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Shopify Payments is Shopify's integrated payment solution, allowing merchants to process payments directly from their store without needing external gateways. This native integration simplifies payment management, reduces fees, and improves the shopping experience.
What is Shopify Payments and How Does It Work?
Shopify Payments is Shopify's integrated payment gateway that allows you to accept credit cards, debit cards, and local payment methods directly in your online store. Unlike third-party solutions, Shopify Payments is completely integrated with your admin panel, meaning you can manage orders, payments, and refunds from a single place.
Shopify Payments supports Visa, Mastercard, and American Express cards, plus popular local payment methods. Funds are deposited directly into your bank account in your local currency, eliminating the need for foreign accounts.
Shopify Payments Transaction Fees 2025
Shopify Payments fees vary depending on your Shopify plan:
- Basic Plan: 2.9% + $0.30 USD per transaction (online) / 2.7% + $0.00 (in-person)
- Shopify Plan: 2.7% + $0.30 USD per transaction (online) / 2.5% + $0.00 (in-person)
- Advanced Plan: 2.5% + $0.30 USD per transaction (online) / 2.4% + $0.00 (in-person)
- Shopify Plus: Custom rates (contact sales)
By using Shopify Payments, you eliminate the additional transaction fees that Shopify charges when using external gateways (2% additional), making it the most economical option for most merchants.
How to Activate Shopify Payments in Your Store
To set up Shopify Payments, follow these steps:
- Access your Shopify admin panel
- Go to Settings → Payments
- In the Shopify Payments section, click Activate
- Complete your business information, including tax ID and banking details
- Provide identity documentation and proof of address
- Wait for verification (generally 1-3 business days)
- Once approved, start accepting payments immediately
It's important to have all your tax and banking documents updated before starting the activation process to avoid delays.
Requirements to Use Shopify Payments
To be eligible for Shopify Payments, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have an active Shopify store in a supported country
- Have an active business tax ID compliant with local regulations
- Own a bank account in your country in the business or owner's name
- Sell permitted products or services (not restricted products like tobacco, weapons, etc.)
- Provide valid official identification
- Proof of address no older than 3 months
Shopify reviews each application to ensure compliance with financial regulations and prevent fraud.
Advantages of Shopify Payments vs Other Gateways
Shopify Payments offers multiple benefits compared to third-party gateways:
- Native integration: Manage everything from your Shopify panel without complex integrations
- No additional fees: Eliminates the 2% extra that Shopify charges for using external gateways
- Automatic deposits: Receive your funds directly in your bank account
- Fraud protection: Integrated fraud detection and prevention tools
- Optimized checkout: Faster payment experience that increases conversions
- Multi-language support: Customer service in your language
- Simplified refunds: Process returns directly from the orders panel
Deposit Times and Fund Availability
Funds processed through Shopify Payments follow this deposit schedule:
- New stores: First deposits may take up to 7-10 business days while the account is verified
- Established stores: Automatic deposits every 2-3 business days
- Cutoff time: Transactions are grouped and processed in daily batches
You can check the status of your payments and upcoming deposits in the Finances section of your Shopify admin panel.
Payment Methods Available with Shopify Payments
Shopify Payments supports the following payment methods:
- Credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express
- Debit cards
- Digital payments: Apple Pay, Google Pay
- Shop Pay (accelerated checkout)
- Installment payments on participating cards
Offering multiple payment options increases conversion rate by adapting to your customers' preferences.
Security and Regulatory Compliance
Shopify Payments complies with the highest financial security standards:
- PCI DSS Level 1 Certification: The highest level of security in payment processing
- SSL Encryption: All transactions are encrypted end-to-end
- 3D Secure: Additional authentication to reduce fraud and chargebacks
- Compliance with local regulations: Aligned with banking and financial authority regulations
Your customers can shop with confidence knowing their data is protected with bank-level technology.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shopify Payments
Can I use Shopify Payments if I already have another gateway configured?
Yes, you can activate Shopify Payments and keep other gateways as backup. However, by using Shopify Payments as your primary method, you eliminate the additional 2% fees.
What happens if I receive a chargeback?
Shopify Payments includes tools to manage chargebacks. You'll receive a notification and can present evidence to dispute the charge. A fee of $15 USD applies per chargeback.
Do I need a business bank account?
Not necessarily. You can use a personal account if you're a sole proprietor, as long as the tax ID and bank account match the store owner.
How long does approval take?
The verification process generally takes between 1 and 3 business days, although it may extend if additional documentation is required.
Does Shopify Payments charge a fee for refunds?
No. When you process a refund, Shopify Payments returns the original transaction fee, so you only pay for completed sales.
