Should I keep Shopify Payments or compare alternatives?
Shopify Payments is the built-in default for Shopify merchants, and its convenience is real. As volume grows, it's worth checking whether the bundled flat rate still makes sense compared to other pricing models.
Last reviewed July 25, 2026 · Trailhead Payments
Shopify merchants who want payments built directly into their existing plan without setting up a separate processor.
Strengths
- No separate processor account or setup required
- Avoids the third-party processor fee that applies if you use another provider
- Solid multi-currency support through Shopify Markets
Things to consider
- Pricing is tied to your Shopify plan tier rather than negotiated independently
- In-person processing is priced the same flat way as online, which isn't always the best fit
- Switching processors while staying on Shopify triggers a separate fee worth factoring in
Pricing approach
Flat-rate pricing tied to your Shopify plan tier, with a separate fee if you route payments elsewhere.
Hardware & POS considerations
Shopify POS hardware for in-person sales, reviewed alongside other POS options for businesses with growing in-person volume.
You're primarily online, your volume is moderate, and the simplicity of one bundled bill outweighs any potential savings.
You've added significant in-person sales, or your volume has grown enough that it's worth modeling interchange-plus against the bundled rate, including the third-party processor fee.
The Shopify front end and the payments behind it don't have to be an all-or-nothing decision. A review can price both scenarios and let the numbers decide.
Every Trailhead Review™ looks at the same five areas.
Technology helps us pull and organize the numbers, but a person reviews every recommendation before it reaches you. Staying with your current setup is treated as a legitimate outcome, not a failure to find something to sell — sometimes the smartest move is staying put.
- Costs & Fees
- Contract & Terms
- POS & Equipment
- Software & Integrations
- Support & Growth Readiness
Content reviewed and maintained by Trailhead Payments. Have questions about how we evaluate your setup? Start a free Trailhead Review™.
See how your current setup compares.
A free Trailhead Review™ looks at your actual statement next to how Shopify Payments is typically priced — including staying put as a valid outcome.