Why am I seeing a 2-factor authentication prompt when testing my Square Payment Link?

[chapterJ]

I am new to Square and sent a "trial" payment link via email.  A 2 factor authentication verifying a code from text message was required. I read this only happens if a transaction appears suspicious. I am wondering how often this happens. I am afraid the people I am sending my link to may not have access to text messages on the their computer, or will just be confused, and they will not be able to use link. Some of my recipients are not tech savvy. I was using Square to make collecting dues easier than people mailing check or give me cash, but I am concerned about possible tech, "glitches" that could be confusing to recipient. Please give me feedback

[Laurie_ · Accepted solution]

Hi @chapterJ!

I appreciate your patience while we got back to your question!

Square Payment Links don't require customers to log into a Square account or verify their identity in order to make a payment. It’s possible that because you tested the link on your own device, you may have triggered a 2-factor authentication prompt for your own Square account, rather than something your customers would see.

For your customers, the expected experience is simply opening the link and entering their card details, just like any standard online checkout.

The only situation where a customer might see a verification prompt is if their card issuer requires a one-time passcode (such as 3D Secure) to approve the payment. This comes from the bank, not Square.

If you can replicate this issue on a completely separate device, like another mobile or laptop, the next step would be for us to test this on our side. I'd ask you to please share the payment link in your reply, or reach out to our Support Team directly, and they can take a closer look at your payment link settings.

You can reach our team at 1-855-700-6000, Monday through Friday, from 6 AM to 6 PM Pacific Time.

You can also get in touch with our Messaging and Email Support Teams here: squ.re/contactsqsupport.