How Much Does Shopify Stripe Integration Cost for My Store?
When you’re setting up payments for your Shopify store, cost is one of the first things you want clarity on. Stripe is a popular choice for online businesses, but many store owners are unsure of the actual cost of Shopify Stripe integration once everything is up and running.
At first glance, Stripe’s pricing seems straightforward. But when you connect it with Shopify, several factors can affect what you end up paying per transaction. These can include platform fees, payment processing charges, and extra costs tied to international sales or third-party apps.
In this article, we’ll break down how Shopify Stripe integration works, what fees you should expect, and how to decide whether it’s the right option for your store. The goal is simple: help you understand the costs clearly so you can make a confident decision without surprises later.
Understanding Shopify Stripe Integration
Shopify Stripe integration allows store owners to accept card payments through Stripe while running their store on Shopify. Stripe handles the payment processing, while Shopify manages the storefront, checkout, and order flow. From a customer’s point of view, the process feels seamless. They place an order, pay securely, and receive confirmation right away.
For merchants, the integration mainly affects how payments are processed and how fees are applied. Stripe charges its own processing fees, and Shopify may add additional platform fees depending on how you accept payments and which Shopify plan you’re on. This is why understanding the integration itself is important before looking at the numbers.
At its core, Shopify Stripe integration is about:
Securely processing credit and debit card payments
Supporting multiple currencies and international customers
Connecting payment data directly to your Shopify dashboard
Once you understand how Shopify and Stripe work together, it becomes much easier to see where the costs come from and how they can vary from one store to another.
What Is Shopify Stripe Integration?
Shopify Stripe integration refers to using Stripe as the payment processor for your Shopify store. In simple terms, it means Stripe handles the money side of things—charging customers, authorizing payments, and transferring funds to your bank while Shopify takes care of the store, checkout experience, and order management.
When a customer enters their card details at checkout, the payment is securely processed by Stripe in the background. Shopify then records the order and updates your store automatically.
You don’t need to manually connect customers, payments, or orders; it all happens as part of the integration.
For store owners, this setup offers a few key benefits:
Customers get a smooth and familiar checkout experience
Payments are processed securely and quickly
Transaction details are easy to track inside Shopify
Understanding how this setup works helps set realistic expectations about pricing. Since Stripe is a third-party payment provider, its fees are separate from Shopify’s own plans and services, which is where many cost-related questions begin.
If you’re looking for a guide on how to integrate Stripe to Shopify, this setup ensures secure payment processing for your store.
How Shopify and Stripe Work Together
Shopify and Stripe work as two connected systems, each handling a specific part of the payment process. Shopify manages the front end of your store and the checkout flow, while Stripe processes the payment securely behind the scenes.
Here’s what happens when a customer places an order:
The customer enters their payment details at checkout.
Shopify sends the payment information to Stripe for processing.
Stripe verifies the payment and charges the customer.
Once approved, Shopify confirms the order and updates your dashboard.
From a store owner’s perspective, this coordination feels seamless. You can view orders, payment statuses, and refunds directly in Shopify, even though Stripe is doing the actual payment processing.
This setup also affects how fees are applied. Stripe charges processing fees for each transaction, and Shopify may apply additional fees depending on whether Stripe is used through Shopify Payments or as an external provider. That’s why understanding how these two platforms work together is essential before calculating the total cost for your store.
Is Stripe Available on Shopify?
Yes, Stripe is available on Shopify, but how you access it depends on your location and payment setup. In many countries, Stripe is built directly into Shopify Payments, which means you don’t need to connect Stripe separately. Shopify uses Stripe’s infrastructure in the background while presenting it as its own native payment solution.
In other regions where Shopify Payments isn’t supported, store owners can still use Stripe as a third-party payment provider. In that case, Stripe is connected externally, and Shopify may apply additional transaction fees on top of Stripe’s processing charges.
This distinction matters because it directly impacts your costs, setup process, and how payments are managed. Before looking at fees, it’s important to know whether you’re using Stripe through Shopify Payments or as a separate integration.
Shopify Payments vs Direct Stripe Integration
The biggest difference between Shopify Payments and direct Stripe integration comes down to how payments are processed and what extra fees apply.
