What Does SQ Mean on a Bank Statement?

Encountering unfamiliar abbreviations on your bank statement, such as “SQ,” can be confusing. These entries are a normal part of how digital payment systems reflect transactions. Understanding them helps in accurately tracking your spending and ensuring the security of your financial accounts.

Understanding “SQ” on Your Statement

The abbreviation “SQ” on a bank statement stands for Square, Inc., a financial services and digital payments company. It indicates the transaction was processed using Square’s payment system. Square provides point-of-sale solutions and payment processing services to many businesses.

Transactions processed through Square might appear as “SQ” followed by additional details. This commonly occurs when you purchase from small businesses, local vendors, food trucks, or online merchants that use Square. The “SQ” signifies the payment processor, rather than the direct name of the merchant.

Identifying Specific “SQ” Transactions

Pinpointing the exact merchant or service for an “SQ” entry requires a closer look at the full transaction description. While “SQ” identifies the payment processor, the statement entry often includes additional details following the “SQ” prefix. This can include the merchant’s name, a partial business name, or a brief description of the service or product.

To identify the specific transaction, review the full description, date, and exact amount charged. Compare these details with your recent purchases, receipts, or payment confirmations. Many Square businesses are small, so recalling recent purchases can help clarify the charge. If you have a digital receipt from a Square seller, it can serve as a primary reference to confirm the charge.

Addressing Unrecognized “SQ” Transactions

If, after reviewing the transaction details, you still do not recognize an “SQ” entry, consider these steps. First, consider whether other authorized users of your account, such as family members, might have made the purchase. This is a common reason for unrecognized charges.

If the transaction remains unrecognized and the merchant’s name is visible, contacting the merchant directly is often best. If direct contact with the merchant is not possible or does not resolve the issue, then contact your bank to dispute the charge.

When disputing a transaction with your bank, provide all available information: the date, exact amount, and full description as it appears on your statement. Banks typically have specific procedures for handling disputed charges and may require a dispute form. Act promptly, as banks usually have time limits, such as 60 to 120 days from the transaction date, for filing disputes.