Haiden Hibbert
If you’re running a Squarespace website and thinking about how to handle payments, you’ve probably come across Squarespace Payments — the platform’s built-in payment processor. It’s easy enough to set up, but if you’ve done any digging or talked to other site owners, you might’ve heard some grumbles about delays and limited options.
One alternative that many Squarespace users turn to is MemberSpace. It integrates seamlessly with Squarespace, connects directly to your Stripe account, and offers a lot more flexibility when it comes to selling memberships, courses, or gated content.
Accept payments of Squarespace!
The easiest way to accept membership payments or one-time charges for digital products like online courses, communities, content libraries, and more — all from your own website!
Get started for free! 5 minutes to set up.
What Is Squarespace Payments?
Squarespace Payments is the native payment system built right into your Squarespace site. It’s powered by Stripe (which is great), so you can accept credit cards without setting up a separate Stripe account. You can sell physical products, digital downloads, simple subscriptions, or even take donations.
The setup is straightforward — you connect your bank info, add products or services, and you’re good to go. Squarespace handles the payment processing, security, and checkout experience for you, all within your site’s design.
It sounds perfect, right? And for some types of businesses, it is. But there are a few things that can trip you up if you want more flexibility or faster access to your money.
Common Challenges with Squarespace Payments
Here’s what we’ve heard from folks who’ve used Squarespace Payments and felt a bit stuck:
1. Delayed Payouts
Squarespace Payments typically holds your funds for a few days before releasing them. However, one business owner went viral when he told his story about waiting months and still not receiving his payouts. There are tons of stories like this on Reddit, too. For some businesses, especially small creators or those who rely on quick cash flow, this waiting period can be frustrating or even detrimental to the business.
2. Limited Payment Models
If you want to do more than just one-time sales or simple monthly subscriptions, Squarespace Payments can feel restrictive. There’s no built-in way to offer free trials, signup fees, installment plans, or customize billing dates.
3. No Direct Stripe Integration
You don’t get to connect your own Stripe account. This means you can’t use Stripe’s full range of features or get paid instantly — everything goes through Squarespace’s system first.
4. Limited Pricing Flexibility
Want to create multiple pricing tiers, bundle offers, or mix one-time and recurring payments? Squarespace Payments doesn’t really support this kind of pricing creativity.
MemberSpace: A Squarespace Payments Alternative That Makes Sense
If what I just described sounds familiar, MemberSpace might be exactly what you need.
MemberSpace is a tool that plugs right into your Squarespace site — and it takes just 30 seconds to install.
Here’s what makes MemberSpace a great Squarespace Payments alternative.
Direct Stripe Integration
You connect your own Stripe account, so you get paid immediately. No more waiting around for payouts.Sell Access to Anything on Your Site
MemberSpace lets you sell access to whatever you want, whether that’s one digital product or an entire library of members-only content.Unlimited Pricing Plans
One-time payments, monthly or yearly subscriptions, installment plans — you name it, MemberSpace supports it. You can also offer free trials or charge signup fees.Customize Your Pricing Options
Set payment amounts, billing intervals, choose specific billing dates, add tax, and more. You’re not stuck with a one-size-fits-all approach.Flexible Payment Models
Whether you want to do a free membership, a paid subscription, a multi-payment plan, or a mix of all three, MemberSpace has you covered.
More on MemberSpace Pricing Features
Here’s a quick look at some of the pricing customizations you can make with MemberSpace:
- Payment Amount: Charge exactly what you want
- Payment Interval: Set monthly, yearly, or custom intervals for subscriptions or installment plans.
- Billing Date: Pick the exact day your customers get billed — handy for aligning with your business cycle.
- Free Trial Period: Let people try before they buy.
- Signup Fee: Charge a one-time fee upfront if you want.
- Tax Amount: Easily add taxes based on your location or customer’s location.
FAQs About MemberSpace vs Squarespace Payments
Q: Can I still sell physical products with MemberSpace?
MemberSpace is mainly for selling digital products — memberships, courses, gated content. For physical products, Squarespace Payments or another ecommerce tool might be better.
Q: Is MemberSpace hard to set up?
Not at all. It’s designed to work smoothly with Squarespace. You add a snippet of code, connect Stripe, and you’re set.
Q: Do I have to use Stripe with MemberSpace?
Yes, MemberSpace uses Stripe for payment processing, but you connect your own Stripe account, so you control the payouts.
Q: Can I offer free memberships or trials?
Absolutely. MemberSpace supports free plans and free trial periods.
Final Thoughts
If you’re just starting out and selling simple products, Squarespace Payments might do the job. But if you want more control over how you charge people, faster access to your money, or you’re selling access-based products like memberships or courses, MemberSpace is worth a look.
Having the flexibility to customize payments and get paid immediately makes a big difference. It’s not just about selling — it’s about making your business work on your terms.
Give MemberSpace a try and see how it fits your Squarespace site. You might find it’s exactly what you needed to break free from the usual payment hassles.
Accept payments of Squarespace!
The easiest way to accept membership payments or one-time charges for digital products like online courses, communities, content libraries, and more — all from your own website!
Get started for free! 5 minutes to set up.