With Shopify Payments, Stripe works behind the scenes as the payment processor. You don’t see Stripe branding, and everything is managed inside your Shopify dashboard. The main advantage here is cost—Shopify does not charge extra transaction fees when you use Shopify Payments. You only pay the standard card processing fees based on your Shopify plan.
With direct Stripe integration, Stripe is added as a third-party payment provider. While this setup gives you more control and flexibility in some regions, Shopify usually charges an additional transaction fee on top of Stripe’s processing costs. This can increase your total cost per sale, especially if your store processes a high volume of orders.
Here’s a simple comparison:
Shopify Payments
Stripe-powered, but fully native
No extra Shopify transaction fees
Easier setup and management
Direct Stripe Integration
Stripe connected as an external provider
Additional Shopify transaction fees may apply
Useful in regions where Shopify Payments isn’t available
Understanding this difference is key before estimating your overall payment costs, as it can significantly affect your monthly expenses.
Countries Where Stripe Is Supported on Shopify
This payment setup is available in many countries, but support depends on whether you’re using Shopify Payments or a direct Stripe integration. Shopify Payments, which runs on Stripe’s infrastructure, is only available in specific regions. If your country isn’t supported, you’ll need to connect Stripe as a third-party provider instead.
Shopify Payments is currently available in major markets such as:
United States
Canada
United Kingdom
Australia
Most European countries
Japan, Singapore, and a few other regions
If your business is based in one of these locations, you can use Stripe through Shopify Payments and avoid extra Shopify transaction fees.
For countries not supported by Shopify Payments, direct Stripe integration may still be an option. However, this usually means:
Additional Shopify transaction fees
Possible currency conversion charges
A slightly more complex setup
Before moving forward, it’s a good idea to confirm which payment options are supported in your country, as this choice plays a big role in your overall payment costs.
Shopify Stripe Integration Cost Breakdown
This is where most store owners want clear answers. The cost isn’t a single flat fee; it’s made up of several charges that can vary based on how your store is set up and where your customers are located.
Some costs are unavoidable, like payment processing fees, while others depend on factors such as international sales or refunds. Understanding each part separately makes it easier to estimate what you’ll actually pay per transaction.
In this section, we’ll look at:
Stripe’s standard transaction fees
Shopify-related fees that may apply
Extra costs tied to international payments and disputes
Once you see how these costs stack up, you’ll have a much clearer picture of what your store will pay daily.
Stripe Transaction Fees on Shopify
When using Stripe with Shopify, the primary cost comes from per-transaction processing fees. Since this article targets a global audience, the pricing below is explained using USD, which is Stripe’s standard reference currency across regions.
For most online card payments, Stripe typically charges:
2.9% + $0.30 per transaction for domestic cards
An additional 1% for international cards
An additional 1% if currency conversion is required
To put this into perspective, let’s say a customer places an order worth $100:
For a domestic card, the Stripe fee would be $3.20
For an international card with currency conversion, the total fee could reach $4.20
These fees are deducted automatically before the funds are deposited into your bank account. Stripe does not charge setup fees or monthly subscription costs, which makes it a flexible option for stores selling across borders.
Keep in mind, these are Stripe’s processing fees only. Depending on how Stripe is connected to Shopify, additional Shopify-related charges may apply—and that’s where costs can increase further.
Shopify Platform Fees Affecting Stripe Payments
In addition to Stripe’s processing fees, Shopify may charge its own platform transaction fees, depending on how you’re using Stripe. This is an important cost factor that many store owners overlook.
If you’re using Shopify Payments (which is powered by Stripe), Shopify does not charge extra transaction fees. In this case, you only pay the standard card processing fees tied to your Shopify plan.
However, if Stripe is connected as a third-party payment provider, Shopify applies an additional transaction fee on every sale. These fees vary by plan:
Basic Shopify: up to 2% per transaction
Shopify (standard): up to 1% per transaction
Advanced Shopify: up to 0.5% per transaction
For example, on a $100 order:
Stripe processing fees apply first
Shopify’s transaction fee is then added on top, based on your plan
This layered pricing can significantly increase your overall payment cost, especially for stores with high sales volume or lower margins. That’s why many global merchants prefer Shopify Payments whenever it’s available in their country.
International Payment and Currency Conversion Costs
If your Shopify store sells to customers in multiple countries, international payments can add extra costs to your Stripe transactions. These charges aren’t always obvious at first, but they can make a noticeable difference over time.
