Square for universal payment link- Store card on file

[annaflowers]

’m a small business owner using Square to collect deposits for a fashion design business. I’d like help setting up a universal payment link that I can use repeatedly with different collaborators. The goal is to collect a $1 deposit and store their card on file, so I can charge them later if they fail to meet contract terms (such as not returning a garment or damaging a loaned piece).

Specifically, I’d like to know:

• How to create a checkout link that stores the customer’s card on file

• Whether this requires the customer to create a Square profile

• If not possible via checkout link, what the best invoice setup would be to replicate this functionality for multiple collaborators

I’ve tried locating the “Online Checkout” section in my dashboard, but it doesn’t appear — so any guidance there would be greatly appreciated as well.

[MayaP · Accepted solution]

Hello @annaflowers  — I see this is your first post. Welcome! 😊🎉

I completely understand the need to have your payment links set up this way. At this time, there isn’t an option to automatically store customer information after a customer completes a payment link.

You do have the option of saving the card on file when creating an invoice:

1. Sign in to Square Dashboard and go to Orders & payments (or Invoices & Payments or Payments) > Invoices > Overview.
2. Click Send an invoice.
3. Select an existing customer from your Customer Directory or enter a new name and email address.
4. Under Customer actions, toggle on Save payment methods. Under Payment method on file, you can also click Add a card to manually enter the card details during invoice creation.
5. Enter the rest of the invoice details.
6. Click Send.

I’m blanking at the moment on other ways to achieve what you’re trying to do, so I’ll tag a few Super Sellers who may have helpful advice. @Candlestore @TheRealChipA @page158 @MudFire_Dex.

I really appreciate everyone’s input. If you need anything further from me, don’t hesitate to reach out.

[MudFire_Dex]

We require a card on file for subscriptions but we do so with a card agreement signed in house that gives permission to store the card in Square so we are never in possession of the card number - customer stores the card at the counter with the POS by inserting their card. We do invoicing to store those card numbers too as in @MayaP 's example above.

[MayaP]

Thanks for jumping in @MudFire_Dex! I always appreciate hearing your perspective! 

[MayaP]

If you have any additional questions please let me know. I am happy to help! @annaflowers