If you’re wondering “can I use Square with Shopify,” you’re not alone. Many merchants want to leverage Square’s payment processing capabilities alongside Shopify’s robust eCommerce platform. The short answer is yes—you can use Square with Shopify, but it requires third-party integration tools since these two competitors don’t offer native support for each other. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Shopify Square integration, from setup to troubleshooting.
Summary
Here’s what you’ll discover in this complete integration guide:
- Integration Basics: Learn whether Square works with Shopify and why native integration isn’t available between these competing platforms.
- Payment Processing Options: Understand how both Square and Shopify handle credit card payments, fraud prevention, and PCI compliance.
- Integration Methods: Discover the top five third-party apps that enable Square Shopify integration, including AutoSync, Zapier, and others.
- Step-by-Step Setup: Follow detailed instructions for installing and configuring the AutoSync for Square app to sync inventory and payments.
- Hardware Compatibility: Find out if you can use Square Reader with Shopify POS systems and what limitations exist.
- Pros and Cons: Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of integrating Square with Shopify for your business needs.
- Troubleshooting Solutions: Get practical tips for resolving common connectivity and sync issues between platforms.
Understanding Square and Shopify as Payment Solutions
Before diving into whether you can use Square with Shopify, it’s important to understand what each platform offers. Both Square and Shopify function as payment service providers, allowing small business owners to process credit card payments without registering separate merchant accounts. However, they have distinct differences in pricing models and platform capabilities.
Square operates on a free-to-use model with transaction-based processing fees. Shopify, on the other hand, requires a monthly subscription fee with processing costs that vary based on your plan level. The more expensive your Shopify plan, the lower your processing fees become.
How Payment Service Providers Work
Payment service providers pool money from all business customers into a common merchant account. Each client receives separate reimbursements from this shared account. This approach helps you save money by eliminating the need to manage your own merchant account.
However, there’s a trade-off. Payment service providers can freeze payments or terminate accounts if clients fail to meet their terms of service. That’s why familiarizing yourself with both Square’s and Shopify’s terms and conditions is crucial to avoid disruptions to your business.
Both platforms are PCI certified and offer fraud prevention with end-to-end encryption. They accept payments from all major Visa and Mastercard networks. Square works with various eCommerce platforms including BigCommerce and WooCommerce for online payment processing.
If you’re exploring different payment options for your store, check out our comprehensive guide on Shopify payment gateways to compare all available processors and their features.
Now that you understand the basics, let’s explore why Square Shopify integration requires workarounds.
Why Direct Integration Isn’t Available
Here’s the key challenge: does Square integrate with Shopify natively? Unfortunately, no. Shopify charges an additional fee when you use third-party payment gateways, and since Square and Shopify are direct competitors, they don’t support each other’s services directly.
Despite numerous Shopify payment gateways and processors available on the platform, Square isn’t among them. This competitive relationship means you’ll need alternative solutions if you want to integrate Square with Shopify.
The good news? Several third-party applications can synchronize Shopify with Square, giving you the functionality you need. Let’s explore these options next.
Top 5 Third-Party Apps for Square Shopify Integration
Since direct integration isn’t possible, you’ll need to use third-party tools to answer the question “does Square work with Shopify?” Here are the five best options for connecting these platforms:
1. AutoSync for Square
AutoSync is specifically designed to sync inventory, orders, and customer data between Square and Shopify. It automatically updates product information across both platforms when changes occur.
2. Zapier
Zapier creates automated workflows between Square and Shopify using “Zaps.” You can set up triggers and actions to move data between the two systems without manual intervention.
3. Integromat (Make.io)
This visual automation platform allows you to build custom integrations between Shopify and Square. It offers more flexibility than some competitors for complex workflows.
4. Xplenty
Xplenty provides data integration solutions that can connect Square with Shopify, particularly useful for businesses handling large volumes of transactions.
5. Webinopoly
Webinopoly offers custom integration services, including setting up external redirect checkouts that use payment gateways not natively available on Shopify.
When considering whether you can use Square with Shopify, these third-party solutions make it possible. You may need to hire Shopify Plus developers to set up an external redirect checkout for the most seamless experience.
