When to Use Shop Pay vs Native Checkout on Shopify (and Why It Matters)
Shop Pay is ideal when you want to maximize checkout speed, mobile conversion rates, and repeat purchase retention—especially for customers already familiar with Shopify’s one-tap experience. Native Shopify checkout is better if you need universal compatibility, lower fees (for non-BNPL orders), or advanced payment and customization options. Most stores benefit from offering both, letting shoppers choose their preferred method.
When to Use Shop Pay
- Boost Conversion Rates: Shop Pay can increase conversions by up to 50% versus guest checkout, especially for mobile and returning shoppers.
- Enable Buy Now, Pay Later: Shop Pay Installments provide flexible payment options, often increasing both conversion and AOV (for eligible US stores).
- One-Tap, Cross-Store Checkout: Shoppers with Shop Pay accounts get an ultra-fast, seamless experience across thousands of Shopify stores, reducing abandonment.
- Mobile-First & Secure: Optimized for speed and security, Shop Pay is especially powerful for mobile-first brands.
When to Use Native Shopify Checkout
- Broader Compatibility: Supports a wide range of payment methods, full international checkout, and doesn’t require a Shop Pay account.
- Lower Fees (Non-BNPL): Avoids higher Shop Pay Installment fees when only standard payment options are needed.
- Deeper Customization: Easier to control and customize, especially with Shopify Plus or for stores with unique checkout requirements.
- More Payment Methods: Enables additional options (PayPal, crypto, gift cards, etc.) not available on Shop Pay.
When to Use Both
- Offer both Shop Pay and native checkout for maximum flexibility and conversion—most Shopify merchants do this to cover all customer preferences.
Shop Pay vs Native Checkout: Comparison Table
| Scenario | Shop Pay | Native Checkout |
|---|---|---|
| Highest conversions/mobile | Best-in-class | Good |
| Buy Now, Pay Later | Included | Not always available |
| New/first-time shoppers | Less adoption | Easiest, universal |
| Payment/region support | Limited | Full support |
| Customization/Shopify Plus | Less control | Greater flexibility |
| Fee sensitivity (BNPL) | Higher on BNPL | Lower |
For newcomers:
Use Shop Pay to speed up checkouts and boost conversions, especially for repeat and mobile customers. Use native checkout for broader compatibility and deeper customization. Most stores enable both for best results.
- Shop Pay
- Native Shopify Checkout
- Mobile Conversion
- One-Tap Checkout
- Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)
- Cart Abandonment
- Checkout Optimization
- Conversion Rate
- Payment Methods
- Customization
- International Ecommerce
- Shopify Plus
- Customer Retention
- Fee Structure
- Shopify Apps
- Checkout Flexibility
- Mobile-First Design
- Repeat Purchases
- Shopify UX
- Ecommerce Best Practices