Stripe vs Shopify: Which is the best choice?

Both payment service providers, Stripe and Shopify allow merchants to accept payments in exchange for various fees.

While Stripe is a straightforward payment processor, Shopify is an ecommerce store hosting platform with built-in processing. As such, the two solutions can serve different business needs.

This post will explore the key differences between Shopify Payments vs Stripe so you can make an informed decision that’s best for your business.

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Stripe vs Shopify: Quick comparison

What's the difference between Shopify and Stripe?

Before exploring the payment features of the two platforms, it’s worth noting that the Shopify vs Stripe debate doesn’t draw a direct comparison.

Stripe is a secure payment service provider that lets you receive payments for transaction fees. Shopify, on the other hand, provides you with the infrastructure for creating - and selling from - an ecommerce store.

Is Shopify Payments the same as Stripe?

While in principle Shopify Payments offers a similar proposition to Stripe, it’s not exactly the same.

In short, Shopify Payments is best for business owners that already use the Shopify platform to host their ecommerce store. This is because you can save money on transaction fees. Stripe is a more flexible payment solution in that it works whether you have an ecommerce store or not.

Stripe vs Shopify price

Payout schedules compared

Payout schedules let you know when you can receive your account funds. These can vary according to industry, the country you operate in, and other factors.

• Stripe

Typically, Stripe offers a 7-14 day payout schedule for the first successful payment, and thereafter according to the payout schedule you set up in your account. You can view your account to see the expected payout dates and modify your schedule if applicable.

• Shopify Payments

With Shopify Payments funds that come through on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (UTC time) will be sent to your account as one payment.

With Shopify Balance, you can withdraw funds within a single business day. With the Shop Pay installments, if customers use them at checkout, you can receive your funds within three business days.

Otherwise, funds will be released according to the payout schedule that you set for your account.

Accepted payment methods

As a merchant, it’s in your interest to offer various payment methods to cater to your customers. If you limit the ways they can buy your products, you could be missing out on sales.

• Stripe

Stripe accepts major credit and debit cards like most payment processors, but it also offers a range of other payment methods. For example, you can use the ever-popular BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later) method, cryptocurrency, and cash vouchers.

• Shopify Payments

Shopify Payments offers fewer payment methods, but still covers the most popular options such as credit cards and third party payment processors. It also offers Shop Pay, which provides discounted fees for Shopify users.

Ease of use

Ease of use refers to how simple it is to implement the service, and accept payments with the platforms.

• Stripe

Stripe allows you to set up customer payments with several options. You can use custom payment forms, Stripe Terminal, or use custom invoices and offer Stripe as the payment method.

You can also lean on payment integrations if you have an ecommerce platform, to allow you to take payment directly from your online store.

As for account registration, setting up with Stripe takes a matter of minutes and you don’t even need to enter bank information or sign a contract.

• Shopify Payments

To use Shopify Payments, all you need is a Shopify subscription. Once you activate Shopify Payments in your account, you can start receiving payments.

With the service you can accept payments through your ecommerce checkout page, purchase links on your website, or card readers that pair with the iOS or Android apps.

Is Shopify or Stripe better?

By now it should be clear that both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses, and serve different business needs.

To summarize, here are the main pros and cons for Stripe vs Shopify Payments service providers:

Shopify vs Stripe Pros

Shopify vs Stripe Cons

Manage your ecommerce payments with Wise Business

Regardless of your preference, whether it’s Stripe or Shopify Payments, beware of international fees. These hefty fees can eat into your bottom line.

With Wise Business, you can receive payments using local account details to avoid conversion fees. You’ll get the mid market rate when you switch between currencies, and hidden fees are out of the question.

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Wise Business also connects to Stripe, so you can receive international payments with ease.

13 million people and businesses already use Wise as safe way to receive, hold and manage international payments.

All sources checked September 22, 2022.