When a customer uses an international card, Stripe typically adds an extra 1% fee on top of the standard processing rate. If the payment also requires currency conversion, there’s usually another 1% conversion fee applied.
Here’s how these costs can stack up:
Domestic card, no conversion: standard Stripe fee only
International card: standard fee + international card fee
International card with currency conversion: standard fee + international fee + conversion fee
For global stores, this means a single transaction can cost more simply because of where the customer is located or which currency they use. While these fees are common across most payment processors, they’re still worth factoring into your pricing and margins.
Understanding international and currency-related charges helps you better estimate the true payment costs for a store serving a worldwide audience.
Refunds, Chargebacks, and Dispute Fees
Refunds and chargebacks are part of running an online store, but they can add to your overall payment costs if they happen frequently.
When you issue a refund through Stripe, the original transaction fee is not returned. This means even though the customer gets their money back, you still absorb the processing cost from the initial payment.
Chargebacks and disputes can be more expensive. If a customer challenges a payment, Stripe applies a dispute fee when the chargeback is filed. If you win the dispute, this fee is usually returned. If you lose, the fee is kept, along with the refunded transaction amount.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
Stripe processing fees are non-refundable
Dispute fees apply when a chargeback is opened
High dispute rates can affect account stability over time
While these costs don’t occur with every sale, they’re important to consider—especially for stores selling high-ticket items or operating in competitive markets.
Additional Costs to Consider with Shopify Stripe Integration
Beyond standard transaction fees, there are a few extra costs that may apply depending on how your store operates and scales.
Some merchants need advanced payment features, subscriptions, or custom checkout experiences. In those cases, extra costs can show up in the form of apps or development work.
Common additional costs include:
Third-party apps for subscriptions, split payments, or advanced reporting
Custom development costs if you need a tailored Stripe setup
App transaction fees, if an app adds its own processing layer
These costs aren’t mandatory for every store, but they’re worth considering if you plan to grow or customize your payment flow beyond the basics.
Cost Differences Between Shopify Payments and Stripe
Choosing between Stripe integration and Shopify Payments often comes down to cost and availability.
When you use Shopify Payments, Stripe is already built in. This means:
No extra Shopify transaction fees
Simplified fee structure
All payment data is managed inside Shopify
With direct Stripe integration:
Stripe processing fees still apply
Shopify may charge additional transaction fees
The total cost per sale is usually higher
For most stores located in supported countries, Shopify Payments is the more cost-effective option. Direct Stripe integration mainly makes sense when Shopify Payments isn’t available or when specific Stripe features are required.
Key Factors That Affect Your Total Payment Costs
There’s no one-size-fits-all cost. Your final expense depends on how your store operates.
Key factors include:
Store location and supported payment methods
Customer location and international sales volume
Average order value and monthly transaction volume
Currencies accepted at checkout
A store selling locally with fewer transactions will see lower overall fees, while a global store with high volume and multiple currencies should expect higher processing costs.
Is Shopify Stripe Integration Worth the Cost?
For many businesses, yes. Stripe is known for reliability, security, and global reach, which are important for long-term growth.
Pros include:
Trusted payment processing
Support for international customers
Strong fraud prevention tools
On the downside:
Fees can add up for international sales
Refunds don’t return processing fees
Extra Shopify fees may apply with third-party integration
If payments are a core part of your store’s success, Stripe’s benefits often outweigh the costs, especially when used through Shopify Payments.
Ways to Reduce Shopify Stripe Integration Costs
While you can’t eliminate payment fees, you can manage them smartly.
Helpful ways to reduce costs include:
Using Shopify Payments where available
Pricing products to account for processing fees
Limiting unnecessary third-party apps
Reducing chargebacks through clear policies and support
Small adjustments like these can make a noticeable difference over time, especially for stores with steady sales volume.
Final Thoughts
Shopify Stripe integration doesn’t come with a single fixed price. Instead, it’s a combination of Stripe processing fees, Shopify platform charges, and optional extras based on how your store runs.
If you sell globally, understanding these costs upfront helps you price products better, protect margins, and avoid surprises later. The key is choosing the setup that matches your location, audience, and business goals.
When used thoughtfully, Shopify and Stripe together offer a reliable and scalable payment solution for stores of all sizes.