Quick answer
- No extra Shopify transaction fees when you use it. This is the main reason to choose it.
- Card rates fall as you move up plans (e.g. 2.9% + 30¢ online on Basic in the US).
- Includes Shop Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay and more, all in one setup.
- Watch out for: country availability and restricted business types.
What is Shopify Payments?
Shopify Payments lets you accept credit and debit cards and popular wallets without signing up for a separate payment processor. You activate it in Settings → Payments, add your bank details, and you're ready. Sales, fees, refunds, chargebacks and payouts all show in your Shopify admin.
Rates by plan
| Plan | Online card rate | Shopify transaction fee |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 2.9% + 30¢ | 0% |
| Grow | 2.7% + 30¢ | 0% |
| Advanced | 2.5% + 30¢ | 0% |
In-person rates via Shopify POS are lower. International cards and currency conversion can add extra fees.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No Shopify transaction fee
- Set up in minutes, with no separate merchant account
- Shop Pay boosts checkout conversion
- One dashboard for sales, payouts and disputes
- Works online and in person
Cons
- Not available in every country
- Some product categories are restricted
- Payout holds possible if risk is flagged
- You can't negotiate rates below Plus
Shop Pay: the conversion advantage
Shop Pay stores a buyer's shipping and payment details so they can check out in a tap on any store that offers it. Shoppers who've used it on one store are recognized on yours, which reduces friction for new customers. It's one of the strongest reasons to choose Shopify over Wix or WooCommerce.
Shopify Payments vs Stripe vs PayPal
| Shopify Payments | Stripe (on Shopify) | PayPal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify transaction fee | None | Generally not offered where Shopify Payments is available | None if Shopify Payments is also active |
| Setup | Built in | — | Connect account |
| Shop Pay | ✓ | — | — |
| Best used as | Primary gateway | — | Extra option for buyers who prefer PayPal |
Our setup recommendation: Shopify Payments as your main gateway, with PayPal added as an extra checkout option. Some buyers simply prefer it.
How to avoid payout holds
- Publish clear shipping, return and refund policies.
- Use accurate processing times and add tracking to every order.
- Use a recognizable store name on card statements.
- Respond quickly to customer emails before they become disputes.
Our verdict
If Shopify Payments is available for your country and products, use it. It removes Shopify's transaction fees, adds Shop Pay, and keeps everything in one place.
Start Shopify with Shopify Payments (opens in a new tab)Frequently asked questions
Is Shopify Payments the same as Stripe?
Shopify Payments is Shopify's own payment service. In many countries it's powered by Stripe behind the scenes, but you manage everything inside Shopify and don't need a separate Stripe account.
How long do Shopify Payments payouts take?
Payout timing depends on your country and account history. Many established US merchants receive payouts within a few business days. New accounts may have a longer initial schedule.
Can Shopify Payments hold my money?
Like every payment processor, Shopify may hold or delay payouts if it sees unusual risk such as a spike in chargebacks or restricted products. Clear policies and accurate shipping times reduce the risk.