Learn how to Connect Stripe to Shopify in 2026: clear steps, what to do when Stripe doesn’t appear, fees vs. Shopify Payments, and testing tips. Start now.
To connect Stripe to Shopify, you navigate to your store’s ‘Payments’ settings, select ‘Add payment providers,’ find Stripe in the list, and log in to authorize the connection. While the process sounds straightforward, it has important twists, as this direct option is often hidden if Shopify Payments is available in your country.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know to successfully connect Stripe to Shopify, from the standard setup process to what to do when Stripe doesn’t show up as an option and the crucial cost implications involved.
The Standard Way to Add Stripe to Shopify
In a perfect world, here’s the standard way to connect Stripe to Shopify. This process typically works if you’re in a country where Shopify Payments isn’t available, making it the primary method for many international merchants who need to use a third-party gateway.
1. Access Your Shopify Settings
First, you need to get to the right menu. Your Shopify settings are the control center for your entire store.
Log in to your Shopify admin dashboard.
In the bottom left corner, you’ll see a gear icon labeled Settings. Click it.
This centralized settings area is designed to be logical, grouping all your store management functions together so you can find what you need without getting lost.
2. Open Your Payment Settings
Once you’re in the main settings menu, the next step is to navigate to the payments section.
From the list of settings, click on Payments.
This is where you’ll manage everything related to how you get paid, from activating credit card processors to adding alternative payment methods like PayPal.
3. Select Stripe as a Payment Provider
On the Payments page, you’ll see a section for payment providers.
Look for a button or link that says “Add payment providers” or “Choose a provider” under the Third Party Providers section.
A list of available payment gateways will appear. Browse this list or use the search bar to find Stripe.
Click on Stripe to select it.
4. Authorize Your Stripe Login
After selecting Stripe, Shopify needs your permission to connect to your account. This is a secure authorization step that links the two platforms.
Shopify will redirect you to a Stripe login page.
Enter your Stripe account credentials (email and password) to log in.
Stripe will ask you to authorize the connection with your Shopify store. Click the approve or connect button.
Once authorized, you’ll be redirected back to Shopify, where you need to click Activate to finalize the setup.
This one time authorization allows Shopify to process payments through your Stripe account without ever handling raw credit card details itself, keeping transactions secure. If you’d like to see how we scope and deliver integrations end‑to‑end, review our process.
Why Can’t I Find Stripe in My Shopify Settings?
This is the most common roadblock merchants face when trying to connect Stripe to Shopify. You go to add a payment provider, and Stripe is nowhere to be found. This isn’t a bug; it’s by design.
The primary reason Stripe isn’t available is that Shopify Payments is active in your region. Shopify Payments, which is Shopify’s native processor, is built using Stripe’s technology. In countries where Shopify Payments is supported, Shopify heavily encourages (and often requires) you to use it by removing other options like a direct Stripe integration.
Once you activate Shopify Payments, the standalone Stripe option is permanently replaced.
Country Availability: Stripe vs. Shopify Payments
Your store’s physical address is the key factor determining which gateways you can use. The good news is that Stripe has a much wider global reach than Shopify Payments.
Stripe is available to merchants in over 46 countries. It allows you to accept payments from customers in more than 195 countries.
Shopify Payments is available in a smaller, though growing, list of a few dozen countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia.
If your business is based in a country not on Shopify’s supported list, you will have to use a third party gateway, and connecting Stripe to Shopify is often the best solution. If you’re building a finance or payments product and need to think beyond Shopify, see our fintech app development guide.
The Financial Implications of Using a Third Party Gateway
Even if you can connect Stripe to Shopify, it’s crucial to understand the costs. To encourage the use of its native solution, Shopify charges additional fees for transactions processed through external gateways.
Shopify’s Third Party Processor Fee
This is an extra fee Shopify charges on top of what your payment provider (like Stripe) already charges you. The fee depends on your Shopify subscription plan:
Basic Shopify: 2.0% extra per transaction
Shopify Plan: 1.0% extra per transaction
Advanced Shopify: 0.5% extra per transaction
These fees can significantly impact your profit margins, which is why most merchants stick with Shopify Payments if it’s available.
