Updated October 2026: prices and features checked against the Shopify App Store.
If you run an online store on Shopify, you've probably come across Shopify Payments, the platform's built-in way to accept payments. It's convenient and easy to set up, but it isn't the right fit for every business. Depending on where you're based and how you sell, another payment provider may suit you better. In this guide, we look at the main Shopify Payments alternatives and what each one offers. Let's go!
What is the Shopify Payments and why do you need Shopify Payments Alternatives?
Shopify Payments is Shopify's built-in payment processor. It lets you accept payments without setting up a separate third-party provider, and it gives customers a secure, familiar checkout. It supports credit and debit cards as well as digital wallets, so customers can pay the way they prefer.
Even so, there are good reasons to look at alternatives:
- Geographical Limitations: Shopify Payments is only available in certain countries. If your business is based somewhere it isn't supported, you'll need another provider that works in your location.
- Transaction Fees: Depending on your sales volume and the kinds of payments you take, another provider may offer better rates. Bear in mind that Shopify charges an extra transaction fee on most plans when you use a third-party provider instead of Shopify Payments, so compare the total cost.
- Customisation and Features: Some businesses need payment methods or features that Shopify Payments doesn't offer in their country. A different provider can fill that gap. For changes to how payment methods appear at checkout, a Shopify payment app may be all you need.
Top Shopify Payments Alternatives you should try
PayPal
PayPal is a globally trusted payment platform, used by millions of shoppers and businesses. It has become a household name in online payments. As a payment option it's familiar, easy to add to a Shopify store and supports a range of ways to pay, including cards and PayPal balances. Many stores offer PayPal alongside their main provider.
Main features:
- Ease of use: PayPal's familiar interface and guest checkout make paying simple for customers.
- Multiple payment methods: PayPal supports cards, bank accounts and PayPal balances.
- Global reach: PayPal is accepted in many countries, which suits businesses with international customers.
- Security: PayPal uses encryption and fraud protection to keep transactions safe for buyers and sellers.
Advantages of PayPal as a Shopify Payments Alternative:
- Customer familiarity: Many shoppers already use PayPal, which can help more of them complete checkout.
- Trust and credibility: PayPal's reputation can reassure customers, especially when they buy from a store that's new to them.
- Global expansion: If you sell internationally, PayPal's support for many currencies and countries makes cross-border sales easier.
Worldpay
Next is Worldpay, a large payment processor with global reach. It used to be part of FIS and is now owned by Global Payments. Worldpay offers online, in-store and mobile payment solutions for businesses of many sizes and industries, and it's best suited to larger merchants that want one provider across several channels.
Main features:
- Global reach: Worldpay operates in many countries and supports a wide range of currencies, which suits businesses with international customers or plans to expand.
- Various payment methods: Customers can pay by credit or debit card, digital wallets and other local payment methods.
- Security: It puts a strong focus on security, with encryption and fraud prevention tools to protect transactions and customer data.
- Analytics and reporting: Detailed reports give you insight into transaction data and customer behaviour.
Advantages of Worldpay as a Shopify Payments Alternative:
- International expansion: If you're moving into new markets, Worldpay's international coverage helps with cross-border payments and currency conversion.
- Customisation: Businesses with specific branding or checkout needs can benefit from its customisation options.
- Industry versatility: Worldpay serves many industries, from retail to hospitality.
Amazon Pay
Amazon Pay is Amazon's payment service. It lets shoppers pay with the details already saved in their Amazon account, without leaving your store. Because it relies on Amazon's secure infrastructure and a brand shoppers already trust, checkout can feel quick and familiar. It's offered in selected countries.
Main features:
- Fast checkout: Customers can pay in a few taps using the payment and address details in their Amazon account.
- Mobile-friendly: Amazon Pay offers a checkout that works well on phones and tablets.
- Secure payments: Amazon stores customers' payment details securely, so they don't need to enter them again.
- International availability: Amazon Pay is available in several countries.
Advantages of Amazon Pay as a Shopify Payments Alternative:
- Customer familiarity: Many customers already have Amazon accounts, which makes checkout smoother and can lift conversion.
- Mobile convenience: The mobile-friendly checkout suits the many people who shop on their phones.
- Reduced friction: With saved payment details, customers spend less time typing, which improves the overall experience.
Stripe
Stripe is a well-known payment platform, popular for its clean design and wide feature set. It helps businesses take payments online quickly and securely, with APIs and tools that make integration easier. It also covers subscription billing and international payments. Note that Shopify Payments itself runs on Stripe, so on Shopify, Stripe usually appears as a separate provider only in countries where Shopify Payments isn't available.
Main features:
- Developer-focused approach: Stripe's APIs and developer tools let businesses build custom payment experiences.
- Comprehensive payment methods: Stripe supports credit and debit cards, digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, and many local payment methods.
- Checkout options: Stripe offers customisable checkout experiences that help keep your branding consistent.
- International expansion: Support for many currencies and global payment methods makes Stripe a good choice for scaling internationally.
Advantages of Stripe as a Shopify Payments Alternative:
- Customisation: Stripe's developer features let businesses tailor the payment process to their needs.
- Global reach: With support for 135+ currencies, Stripe suits businesses selling to international markets.
- Transparent pricing: Stripe publishes a clear fee structure, which makes costs easier to understand and manage.
Apple Pay
Finally, Apple Pay is an easy-to-use wallet that speeds up checkout for customers on iPhones, iPads and Macs. It uses Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode to confirm payments, so transactions are both secure and quick. Apple Pay isn't a payment processor on its own: on Shopify, you offer it through Shopify Payments or a supported third-party provider, as an extra option at checkout.
Main features:
- Seamless checkout: Customers pay with a touch or a glance, without typing in card details.
- Biometric authentication: Payments are confirmed with a fingerprint, face scan or passcode, which reduces the risk of unauthorised payments.
- Mobile and in-app purchases: Apple Pay works for online, in-app and in-store payments.
- Global availability: Apple Pay is available in many countries and regions.
Advantages of Apple Pay as a Shopify Payments Alternative:
- Simplicity and speed: Fewer steps at checkout mean faster, more convenient payments.
- Privacy: Apple's focus on privacy appeals to customers who care about their data.
- Mobile optimisation: Apple Pay is made for mobile shopping, which suits the many customers who buy on their phones.
Wrap Up
If Shopify Payments isn't right for your business, these alternatives are worth a look. Check which providers are available in your country, compare the total fees, and pick the one that suits how you sell. For more ways to improve the final step, see our list of Shopify checkout apps. We hope these suggestions help you reach your goals.
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