Shopify is the go-to platform for independent e-commerce stores, but its fee structure involves multiple moving parts: monthly plan fees, payment processing rates, and transaction fees if you don't use Shopify Payments. Here's exactly what you'll pay.
Shopify Monthly Plans (2026)
Shopify charges a monthly subscription regardless of sales:
- Basic: $39/month — For new businesses, includes 2 staff accounts
- Shopify: $105/month — Growing businesses, 5 staff accounts, more analytics
- Advanced: $399/month — Scaling stores, custom reports, third-party calculated shipping
- Shopify Plus: Starting at $2,300/month — Enterprise-level, custom pricing
- Starter: $5/month — Sell via social media and messaging apps only (no full store)
Payment Processing Fees (Shopify Payments)
If you use Shopify Payments (Shopify's built-in payment processor, powered by Stripe), there are no additional transaction fees. You only pay the credit card processing rate:
- Basic: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
- Shopify plan: 2.6% + $0.30 per transaction
- Advanced: 2.4% + $0.30 per transaction
These are online card rates. In-person rates via Shopify POS are lower (as low as 1.7–2.4%).
Transaction Fees (External Payment Processors)
If you use PayPal, Stripe directly, or any other payment processor instead of Shopify Payments, Shopify charges an additional transaction fee on top of your processor's fee:
- Basic: 2% per transaction
- Shopify plan: 1% per transaction
- Advanced: 0.5% per transaction
This double fee (your processor's rate + Shopify's cut) is what makes using Shopify Payments the economically rational choice for most sellers in countries where it's available.
Real Cost Calculation: $100 Sale
On a $100 sale using Shopify Payments (Basic plan, online):
- Processing fee: 2.9% + $0.30 = −$3.20
- Monthly plan cost allocated per sale: depends on your volume
- You receive: $96.80
On the same $100 sale using PayPal (Basic plan):
- PayPal fee: 2.9% + $0.30 = −$3.20
- Shopify transaction fee (2%): −$2.00
- You receive: $94.80 — $2 less than using Shopify Payments
Which Plan Is Right for Your Volume?
- Under $3,000/month in sales: Basic ($39/month) — the lower processing fees on higher plans don't offset the plan cost increase at this volume.
- $5,000–$20,000/month: Run the numbers. The Shopify plan ($105/month) saves 0.3% on processing — at $10K/month, that's $30/month saved vs. an extra $66/month cost. Still not worth it.
- $50,000+/month: Advanced or Plus plans make financial sense — the processing rate reduction saves significantly at volume.
Other Shopify Costs to Factor In
- Apps: Most Shopify apps have monthly fees ($5–$50+/month). A typical store uses 5–10 apps.
- Theme: Premium Shopify themes cost $150–$350 one-time. Free themes are available.
- Domain: ~$14/year through Shopify, or use a third-party registrar.
- Shipping labels: Shopify Shipping offers discounted rates through USPS, UPS, and DHL.
Model your real margins using our Profit Margin Calculator on Feexio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Shopify charge a transaction fee on every sale?
Shopify charges a transaction fee only if you use a third-party payment processor instead of Shopify Payments. The fee is 2% (Basic), 1% (Shopify plan), or 0.5% (Advanced). If you use Shopify Payments, there is no additional transaction fee — only the credit card processing rate applies.
What is the cheapest Shopify plan for a new seller?
The Basic plan at $39/month is the right starting point for most new sellers. The processing fee savings on higher plans ($105 or $399/month) don't break even until you're doing significant monthly volume. Calculate your breakeven by dividing the plan cost difference by the fee rate difference.
Can I use PayPal with Shopify?
Yes, but it costs extra. Using PayPal as your payment processor on a Shopify store triggers Shopify's transaction fee (up to 2% on the Basic plan) in addition to PayPal's own 2.9% + $0.30 fee. Using Shopify Payments avoids Shopify's transaction fee entirely.
Calculate your real profit margin after Shopify fees and cost of goods.
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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Fee percentages are verified periodically. Always consult official platform documentation before making binding financial decisions. Full disclaimer →
Victor A. Calvo S. is a software engineer and digital entrepreneur who built Feexio to give freelancers, sellers, and small businesses instant clarity on fees, margins, and rates. He is also the creator of InstantLinkHub and SwiftConvertHub. Learn more →