Can You Connect Stripe as a Secondary Gateway?
Generally, no. Shopify doesn’t allow you to have two credit card processors active at the same time. If Shopify Payments is enabled, it acts as your sole primary card processor. You can, however, use Stripe as your primary gateway and also offer alternative payment methods like PayPal or Amazon Pay.
Alternative Integration Methods and Advanced Scenarios
What if the standard option is unavailable and you still have a compelling reason to connect Stripe to Shopify? You have a few advanced options, though they often require technical help.
Third Party Apps: The Shopify App Store has applications that can facilitate Stripe payments, sometimes creating a custom checkout experience.
Custom Integration: For maximum flexibility, a developer can use Shopify’s and Stripe’s APIs to build a custom payment solution. This can bypass the usual limitations but requires significant technical expertise. For background, see our comprehensive guide to API integration.
At Bricks Tech, we often build bespoke payment flows for clients with unique needs. If you’re struggling with payment limitations, Discuss your project and we’ll help you map out a custom solution. Want to see examples? Browse our recent projects.
Migrating Data To and From Stripe
Whether you’re moving to Shopify or need to analyze your sales, handling payment data is a common task.
Exporting Stripe Data: You can easily export transaction data from your Stripe dashboard as a CSV file for accounting or analysis.
Importing Customers to Shopify: Shopify has a built in tool under the Customers section to import a customer list from a CSV file. This is perfect for when you’re migrating from another platform.
Migrating Subscriptions: Moving recurring subscriptions is complex because it involves securely transferring payment tokens. This process almost always requires a specialized Shopify subscriptions app and technical assistance to ensure payment tokens are migrated and verified correctly without disrupting your recurring revenue. If you’re planning a broader rebuild or migration, review our custom app development guide.
Testing and Troubleshooting Your Integration
Once you connect Stripe to Shopify, you must test it to ensure a smooth checkout experience for your customers.
How to Test the Stripe Integration
Since you can’t use a live card without being charged, you have two main options:
Use Stripe’s Test Mode: Stripe provides test card numbers (like the classic 4242 Visa) that simulate successful or failed transactions without any real money changing hands.
Process a Live Refund: Create a temporary product for a small amount, like $1.00. Purchase it with your own credit card, then immediately refund the order from your Shopify admin. This confirms the entire payment and refund cycle is working correctly.
Troubleshooting Billing ZIP Code Errors
A common checkout error is a “ZIP code failed validation” message. This happens when the customer’s entered billing ZIP code doesn’t match the one their bank has on file, a check known as an Address Verification Service (AVS).
To fix this, advise the customer to double check the billing address associated with their card. Usually, it’s a simple typo. If it happens frequently, you can check your Stripe settings, as AVS rules can sometimes be adjusted to be less strict.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I connect Stripe to Shopify if Shopify Payments exists?
The main reasons are country availability and business type. If Shopify Payments isn’t supported in your country or for your industry, a direct Stripe integration is the next best thing. Some businesses also prefer Stripe for its unified dashboard across multiple platforms.
How much extra does it really cost to use Stripe instead of Shopify Payments?
You’ll pay Stripe’s standard processing fees (e.g., 2.9% + 30¢) PLUS Shopify’s third party transaction fee, which ranges from 0.5% to 2.0% depending on your plan. Using Shopify Payments avoids this extra Shopify fee.
What can I do if Stripe is not showing as an option?
First, confirm your store’s country is set correctly in your Shopify settings. If you’re in a region with Shopify Payments, your best bet is to use it. If you have a specific reason not to, you may need an alternative method, like a custom integration. For complex setups, our web application development services for startups can help build the right solution.
Can I connect Stripe and PayPal to my Shopify store at the same time?
Yes. You can have one primary credit card processor (like Shopify Payments or Stripe) and multiple alternative payment methods (like PayPal, Amazon Pay, or Klarna) active simultaneously. Shopify’s third party fee typically does not apply to these non card alternatives. Have a unique Stripe + Shopify scenario? Book a quick call and we’ll walk you through the best path.