Ever scrolled through your credit card statement and come across a cryptic charge labeled “SQSP”? If so, you’re not alone. These abbreviations can be confusing and even unsettling if you’re unsure of their origin. The good news is that this specific code is relatively common and often harmless once understood. In this article, we’ll decode what “SQSP” charges are, how to identify them, and what to do if something still seems off on your statement.
TL;DR:
If you see a charge labeled “SQSP” on your credit card, it likely refers to a transaction related to Squarespace, a popular website building and hosting platform. Businesses and individuals who use Squarespace to run their websites or ecommerce stores will have transactions with that abbreviation. Check your account or ask anyone with access to your credit card if they made a recent purchase tied to a Squarespace service. If the charge seems unfamiliar, investigate further or dispute it through your card issuer.
What does “SQSP” stand for?
“SQSP” is an abbreviation for Squarespace, an all-in-one platform allowing users to build and maintain websites, blogs, ecommerce stores, portfolios, and more. Squarespace provides domain registration, templates, ecommerce tools, and content hosting services, making it a go-to choice for small business owners, creatives, and entrepreneurs.
When customers are billed for any service or product from Squarespace, the charge often appears on credit card or bank statements as:
- SQSP*
- SQSP/Squarespace
- SQSP.COM
If you see anything resembling this acronym, it’s pointing to a transaction processed through the Squarespace system.
Types of Squarespace-Related Charges
There are several types of services and transactions that may cause an SQSP charge to appear on your statement:
1. Website Subscriptions
Most of the time, SQSP charges come from recurring website subscription fees. These subscriptions could be monthly or annual, depending on the user’s chosen plan.
2. Domain Name Registrations
If you’ve purchased a domain via Squarespace, the charge will also show as an SQSP fee. This may be a one-time or recurring annual payment.
3. Ecommerce Store Transactions
If you’re using Squarespace’s ecommerce features to sell products, services, or digital downloads, customer charges and associated business fees may appear under the SQSP descriptor.
4. Additional Services
Other charges can stem from premium templates, marketing integrations, paid plugins, or premium support assistance.
How to Determine if the Charge is Legitimate
Before assuming fraud, follow these steps to verify whether a charge is legitimate:
- Check All Squarespace Accounts: If you have multiple websites or domains with Squarespace, log into each one and check billing history.
- Review Email Receipts: If you’ve used an email linked to a Squarespace account, search for recent invoices or receipts from them.
- Ask Household Members or Business Partners: If someone else has authorized access to your card, they may have made a purchase or signed up for a service.
- Check the Exact Amount: Large or unusually small charges may stand out. Match the amount to any Squarespace-related purchases you or your team have made.
Common Scenarios Behind Mysterious SQSP Charges
The most frequent scenarios where an SQSP charge is “mysterious” but usually legitimate are:
- Forgotten Side Projects: Perhaps you once started a blog or website that’s still on autopay.
- Ghost Subscriptions: Some old test sites or domains still renew automatically on an annual basis.
- Previous Owner Fees: If you bought a business or website, the charge may be tied to a service you inherited.
- Business-related Purchases Using a Personal Card: You (or an employee) may have used a personal card for business expenses without remembering the charge’s purpose.
What to Do if You Don’t Recognize the Charge
If you’ve exhausted all the usual checks and the SQSP charge is still a mystery, here’s what to do:
1. Contact Squarespace Support
Squarespace offers customer service via chat and email. Reach out with the details of the charge (date, amount, card used) and they can help trace the source.
2. Use the Customer Support Portal
If you have at least one known account with Squarespace, log in and go to the billing dashboard where recent charges and plan history are visible.
3. Reach Out to Your Credit Card Company
If you suspect fraud or identity theft, dispute the charge directly with your card issuer. They may temporarily reverse the charge while investigating.
How to Cancel or Prevent Future SQSP Charges
If you’ve verified the charge and realized it’s from a service you no longer need, you can cancel the subscription easily through Squarespace.
- Log into Your Squarespace Account
- Navigate to: Settings → Billing & Account → Subscriptions
- Find the Specific Plan or Domain and select Cancel Plan or Turn off Auto Renewal
- Confirm Cancellation to stop future charges
After cancellation, Squarespace may continue the service until the end of the billing cycle. Be sure to check for confirmation emails or alerts so you retain proof of account adjustment.
How to Keep Track of Website Expenses
If you’re managing multiple online platforms or hosting services, it can become easy to lose sight of what you’re paying for. Here’s how to better budget moving forward:
- Use a Dedicated Spreadsheet: Track all recurring online subscriptions including domain names, hosting, analytics, and plugins.
- Automated Alerts: Set up banking notifications for any online charges or recurring payments above certain thresholds.
- Use a Business Credit Card: Keeping personal and business expenses separate not only simplifies taxes but helps identify unfamiliar charges quickly.
Conclusion
Understanding charges listed as SQSP on your credit card doesn’t have to be stressful. It’s often linked to a legitimate Squarespace service, from a domain name purchase to a web hosting plan. By taking a closer look at your account activities, subscription history, and communication from Squarespace, you can usually trace the charge with confidence.
If you follow the steps outlined above, you’ll be better equipped not only to identify unknown SQSP charges but also to prevent future billing confusion. Remember, the more informed you are about your digital expenses, the better control you’ll have of your financial landscape in the digital age.