Shopify Payments vs Stripe: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between Shopify Payments vs Stripe can feel tricky because they serve slightly different purposes. Shopify is an all-in-one ecommerce platform with its own integrated payment solution, while Stripe is a standalone, highly customizable payment processor. Despite their differences, both are easy to use, widely trusted, and built to handle international sales without requiring a separate merchant account.

In this blog, we’ll compare Shopify Payments vs Stripe in detail so you can decide which solution is the best fit for your eCommerce business.

What is Shopify Payments?

Shopify Payments is the built-in payment gateway for Shopify stores. It saves you the hassle of setting up a third-party provider. With it, you can accept credit cards, debit cards, wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and other methods depending on your region.

Key Advantages

• No extra transaction fees (if you use Shopify Payments directly).
  
• Easy setup, since it’s already integrated into Shopify.
  
• Supports major international payment methods.

What is Stripe?

Stripe is an independent payment service provider used by thousands of online businesses, not just Shopify. It’s known for its flexibility, developer-friendly features, and global reach.

Key Advantages

• Works on multiple platforms beyond Shopify.
• Supports 135+ currencies and local payment options.
• Strong customization options for businesses that need more control.

Let’s dive into a Shopify Payments vs Stripe comparison to see which platform delivers the right features to match your business needs.

Shopify Payments vs Stripe: Main Differences

Feature	Shopify Payments	Stripe
Integration	Built directly into Shopify	Requires manual setup
Transaction Fees	No extra fees when used	Extra Shopify fees apply
Availability	Limited to certain countries	Available in 40+ countries
Customization	Simple, out-of-the-box	Highly customizable
Best For	Shopify-only stores	Multi-platform businesses
International Payment Methods	Major cards & wallets	135+ currencies & local methods
POS (Point of Sale)	Built-in Shopify POS	No native POS system
Recurring Payments	Supported for subscriptions via apps	Fully supported with flexibility
Payout Speed	2–3 business days (varies by country)	2 days (standard), instant payouts available
Support & User Experience	Unified Shopify dashboard	Advanced developer tools & APIs

Stripe vs Shopify Payments: Pricing & Transaction Fees

Shopify Payments Pricing & Transaction Fees

• Monthly Cost: No extra cost beyond your Shopify plan.
  
• Transaction Fees:
  
  • Shopify Basic Plan – 2.9% + 30¢ per online transaction
    
  • Shopify Plan – 2.6% + 30¢ per online transaction
    
  • Advanced Plan – 2.4% + 30¢ per online transaction
    
• In-person POS transactions: From 2.4% to 2.7%, depending on the plan.
  
• Extra Fees: If you don’t use Shopify Payments, Shopify charges 0.5% to 2% extra per transaction for third-party gateways.

Stripe Pricing & Transaction Fees

• Monthly Cost: Free to set up, pay as you go.
  
• Transaction Fees (US):
  
  • 2.9% + 30¢ per successful card charge
    
  • +1% for international cards
    
  • +1% for currency conversion (if needed)
    
• In-person payments (Stripe Terminal): 2.7% + 5¢ per transaction
  
• Custom Pricing: Available for high-volume businesses.

Which One Should You Choose? Shopify Payment vs Stripe

• Choose Shopify Payments if you want a simple, cost-effective solution built into your Shopify store.
  
• Choose Stripe if you want advanced features, broader international coverage, or you sell outside Shopify too.

Conclusion: Shopify vs Stripe – Which One Fits Your Business?

Both Shopify Payments and Stripe are excellent choices, but the right option depends on your business model. If you want a complete ecommerce platform with built-in payments, POS support, and inventory tools, Shopify is the smarter pick. On the other hand, if you need flexibility, advanced integrations, or recurring billing for services and subscriptions, Stripe is the stronger choice.

Still weighing your options? Explore more comparisons to see how Shopify stacks up against other platforms:

• Wix vs Shopify
• WooCommerce vs Shopify
• Shopify vs Shopify Plus
• Ecwid vs Shopify
• Shopify vs Squarespace
• Bigcommerce vs Shopify
• Shopify vs Weebly
• Big Cartel vs Shopify
• Shopify vs GoDaddy
• Sellfy vs Shopify 

You can also check out our complete guide to the best ecommerce platforms, where we cover Sellfy, Shopify, and other leading website builders to help you choose the one that best fits your business goals.

FAQs Shopify Payments vs Stripe

1. Is Shopify Payments cheaper than Stripe?
Yes, Shopify Payments is usually cheaper for Shopify store owners because it removes extra transaction fees charged when using Stripe or other third-party providers.

2. Does Stripe work with Shopify?
Yes, you can use Stripe with Shopify, but Shopify adds an extra fee on each transaction if you don’t use Shopify Payments.

3. Which is better for international payments: Shopify Payments or Stripe?
Stripe supports more local payment methods and currencies, making it stronger for international sales, while Shopify Payments covers major global cards and wallets.

4. Can I use both Shopify Payments and Stripe at the same time?
No, you can’t run both at the same time. You’ll need to choose one as your primary payment provider.

5. Which is easier to set up?
Shopify Payments is easier since it’s built into Shopify. Stripe requires setup but offers more customization.