Looking for other payment integration options? Our Clover Shopify integration guide walks through another popular payment processor setup for Shopify stores.
With these options in mind, let’s look at the actual setup process.
How to Set Up Square With Shopify: Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to establish your Shopify and Square integration? Follow this comprehensive guide using the AutoSync for Square app. Before starting, ensure you have products with matching SKU numbers in both Square and Shopify accounts. Without common products, the integration won’t work properly.
Step 1: Installing the AutoSync for Square App
First, you’ll install the integration app from the Shopify App Store:
- Log in to your Shopify store admin panel.
- Navigate to “Apps” in the sidebar menu.
- Click the “Customize your store” button at the top of the screen.
- A new tab will open with the Shopify App Store.
- Search for “Square” in the search bar and press enter.
- Locate and click on the “AutoSync for Square” app from the results.
- Click the “Add app” button to begin installation.
- Confirm by clicking “Install app” when prompted.
- The app will install in your Shopify store within moments.
This first step prepares your Shopify store to communicate with Square. Next, you’ll establish the actual connection.
Step 2: Connecting Your Square Account
Now you’ll link your Square account to enable data synchronization:
- Open the AutoSync app from your Shopify admin.
- Click the “Connect Square” button prominently displayed.
- A pop-up window will appear prompting you to log in to Square.
- Enter your Square account credentials to authenticate.
- Grant permission for the app to access your Shopify data when requested.
- Authorize the connection between both platforms.
- Products with matching SKU numbers will automatically appear in the app.
- Review the synced products to ensure accuracy.
Once you complete these steps, your Square Shopify integration is operational. The app will now sync inventory, orders, and customer information between platforms automatically.
Does this process seem complex? Consider consulting with experienced Shopify development services for assistance with setup and customization.
Now let’s explore the key benefits of this integration.
Top 5 Benefits of Using Square With Shopify
When you integrate Square with Shopify, you unlock several valuable advantages for your business:
1. Seamless Multi-Platform Management
The integration allows you to manage inventory and orders from a single dashboard. Changes made in Square automatically reflect in Shopify and vice versa, reducing manual data entry errors.
2. Popular Payment Option for Specialized Retailers
Square is particularly favored by CBD and functional remedies retailers who face challenges with traditional payment processors. This makes Square Shopify integration valuable for businesses in restricted industries.
3. Consistent Checkout Experience
The checkout page maintains visual consistency with Shopify’s native checkout design. Customers experience a seamless purchasing process without noticing the backend integration.
4. Domain-Connected Checkout
Your checkout page remains linked to your store’s domain name, maintaining brand consistency and customer trust throughout the transaction process.
5. Customization Flexibility
You can add or remove fields from the checkout page and modify the design to match your brand. This level of customization ensures your checkout aligns with your overall store aesthetic.
These benefits make the effort to answer “can I use Square with Shopify” worthwhile for many merchants. However, there are also considerations to keep in mind.
If you’re interested in expanding your Shopify store capabilities beyond payment processing, explore how ClickFunnels Shopify integration can enhance your sales funnel and conversion rates.
Can You Use Square Reader With Shopify POS?
A common question is whether the Square Reader works with Shopify’s point-of-sale system. The answer requires understanding both platforms’ hardware ecosystems.
Understanding Shopify POS
Shopify POS is a downloadable app for Android and iOS devices that enables business owners to sell online products in physical storefronts. It’s designed to work with Shopify’s approved card readers, which accept all major credit cards, Debit Mastercard, and Visa Debit cards.
Square Reader Compatibility
Can you use a Square Reader with Shopify? Technically, you can utilize Square Payments alongside the Shopify eCommerce platform through third-party integration software. However, direct hardware compatibility is limited.
Shopify doesn’t natively support Square hardware because they’re competing payment processors. If you want to use Square Reader with Shopify POS, you’ll need custom development work to create an external payment redirect that processes transactions through Square.
For businesses seriously considering this setup, consulting with Shopify Plus development experts ensures seamless functionality across both systems. They can build custom solutions that allow your Square hardware to communicate with your Shopify backend.
If you use an external card reader not approved by Shopify, verify with your payment processor which card types your terminal accepts. This prevents issues at checkout when customers attempt to use certain payment methods.
