Square Card and Square for Retail
In order to use Square Card and receive transfers with your Square for Retail account, you’ll need to complete the sign up flow for card processing and verify your personal information.
Information Required to Sign Up
Federal law requires that all financial institutions verify and record information that identifies each person who opens an account.
The following information is required to activate a Square account:
Full legal name
Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification number (ITIN)
US-based bank account
Date of birth: Current credit card regulations require our customers to be 18 years of age or older to create a Square account.
US home mailing address
If you’re unable to provide the information above, you won’t be able to accept card payments, but you can still use Square to track cash payments and provide your customers with email and text receipts.
The following information is optional when activating a Square account – not required, but recommended for businesses and organizations:
Employer Identification Number (EIN): The option to enter an EIN does not replace the SSN or ITIN requirement. Adding an EIN helps us identify you as a business and is advantageous when it comes to completing your taxes.
Business bank account
Square’s card processing system meets Level 1 PCI Data Security Standards, so Square’s got you covered.
Social Security Number Requirement
We are required by banking industry regulations and federal law to ask for the Social Security number, date of birth, and full name for each of our primary account holders. The only alternative to providing a SSN is a valid ITIN. There is no way to create a Square account without this information.
Even if you plan on using Square as a business or organization, in order to create a Square account you must provide your individual name, mailing address, date of birth, and a valid SSN or ITIN.
Note: If you’ve been added as an employee, you will not need to provide this information.
Set Up Your Square Card
Once you verify your identity you can order your Square Card and receive transfers right to your card — with or without needing to link a supported bank account.
To get started:
Head to your online Square Dashboard > Banking > Balance > Square Card.
Click Get Your Square Card.
Verify that your name and business name matches the account owne’s name on Square. For security reasons, Square Cards will only be issued to the account owner.
Personalize your card.
Verify your shipping address.
Your new Square Card will arrive in 7-10 days.