Shopify Payments Fees Explained (August 2026)

Quick Answer

Shopify Payments fees consist of two main components: a credit card rate and a transaction fee. The exact amount you pay depends on your Shopify plan. For online stores, the Basic plan has fees of 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction, the Shopify plan is 2.6% + 30¢, and the Advanced plan is 2.4% + 30¢. Using a third-party processor incurs an additional transaction fee of 2.0%, 1.0%, or 0.5%, respectively.

Shopify Payments Fees by Plan

Shopify offers several plans, each with different credit card processing fees. As of August 2026, here are the standard online credit card processing fees for each plan:

• Basic Shopify: 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction
• Shopify: 2.6% + 30¢ per transaction
• Advanced Shopify: 2.4% + 30¢ per transaction

For in-person transactions using Shopify POS, the rates are slightly lower:

• Basic Shopify: 2.7% + 0¢
• Shopify: 2.5% + 0¢
• Advanced Shopify: 2.4% + 0¢

It's crucial to understand that these fees are non-negotiable and are a primary reason why many high-volume stores look for the best Stripe alternatives, which often includes a review of their Shopify setup. The fixed percentage and per-transaction fee can significantly eat into your margins, especially as your average order value changes.

The Hidden Costs of Shopify Payments

Beyond the advertised rates, several other fees can inflate your total payment processing costs. These are often overlooked but can have a significant impact on your profitability.

Third-Party Processor Fees

If you choose not to use Shopify Payments and instead opt for a third-party payment processor, Shopify charges an additional transaction fee. This fee is on top of what your chosen processor charges. The fees are:

• Basic Shopify: 2.0%
• Shopify: 1.0%
• Advanced Shopify: 0.5%

This fee makes using an external processor almost always more expensive, effectively locking you into Shopify Payments.

Chargeback Fees

When a customer disputes a charge and a chargeback is initiated, Shopify charges a $15 fee in the United States. While this fee is refunded if the dispute is resolved in your favor, the process can be time-consuming. For businesses with a high chargeback rate, these fees can add up quickly. Some processors, like Whop, offer a Merchant of Record model which can eliminate your chargeback liability entirely.

Currency Conversion Fees

If you sell to international customers, you will encounter currency conversion fees. When you accept payment in a currency different from your payout currency, Shopify charges a currency conversion fee. In the US, this fee is 1.5%. This is in addition to the regular credit card processing fees. Understanding the full scope of payment processing fees explained in detail is key to managing these costs.

How Whop Compares to Shopify Payments and Competitors

While Shopify Payments offers convenience, it comes at a cost, especially for high-volume businesses. A platform like Whop, which acts as a merchant of record explained in this guide, can offer significantly lower effective rates. For a store doing $100,000 a month in sales, a 0.5% difference in fees is $500 in extra profit each month. Whop also provides high-ticket BNPL options and dedicated support that you won't find with Shopify Payments. If you are a high-volume merchant, it is worth exploring how to choose a payment processor for your online store to ensure you are not overpaying.

BNPL and Other Payment Methods

Shopify Payments includes access to Shop Pay Installments, their native Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solution. This allows customers to split their purchases into four interest-free payments for orders between $50 and $1,000. While a great feature, the limit is too low for high-ticket sellers. This is where BNPL for high-ticket products becomes a crucial consideration. Whop, for instance, offers ClarityPay for up to $30,000 and Splitit for up to $20,000, allowing you to offer flexible payments on high-value items without taking on the risk yourself. For businesses selling high-end goods or services, this is a significant advantage over Shopify Payments.

A Note for High-Risk Merchants

Shopify Payments, powered by Stripe, is notoriously risk-averse. If you sell products in industries considered high-risk (such as supplements, digital products, or subscription boxes), you may find your account suddenly frozen or shut down. This can be devastating for a business. For these merchants, a dedicated high-risk merchant account is essential. Platforms like Whop are built to support a wider range of business models and can provide the stability that high-risk merchants need. Don't risk your business on a platform that doesn't understand your industry. Get a custom rate quote to see how a high-risk friendly processor can benefit your business.

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