Square Websites & Online Selling
Updated: October 23, 2026
Purpose
This page explains what Square includes for selling online, the three ways to set up a merchant's website, and how passing the fee works on online orders.
1. The Basics
Every Square plan, including Free, comes with an online store and online ordering at no extra monthly cost. Merchants pay processing on each online sale.
|
Online Processing |
Free Plan |
Plus Plan |
Premium Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Online store and invoice card payments |
3.3% + 30¢ |
2.9% + 30¢ |
2.9% + 30¢ |
Upsell point: once a merchant does more than about $12,250 a month in online sales, Plus costs less than Free on processing alone.
Pending: we're confirming with Square whether Equip's Rack Rate or 4% Flat Rate changes these online rates. Check with Tyisha before quoting online rates.
2. Three Ways to Set Up a Website
Option 1: Build a new site with Square Online (any plan, including Free)
Free to build and launch from the Square Dashboard (Website > Edit Website). Items, orders and inventory stay in sync with the POS. On the Free plan, the site shows Square branding and uses a .square.site web address.
Option 2: Use their own domain (Plus or Premium)
Required to connect a domain they own, or to buy one through Square (from $19.95/year). They can keep their current domain host or transfer it to Square. Also unlocks custom code, video embeds (OpenTable, Eventbrite) and more site customization.
Option 3: Keep a site they already have (any plan)
- Wix: syncs with the Square catalog, inventory, orders and discounts.
- Shopify: syncs through Thrive Inventory, or DPL (about $50/month), which Square's product team recommends.
- Restaurants: can use a free online ordering profile for commission-free pickup and delivery, including Order with Google.
3. Passing the Fee on Online Orders (4% Program)
- Service charge: works, with limits. Applies automatically to Square Online orders for pickup, delivery and QR code ordering, but not shipped orders. Item-level taxes must be turned on first.
- Cash discount: works. Covers all online orders automatically, since online shoppers always pay the full (raised) price. Best fit for retailers who ship.
- Surcharging: not confirmed. Not confirmed for Square Online orders. Check with Hayes before setting it up.
4. Talking Points
- "A basic website is free. To use your own .com and remove Square branding, you'll need Plus."
- A merchant already on Plus gets the custom domain and site upgrades at no extra monthly cost. They only pay for the domain.
5. Quick Answers
- Restaurant or retail? Both can sell online. Restaurants can use the free online ordering profile; retailers who ship do best with cash discount.
- Rates and fee options in general? See Rates & Passing the Fee.
Questions?
Start with your trainer, then Hayes.
