How to Set up Dubsado with Square
Let’s talk about payments! Specifically, how to make getting paid in Dubsado as seamless as possible by integrating Square—because the last thing you need is a clunky checkout process slowing down your cash flow.
Whether you’re a photographer, copywriter, or designer, connecting Square to Dubsado lets you invoice clients, collect payments, and automate the admin work—without the back-and-forth or payment headaches.
Not sure how to set it up? No worries—I’ve got you. In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk through how to connect Square to Dubsado, troubleshoot common issues, and optimize your payment workflows so getting paid feels effortless!
→ Before we dive in, grab my FREE Automation Tracker to find out exactly how much time you’re losing to manual tasks—and how much you could reclaim with smarter systems.
1. Understanding Dubsado and Square Integration
How Dubsado Payment Processing Works
Dubsado handles invoices and payments by integrating with third-party processors like Square, Stripe, and PayPal. Once connected, you can send invoices, accept payments, and even set up payment plans without chasing clients down for money.
What Makes Square a Great Payment Processor?
Square is known for its low fees, fast deposits, and user-friendly interface. With flat-rate pricing and no hidden fees, Square is a simple, transparent solution for service-based businesses.
Square vs. Stripe vs. PayPal: Which One Should You Use?
- Square: Best for businesses that want a straightforward payment processor with reliable invoicing and low fees.
- Stripe: Great for businesses that need advanced payment options like subscriptions or global transactions.
- PayPal: A well-known option but often less ideal due to higher fees.
If you’re looking for a smooth, client-friendly way to get paid, Square is a top choice for Dubsado users—and setting it up takes just a few minutes. I’ll walk you through how to do it next!
2. How to Connect Square to Dubsado
Step 1 – Log into Your Dubsado Account
- Head to Settings > Payments inside Dubsado to access your payment processor options.
Step 2 – Select Square as Your Payment Processor
- Click “Connect Payment Processor” and choose Square from the available options.
Step 3 – Authorize the Connection
- Log into your Square account and grant Dubsado the necessary permissions. Double-check that your business details match for a smooth setup.
Step 4 – Confirm the Integration
- Once connected, your invoices will automatically include a “Pay Now” button, allowing clients to make payments directly through Square.
Step 5 – Test the Integration
- To ensure the integration is successful, create an invoice and check for the presence of the “Pay Now” button. While processing a live payment is the most definitive test, you can also verify the connection by ensuring the payment button appears correctly.
That’s it! Your Dubsado + Square integration is now live, making payments easier for both you and your clients.
It’s important to note–You can link your account to either Dubsado Payments or Square—but not both at the same time.
3. Managing Transaction Fees & Accounting in Dubsado
When it comes to getting paid, the goal is simple: keep more of what you earn! But transaction fees? They can sneak up on you. Here’s how to stay on top of Square’s fees, track them in Dubsado, and keep your accounting clean and stress-free.
Understanding Square’s Transaction Fees
Square charges a flat-rate processing fee depending on how your client pays:
- Card payments (online invoices): 3.3% + 30¢ per transaction
- In-person payments (via card reader): 2.6% + 15¢ per transaction
- Manually entered card details: 3.5% + 15¢ per transaction
If you want to offset these fees, consider building them into your pricing or using Dubsado’s custom payment plans to encourage bank transfers when possible. You can also transfer the fees to the client if it is applicable in your state and country.
Tracking Fees Inside Dubsado
Dubsado doesn’t just handle invoices—it helps you track every transaction, including processing fees.
- Go to Reports > Transactions to see a breakdown of payments, fees deducted, and net earnings.
- Export reports for tax season or to get a clear picture of how much you’re actually taking home.
Syncing Dubsado with Your Accounting Software
To streamline bookkeeping, sync your Dubsado payments with accounting tools like:
- QuickBooks: Automatically categorize income and expenses for tax time.
- Wave: Free accounting software that tracks Dubsado transactions.
- Xero: Ideal for businesses managing multiple revenue streams.
If you don’t want to manually transfer data, use Zapier to connect Dubsado with your favorite accounting tool. Less admin, more clarity.
With the right setup, you’ll always know where your money is going—and how to keep more of it in your pocket.
4. Configuring Payment Workflows in Dubsado
Automate Invoices & Payment Reminders
- Send invoices automatically when a contract is signed or a project kicks off.
- Set up payment reminder emails so clients never “forget” to pay.
- Customize the timing—send reminders days, weeks, or even hours before due dates.
Recurring Invoices for Subscriptions & Payment Plans
- Set it once, get paid on repeat. Whether it’s monthly, bi-weekly, or custom, Dubsado handles it.
- Clients receive automated invoices monthly.
Late Fees & Follow-Ups—Handled Automatically
- Send gentle (or firm) follow-ups at set intervals until the invoice is paid.
- Give clients an easy way to settle up with Square in just a few clicks.
5. Common Issues & Troubleshooting Square Integration
Why Isn’t My Square Account Connecting to Dubsado?
If you’re seeing an error while linking Square, try these quick fixes:
- Double-check login details – Make sure you’re using the correct Square credentials.
- Confirm permissions – Dubsado needs authorization to process payments. Reconnect Square inside Settings > Payments.
- Check for multiple Square accounts – If you have more than one, ensure you’ve linked the right one.
Payments Not Showing Up? Fixing Syncing Issues
If a payment was made but isn’t showing in Dubsado:
- Refresh your transactions – Sometimes, it takes a few minutes for payments to process.
- Check Square’s dashboard – If the payment appears in Square but not in Dubsado, reconnect the integration.
Verify invoice status – Ensure the invoice was sent and the client actually completed payment.
Can I Use Multiple Payment Processors?
Dubsado allows you to connect with either Dubsado Payments (powered by Stripe) or Square as your primary payment processor, but not both simultaneously. In addition to your primary processor, you can also connect PayPal to offer your clients more payment options.
Things to keep in mind:
- Clients choose their preferred processor at checkout.
- You can’t split a single payment across multiple processors—one invoice, one payment method.
- Each processor has different fees, so plan accordingly.
Handling Refunds & Chargebacks Through Dubsado + Square
- Refunds: Process them directly in Square—Dubsado will reflect the update automatically.
- Chargebacks: If a client disputes a payment, Square handles the claim. Check Square’s policies for dispute resolution timelines and steps.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
When your payment process runs smoothly, everything else in your business feels easier. With Dubsado + Square, invoices go out like clockwork, payments land in your account without awkward follow-ups, and clients enjoy a seamless, professional experience from start to finish.
But here’s the thing: Dubsado is capable of so much more than just sending invoices. When set up strategically, it can transform how you book clients, onboard them, and manage projects—automatically.
That’s where my Dubsado VIP Week comes in!
Instead of Googling workflows at 2 AM and manually sending the same emails over and over, let an expert build your Dubsado system to handle invoices, onboard leads, and follow up with clients—while you’re at your kid’s game, sipping mimosas at brunch, or actually taking a weekend off for once.
If you’re ready to stop drowning in the nitty-gritty admin work, it’s time for a Dubsado setup that takes invoices, follow-ups, and client onboarding off your plate—so you don’t have to.
👉 Book a Dubsado VIP Week and streamline your entire client workflow—in one week!
