Hey there! Have you ever glanced at your statement and spotted a mysterious SQSP charge on credit card? If so, you’re not alone. Lots of people see this and wonder, “What did I buy? Is this legit?”
Don’t worry, I’m here to clear things up for you in a simple, friendly way. By the end of this blog, you’ll know exactly what an SQSP charge is, why it might pop up, and what to do if it doesn’t make sense. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
First Things First: What Does SQSP Mean?
SQSP isn’t some secret code or random letters. It’s short for Squarespace, a popular company that helps people build websites. If you’ve ever made a website, bought a domain, or subscribed to a service like hosting or email through Squarespace, that’s likely where this charge comes from.
Squarespace is super user-friendly, so it’s a go-to for small businesses, bloggers, and creatives. But sometimes, seeing “SQSP” on your statement can catch you off guard.
Think of it like this: when you buy something online, the charge doesn’t always show the full store name. SQSP is just Squarespace’s way of saying, “Hey, this is us!” It might also come with an invoice number or extra details, but more on that later.
Why Did SQSP Charge My Card?
So, why did this charge show up? There are a few common reasons. Squarespace isn’t sneaky, but their services do cost money, and those costs can appear on your card. Here’s what might be happening:
- Website Subscription: If you have a Squarespace site, you’re probably on a monthly or yearly plan. These plans keep your site live and running smoothly.
- Domain Renewal: Did you buy a domain name (like www.yourname.com) through Squarespace? Domains need to be renewed every year, and the fee is often around $20 or more.
- Extra Features: Maybe you added something like email hosting or an online store. These add-ons come with their own charges.
- Google Domains Switch: Fun fact: Squarespace took over Google Domains in 2023. If you had a domain with Google, it might now be managed (and billed) by Squarespace.
For example, if your domain renewal hit this month, you might see “SQSP* INV123456789” on your statement. That nine-digit number is your invoice, and it ties the charge back to your Squarespace account.
How to Spot an SQSP Charge
Not sure if it’s really Squarespace? Let’s figure it out. Charges from Squarespace usually show up in a few ways on your credit card statement. Here’s what to look for:
- SQSP* Followed by Numbers: This is the most common format. The numbers are your invoice ID.
- Squarespace Inc.: Sometimes it’s spelled out with the full company name.
- Amount Clues: Subscription fees might be $16-$40 monthly, while domains are often $20-$70 yearly.
Check your statement carefully. Some banks hide part of the details in their apps, so log into the full website version if you need more info. Still confused? No problem, we’ll talk about next steps soon.
A Quick Table: Common SQSP Charge on Credit Card
To make this even easier, here’s a small table of typical Squarespace charges:
Service | Cost Range | Billing Frequency |
---|---|---|
Website Subscription | $16 – $49 | Monthly or Yearly |
Domain Registration | $20 – $70 | Yearly |
Email Hosting | $5 – $10 per mailbox | Monthly |
Online Store Add-On | $26 – $49 | Monthly |
These are rough estimates based on Squarespace’s plans as of early 2025. Your exact amount depends on what you signed up for.
Did You Forget Signing Up?
It happens to the best of us. Maybe you started a free trial months ago and forgot to cancel. Squarespace offers a 14-day trial, but after that, they charge your card if you don’t opt out. Or perhaps you set up a site for a side project and let it autorenew. Life gets busy, right?
Here’s a quick checklist to jog your memory:
- Did you build a website recently?
- Have you ever bought a domain name?
- Did you link your card to a Squarespace account?
If any of these ring a bell, log into your Squarespace account and check your billing section. You’ll see all active subscriptions and charges there.
What If You Don’t Recognize the Charge?
Okay, let’s say you’re 100% sure you didn’t sign up for anything. Seeing an unfamiliar SQSP charge can feel unsettling. Before you panic, let’s explore why this might happen:
- Someone Else Used Your Card: Maybe a family member or friend borrowed your card for their site.
- Old Account: An account you forgot about could still be active.
- Fraud Alert: In rare cases, someone might have used your card without permission.
If it’s not clicking, don’t sit on it. Take action to sort it out.
Steps to Investigate an SQSP Charge on Credit Card
Not sure what’s up? Here’s a simple game plan to figure it out:
- Check Your Email: Search your inbox for “Squarespace” or “billing.” You might find a receipt or renewal notice.
- Log Into Squarespace: Visit squarespace.com, sign in, and head to the billing area. Look for any subscriptions tied to your email.
- Match the Invoice: If your statement shows “SQSP* INV123456789,” use that invoice number to find the charge in your account.
- Contact Support: No luck? Reach out to Squarespace’s customer support with the full invoice number. They can dig into it for you.
- Talk to Your Bank: If it still looks fishy, call your bank to dispute the charge. They’ll investigate and might reverse it if it’s fraud.
Most times, it’s just a forgotten subscription. But if it’s not, acting fast keeps your money safe.
Can You Get a Refund?
Good news: Squarespace is pretty reasonable about refunds in some cases. If you accidentally got charged or canceled too late, you might get your money back. Here’s the scoop:
- Website Plans: Refunds are possible within 14 days of a monthly billing or 7 days of an annual renewal.
- Domains: These are trickier. Most domain fees are nonrefundable after five days.
- Disputed Charges: If you dispute a charge with your bank and win, Squarespace might cancel the service tied to it (like your site).
Reach out to their support team first. Be polite, explain your situation, and they’ll guide you.
How to Avoid Surprise SQSP Charges
Nobody likes unexpected hits to their wallet. Want to keep SQSP charges in check? Try these tips:
- Set Reminders: Mark your calendar for renewal dates.
- Review Subscriptions: Log into Squarespace every few months to see what’s active.
- Update Payment Info: If you get a new card, update it in your account so old cards don’t get charged.
- Cancel Unused Services: Not using that site anymore? Cancel it to stop the billing.
A little planning goes a long way. You’ll feel in control and avoid those “What’s this?” moments.
Fun Fact: Squarespace’s Big Move
Here’s something neat: Squarespace didn’t just stick to websites. In 2023, they bought Google Domains, which means millions of domain owners (maybe you!) now get billed by Squarespace. That’s why some folks started seeing SQSP charges out of nowhere. It’s not a scam, just a business shift. Cool, huh?
FAQs: SQSP Charge on Credit Card
Got questions? I’ve got answers. Here are four common ones people ask:
What does SQSP stand for on my credit card?
It’s short for Squarespace, a company that builds websites and manages domains. It’s their billing tag.
Why was I charged if I didn’t sign up?
It could be an old account, someone else using your card, or even fraud. Check your Squarespace account or call your bank.
How do I stop an SQSP charge?
Log into Squarespace, go to billing, and cancel the subscription. If it’s fraud, dispute it with your bank.
Can I get my money back from Squarespace?
Yes, sometimes! Contact their support within the refund window (usually 14 days for plans, 5 days for domains).
Wrapping It Up
There you have it! An SQSP charge on credit card is usually just Squarespace saying hello with a bill for a website, domain, or extra feature. It’s not a big mystery once you know what to look for. Check your account, match the charge, and take action if something’s off. You’ve got this!
Next time you see SQSP, you’ll know the deal. Feel free to share this with a friend who’s scratching their head over the same thing. Got more questions? Drop a comment, and I’ll chat with you!
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only. I’m not affiliated with Squarespace or any bank. Prices and policies mentioned are based on info available as of February 25, 2025, and might change. Always double-check with Squarespace or your bank for the latest details.