Shopify Payments & Payment Providers

Shopify Payments is Shopify's own built-in payment processor — when available in your country, it lets you accept credit/debit cards without a separate third-party gateway account.

Shopify Payments

Shopify Payments is Shopify's own built-in payment processor — when available in your country, it lets you accept credit/debit cards without a separate third-party gateway account.

Using Shopify Payments usually removes the extra transaction fee that Shopify charges when you use an external payment provider instead.

Real-life example: Shopify Payments is like using the mall's own card machine instead of bringing your own — one less device to set up, and the mall (Shopify) doesn't charge you extra for using theirs.

Available only in supported countries — check availability before relying on it
No extra Shopify transaction fee when used
Handles major cards directly inside checkout

Third-party payment providers

Where Shopify Payments is not available, or for extra local payment methods, you connect providers like PayPal, Razorpay, Stripe (via supported integrations), or regional gateways.

Using a non-Shopify provider typically adds a small extra transaction fee from Shopify, on top of the provider's own processing fee.

Real-life example: A third-party provider is bringing your own card machine into a market stall — it works fine, but the stall owner (Shopify) charges a small extra fee for not using their in-house machine.

PayPal Express — quick recognizable checkout option for many customers
Regional gateways — needed for local payment methods (UPI, wallets, COD support via apps)
Manual payment methods — bank transfer, cash on delivery

Checkout flow with payment step

Setting up payments safely

Go to Settings > Payments to enable Shopify Payments or connect a third-party provider — you will need business and bank account details for payouts.

Always test with a real (small) transaction or Shopify's test mode before fully launching, so you catch configuration mistakes before real customers do.

Real-life example: Testing payments before launch is like doing a fire drill — you want to find problems during a practice run, not during a real emergency (a customer trying to pay).

Tip: Shopify Payments availability depends on your business's country. Always confirm on Shopify's official supported-countries list before planning your payment setup.

Payments setup checklist

1. Settings > Payments
2. Activate Shopify Payments (if available in your country)
   OR connect a third-party provider (e.g. PayPal, regional gateway)
3. Add business details and bank account for payouts
4. Enable test mode / place a test order
5. Confirm order shows correct payment status before going live