Shopify Payments is the best payment method for Shopify in my experience. The reason for it being zero transaction fee. Other proven options merchants use include Apple Pay, PayPal, and Shop Pay.
Since the start of 2026, Shopify store owners have been asking me which is the best payment method for Shopify.
The answer to this is a bit complicated. I have used all payment methods, and I will say the right setup depends on the country you sell in, your customers, and how easy your checkout is for a first-time buyer.
In this guide, I will show you the best payment method for Shopify that I have tried and tested. I will also explain how to choose the best one for your store.
Best payment method for Shopify merchants (From an expert)
1. Shopify Payments
For most beginners, Shopify Payments is the best place to start.
Why I recommend it:
- It is built into Shopify
- It supports major payment methods
- It removes extra setup work
- It keeps your payment management centralized
In my experience, it is the simplest way to accept payments online. If you are a new Shopify store, this should be your first choice.
Before comparing fees or advanced features, check whether your business is in one of the supported Shopify Payments countries. If your country is not supported, change your payment option in Shopify right away.
2. Shop Pay
If Shopify Payments is your base, Shop Pay is what I would add next. Shop Pay is part of Shopify Payments and helps create a faster checkout experience.
Why it matters:
- It speeds up checkout
- It saves customer details for future purchases
- It works well for repeat buyers
- It helps reduce friction on mobile
I especially like it for stores that get traffic from:
- TikTok
- email campaigns
- returning customers
3. PayPal
PayPal still matters, especially for new stores that need trust. Shopify supports PayPal integrations, including PayPal Express Checkout. For a new store, this trust signal can make a real difference.
Why would I choose PayPal?
- Shoppers instantly recognise this, which helps to build trust.
- Some customers prefer paying through their PayPal balance or linked account
4. Apple Pay and Google Pay
Digital wallets are the best payment method for Shopify if your traffic is mostly mobile.
Why they help:
- They make checkout faster
- They feel natural on phones
- They support quick, low-friction purchases
Digital wallets are the best payment options in Shopify if your core audience comes from mobile.
5. Local payment methods
The best Shopify payment provider is not always the biggest brand. Sometimes it is the one your local audience already uses and trusts.
Local payment methods are region-specific options that match customer preferences in different markets. Research which local payment methods are supported where your customers are.
For example, I used a payment method called iDEAL for a store whose customers were in the Netherlands. This especially matters if you sell internationally.
A quick note once the payment is set up…
Once the payment setup is working, I look at the cart drawer of the store. That is where I use Shopify upsell apps like iCart Cart Drawer Cart Upsell.
The app focuses on pre-purchase features like:
- Cross-sells
- Cart upsells
- Product bundles
- Progress bars
- Cart drawer customization
So while your payment setup helps customers complete the order, iCart can help raise cart value before checkout happens.
Additional choices for Shopify payment providers
1. Shop Pay Installments and BNPL
If you sell higher-priced products like luxury goods or high-end jewelry, payment flexibility can help increase conversions.
Here’s what I always consider when working with Shopify jewelry stores.
- It lowers the upfront cost for shoppers
- It can help with bigger purchases
Shop Pay Installments can improve conversion rates and AOV, and it is available to eligible stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom when Shopify Payments and Shop Pay are active.
2. Manual payments
Although not widely used, manual payments still have a place, but I see them as a niche option.
Shopify supports custom manual payment methods, and orders using these methods stay marked as unpaid until you confirm payment. It also does not carry third-party transaction fees, which is a plus in my book.
I always suggest manual payments for store owners in cases like:
- Custom orders
- Local orders
- Bank transfer setups
- Specific regional business needs
3. Adyen
Adyen is an advanced payment gateway that supports global payments, including cards, bank transfers, and local payment methods.
If you plan to scale your Shopify store globally, I would consider Adyen. It offers seamless integration with Shopify and supports multiple local payment methods to cater to your international customers.
4. Razorpay
Razorpay is a great payment solution for Shopify merchants, especially in Asian countries. It supports both domestic and international payments and integrates well with Shopify.
If you're operating in Asia, Razorpay is a strong contender as it offers a wide variety of local payment options, making it easier to cater to your audience’s preferences.
Key factors I consider before selecting the best Shopify payment provider
1. Country availability
This comes first. Always. For example, if Shopify Payments is not available in your country, you will need a different Shopify payment provider.
2. Transaction fees and extra charges
Look at the full cost, not just the basic processing fee. Third-party transaction fees apply to third-party and alternate gateways.
3. Customer trust
The best payment gateway for Shopify are those that customers trust the most. When you are a new Shopify store, you most definitely need trust signals.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Will my customer recognize this option?
- Will it feel safe for them?
That is why I usually choose Shopify Payments, Shop Pay, PayPal, and trusted wallets. This helps customers complete their checkout without hesitation.
4. Mobile checkout experience
If most of your traffic comes from mobile, checkout speed matters even more. Use accelerated checkouts, accelerated checkout buttons, and digital wallets for your mobile users.
6. Average order value
If your store has higher AOV or high ticket items, you should consider flexible payments.
Installments are a great payment option in Shopify for expensive items. If your products are low-ticket impulse buys, speed and trust matter more.
My final take on the best payment method for Shopify
If I were setting up a new store in 2026, I would keep it simple:
- Start with Shopify Payments if your country is supported
- Add Shop Pay for speed
- Keep PayPal for trust
- Add wallets and local methods based on your audience
- Use installments only when your order value makes sense for it
The best payment gateway for Shopify is the one that fits your market, feels easy to use, and helps a first-time buyer complete checkout without second thoughts.
FAQs
1. How to set up Shopify Payments?
Go to Settings → Payments in your Shopify admin and activate Shopify Payments. Enter your business details, banking information, and complete verification.
2. How to add a payment method on Shopify?
In your Shopify admin, go to Settings → Payments and choose from available options like PayPal, manual payments, or third-party providers. Enable the method you want, connect your account, and save the settings.
3. Why can’t my Shopify store accept payment gateways?
This usually happens if Shopify Payments is not supported in your country or your account verification is incomplete.
4. How does Shopify process payments?
When a customer places an order, Shopify sends the payment details to your selected provider for verification. If the payment is approved, the order is confirmed, and the funds are transferred to your account based on the payout schedule.
5. Which is the best payment method for Shopify merchants?
Shopify Payments, PayPal, Apple Pay & Google Pay, Shop Pay, and local payment methods are some of my top choices for payment methods in Shopify
About the author
Vineet Nair
Vineet is an experienced content strategist with expertise in the ecommerce domain and a keen interest in Shopify. He aims to help Shopify merchants thrive in this competitive environment with technical solutions and thoughtfully structured content.