Now let’s examine both the advantages and disadvantages of this integration approach.
Pros and Cons of Using Square With Shopify in 2025
Advantages of Square Shopify Integration
Lower Processing Fees for High-Volume Merchants
Square offers competitive processing rates that can be more cost-effective than Shopify Payments for certain business models, particularly those with high transaction volumes.
Expanded Payment Options
Integrating Square gives customers additional payment choices, potentially reducing cart abandonment rates and increasing conversion.
Unified Reporting
With proper integration, you can view sales data from both online and offline channels in one place, simplifying financial reporting and inventory management.
Industry-Specific Benefits
For retailers in industries like CBD that face payment processing challenges, Square provides more accepting terms than many traditional processors.
Hardware Investment Protection
If you’ve already invested in Square hardware for in-person sales, integration lets you leverage that investment for your online Shopify store as well.
Disadvantages of Square Shopify Integration
Additional Monthly Costs
Third-party integration apps typically charge monthly subscription fees on top of your existing Shopify and Square costs, increasing overall expenses.
Technical Complexity
Setting up and maintaining the integration requires technical knowledge. You may need to hire developers for initial setup and ongoing troubleshooting.
Sync Delays
Unlike native integrations, third-party solutions may experience synchronization delays, potentially causing inventory discrepancies between platforms.
Limited Customer Support
When issues arise, determining whether to contact Shopify, Square, or the integration app provider can be confusing, potentially leading to longer resolution times.
SKU Management Requirements
The integration requires matching SKU numbers across platforms. Managing this consistently becomes challenging as your product catalog grows.
Compliance Considerations
Using two separate payment systems means ensuring compliance with payment card industry standards twice, increasing administrative burden.
Understanding these trade-offs helps you make an informed decision about whether this integration serves your business needs.
Troubleshooting Common Issues With Square and Shopify
Even with proper setup, you might encounter connectivity or synchronization problems. Here’s how to resolve the most common issues when working with Shopify payment gateways and Square integration.
Basic Troubleshooting Steps
Check Shopify’s Approved Payment Gateways
If you’re experiencing connectivity problems, first review Shopify’s list of approved payment gateways to ensure your setup follows platform guidelines. Visit the Shopify status page to check for recent service disruptions affecting payment processing.
Verify Account on Hold Status
If your Shopify Payments account shows as “on hold,” check the banner message in your Shopify admin for next steps. Have the store owner verify their registered email address is current and accessible.
Confirm Account Credentials
Third-party payment gateways typically require an account ID and password or security key in Shopify’s settings. Incorrect values cause numerous problems, so double-check that all credentials are accurate.
Square-Specific Troubleshooting
Review Additional Setup Instructions
Third-party payment gateways often provide extra setup requirements beyond basic installation. Visit your Square account portal to complete any remaining configuration steps specific to Shopify integration.
Check SKU Matching
The most common issue with Square Shopify integration involves mismatched SKU numbers. Ensure every product you want to sync has identical SKU codes in both Square and Shopify. Missing or incorrect SKUs prevent proper synchronization.
Contact Your Payment Processor
Most gateway settings live in your third-party payment account, not your Shopify admin. Contact Square customer service to verify that settings for connecting to Shopify are configured correctly and that any declaration parameters are disabled.
Test Transaction Processing
Process a small test transaction to identify where in the payment flow issues occur. This helps pinpoint whether problems stem from Square, Shopify, or the integration app itself.
Update Integration Apps
Ensure your third-party integration software stays updated to the latest version. Developers regularly release updates to maintain compatibility with changes in Square’s and Shopify’s APIs.
These troubleshooting steps resolve most common issues merchants face when asking “does Square work with Shopify?” For persistent problems, professional Shopify support services can provide expert assistance.
For businesses managing complex inventory and order systems, consider reading our guide on Shopify ERP integration to streamline your entire backend operations alongside payment processing.
