hold your money, and you'll eventually need to transfer it out—which requires a bank account. It's a delay, not a permanent solution.

Opening a checking account if you don't have one

Most banks and online banks let you open a checking account in 10 to 15 minutes, either in person or online. You'll need a government ID, Social Security number, and proof of address (a utility bill or lease works). Some banks waive the proof-of-address requirement if you already have another account with them.

Online banks like Chime, Ally, or Charles Schwab often approve accounts faster than brick-and-mortar banks and have lower or no minimum balances. The account is usually active within one to three business days. If you're in a hurry to launch your Squarespace store, an online bank is often the fastest route.

If you don't have a government ID yet, you'll need to get one first—that's a separate process that takes longer. A state ID or passport works for bank account opening.

Using Squarespace without payments enabled

You can launch a Squarespace site and leave payments off entirely. This works if you're building a portfolio, a blog, a service business that takes payments offline, or a site you plan to monetize later. Visitors can browse your products and services, but there's no checkout button.

You can also use Squarespace's email capture tools to collect customer information and follow up with payment details outside the platform. This is common for service businesses that quote custom work—the site builds trust and collects leads, but the actual payment happens via invoice or phone call.

What happens after you connect your bank account

Once you link your checking account to Stripe, Square, or PayPal, the processor deposits customer payments on a set schedule—usually every two to five business days. The first deposit often takes longer because the processor is verifying the account.

You'll see transaction fees deducted from each payment. Stripe and Square typically charge 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction for online sales. PayPal charges 2.2% plus $0.30. These fees come out before the money hits your account, so if a customer pays $100, you receive roughly $96.70 to $97.10 depending on the processor.

Your bank account statement will show deposits from the processor (Stripe Inc., Square, or PayPal), not from individual customers. If you need to track which customer paid what, you'll check your Squarespace dashboard or the processor's dashboard, not your bank statement.

If you're not in the U.S.

Squarespace works in many countries, but payment processor requirements vary. Stripe operates in over 40 countries and accepts local bank accounts. Square is primarily U.S.-based but expanding. PayPal works almost everywhere.

If you're outside the U.S., check which payment processors Squarespace supports in your country before opening your site. You'll need a local checking or business account in your country's currency. Some countries require additional business registration or tax ID numbers to connect a payment processor—that's separate from the bank account itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?

Most payment processors prefer checking accounts because they're designed for frequent transactions. Some will accept a savings account, but you may face delays or additional verification. Stripe and Square specifically ask for a checking account. If you only have a savings account, contact the processor before connecting it.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You'll need a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to open a U.S. bank account and to connect most payment processors. If you don't have one, you'll need to apply through the IRS first. This is a separate process that takes several weeks.

Can I use someone else's checking account to receive Squarespace payments?

Technically yes, but payment processors require the account holder's name to match the business owner's name or the business's legal name. If the names don't match, the processor may freeze the account or deny the connection. It's simpler and safer to open your own account.

How long does it take to start accepting payments after I open a checking account?

Once your checking account is open, connecting it to Squarespace takes about 10 minutes. The payment processor then verifies the account by depositing small amounts, which takes one to three business days. After that, you can accept payments immediately. Total time from opening the account to your first customer payment: roughly one week.

Do I need a business checking account or can I use a personal one?

Payment processors accept both, though they prefer business accounts if you're running a business. A personal account works fine for starting out. If you scale up or need to separate personal and business finances, you can open a business account later and reconnect it to Squarespace.