Alternative Payment Gateways Available on Shopify
While this guide focuses on Square Shopify integration, it’s worth knowing your other options. Shopify natively supports several verified payment gateways that don’t require third-party integration:
- Shopify Payments: Shopify’s native solution with the lowest processing fees and no additional transaction charges
- PayPal: Widely recognized payment option that customers trust
- Stripe: Popular with developers for its API flexibility and ease of integration
- Authorize.Net: Established payment gateway with robust fraud prevention tools
- SagePay: European-focused payment processor with strong security features
- AliPay Global: Essential for merchants targeting Chinese consumers
- 2Checkout: International payment solution supporting multiple currencies
These gateways are verified by Shopify, meaning the platform guarantees how they interact with your store. Shopify cannot provide the same assurance for external gateways like Square that haven’t been verified.
To use an unverified payment gateway, you’ll need a developer to create an external redirect checkout. If you need assistance, Folio3 Shopify development services can help implement custom payment solutions.
Want to take your Shopify customization further? Learn how to leverage Shopify metafields to add custom data fields and enhance your store’s functionality beyond standard features.
Frequently Asked Questions About Square and Shopify Integration
Can I Use Square With Shopify for Online Sales?
Yes, you can use Square with Shopify for online sales through third-party integration apps like AutoSync, Zapier, or custom development solutions. Does Square integrate with Shopify natively? No, but these workarounds provide the functionality most merchants need.
Does Square Work With Shopify POS Systems?
Square can work with Shopify POS through third-party integrations, but you cannot directly use Square hardware like the Square Reader with Shopify’s native POS app. You’ll need custom development to create payment redirects that process transactions through Square.
How Much Does It Cost to Integrate Square With Shopify?
The cost varies depending on your chosen integration method. Third-party apps like AutoSync typically charge $10-50 monthly subscription fees. Custom development for external checkout redirects can cost $500-5,000+ depending on complexity. Factor in both Square’s and Shopify’s processing fees as well.
Can You Use Square Hardware With Shopify?
Square hardware cannot be directly integrated with Shopify without custom development work. Since Shopify and Square are competitors, native hardware compatibility doesn’t exist. You’ll need to hire experienced developers to build custom solutions enabling Square hardware to process Shopify transactions.
What Happens if SKU Numbers Don’t Match?
If SKU numbers don’t match between Square and Shopify, the integration won’t sync those products properly. The AutoSync app will prompt you to add common products with identical SKUs to both platforms before synchronization can begin.
Is Square Shopify Integration Worth the Complexity?
Whether integration is worthwhile depends on your specific business needs. If you’re already using Square for in-person sales and want to expand online with Shopify, integration makes sense. For new businesses starting from scratch, using Shopify Payments may be simpler and more cost-effective.
How Long Does Setup Take for Square Shopify Integration?
Basic integration using apps like AutoSync takes 30-60 minutes if your products already have matching SKUs. Custom development projects for advanced integrations or external checkout redirects can take several days to weeks depending on requirements.
Can I Accept All Payment Types Through This Integration?
When you integrate Square with Shopify, you can accept all payment types that Square supports, including major credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets. However, the specific payment methods available depend on your Square account settings and regional availability.
Key Takeaways
- Square and Shopify don’t offer native integration due to their competitive relationship, but third-party apps enable successful connectivity.
- The AutoSync for Square app provides the most straightforward solution for syncing inventory, orders, and customer data between platforms.
- Matching SKU numbers across both platforms is essential for proper synchronization and inventory management.
- Square Reader cannot be directly used with Shopify POS without custom development creating external payment redirects.
- Consider the additional monthly costs and technical complexity against the benefits of expanded payment options before integrating.
Conclusion
So, can I use Square with Shopify? Absolutely. While these competing platforms don’t offer native integration, third-party solutions like AutoSync, Zapier, and custom development make Square Shopify integration entirely feasible. The key is understanding the setup requirements, particularly matching SKU numbers, and being prepared for the technical aspects of maintaining the connection.
Whether you’re a CBD retailer needing Square’s accommodating policies or a business owner wanting to leverage existing Square hardware investments, integration is achievable with the right tools and approach. Consider your specific business needs, budget for integration costs, and decide if the benefits outweigh the added complexity.
Ready to integrate Square with Shopify? Contact Folio3’s Shopify development experts for professional assistance with setup, customization, and ongoing support to ensure your payment systems work flawlessly together.
