How to Add Stripe to Shopify: Step-by-Step Setup Guide

In this article, Nextsky will help you learn how to add stripe to Shopify with a step-by-step guide.

This walkthrough will ensure you can set up Stripe quickly and efficiently, allowing your business to accept payments seamlessly. Let's begin setting up Stripe on your Shopify store!

What is Stripe?

Stripe is a payment processing platform. It allows businesses to accept online payments. Stripe handles transactions, from accepting credit cards to managing subscriptions. It is known for its ease of use and supports many currencies. Businesses of all sizes use Stripe for secure and reliable payment processing.

Stripe is similar to payment methods such as PayPal, Square, and Braintree.

Stripe's main advantage lies in its developer-friendly API, empowering businesses to customize payment processes according to their needs. Supporting a plethora of payment methods and currencies, Stripe facilitates global operations. Moreover, its robust security features, such as PCI compliance, ensure safe transactions.

However, Stripe's complexity may pose a challenge for non-developers. Its intricate API requires technical skills for effective utilization. Additionally, the transaction fees associated with Stripe might be higher compared to other payment processors, potentially impacting small businesses or those with low transaction volumes.

How to add Stripe to Shopify with 5 steps

Step 1: Check your store eligibility

Before adding Stripe, make sure your store meets Shopify’s payment requirements.

• Your Shopify store must be active
• Your business must comply with Shopify policies
• Your products must not belong to restricted categories

Stripe is only available in certain countries, so confirm that both Shopify and Stripe support your region before continuing.

Step 2: Create a Stripe account

If you don’t already have a Stripe account, create one on the Stripe website.

• Click Create an account.

• Enter your email and business details.
• Verify your email address.

• Click Activate payments and complete business verification.

• Once verification is complete, your Stripe account will be ready to process payments.

Step 3: Set Stripe as a payment provider

Once your Stripe account is ready, you need to add Stripe as a third-party payment provider in Shopify.

Open Payment Settings

• Log in to your Shopify Admin dashboard.
• Click Settings at the bottom left.
• Select Payments.

This will open the payment configuration page where you can manage all payment gateways.

Add a Third-Party Payment Provider

In the Third-party providers section:

• Click Add payment provider or See all other providers.
• Use the search bar to find Stripe.

Connect Your Stripe Account

You can now:

• Log in to an existing Stripe account, or
• Create a new Stripe account

After logging in, authorize Shopify to connect with Stripe.

Once connected, Stripe will appear in your Shopify payment providers list.

Step 4: Activate Stripe for Shopify

After connecting your Stripe account, click Activate to enable Stripe as a payment gateway for your store. Once activated, Shopify will process payments through Stripe.

Step 5: Place a test order

Finally, place a test order to ensure the integration works correctly.

Testing helps verify that:

• Checkout functions properly
• Payments are processed successfully
• Order notifications and inventory updates work as expected

You can use Stripe test mode or place a real order and issue a refund afterward.

Does Shopify use Stripe?

Yes, Shopify uses Stripe technology as the payment engine behind Shopify Payments. When you activate Shopify Payments, Stripe handles critical payment infrastructure, such as:

• Card authorisation.
• Secure payment tokenisation.
• Fraud detection and risk analysis.
• Global payment processing.

However, merchants cannot see Stripe directly when Shopify Payments is enabled, as Shopify integrates Stripe's infrastructure into its own payment system. This often causes confusion for store owners who are trying to figure out how to add Stripe to Shopify. In many cases, Stripe already powers the checkout system when Shopify Payments is enabled.

Prerequisites for integrating Stripe with Shopify

Before integrating Stripe with Shopify, make sure the following key requirements are in place:

• Active Accounts: Ensure that both your Shopify store and Stripe account are active and fully verified. These accounts are fundamental to establishing a successful connection between the two platforms.
• Supported Country: Confirm that your Shopify store and Stripe account are registered in a country where Stripe operates. Stripe’s availability varies by region, so this verification helps prevent integration issues.
• SSL Certificate: Your Shopify store domain should have an active SSL certificate. This ensures that customer payment data is encrypted and securely transmitted during checkout.
• Legal Business Entity: Stripe typically requires businesses to operate under a recognized legal structure, such as an LLC or corporation, to comply with financial and regulatory standards.

Meeting these prerequisites helps ensure a smooth integration process while providing a secure and reliable payment experience for your Shopify store customers.

Benefits of Integrating Stripe with Shopify

Integrating Stripe with Shopify offers several key benefits:

• Seamless Payment Experience: Enhances checkout efficiency and boosts conversion rates.
• Global Reach: Supports multiple currencies and payment methods for global expansion.
• Enhanced Security: Ensures PCI compliance and robust data protection.
• Customization Options: Allows flexible payment workflow integration.
• Real-Time Reporting: Provides detailed analytics for informed decision-making.
• Automatic Updates: Keeps payment features compliant and up-to-date.
• Reduced Fees: Offers competitive transaction costs to maximize profitability.

When should you use Stripe with Shopify?

Although Shopify Payments is the default payment solution, Stripe can still be useful in several scenarios. You should consider using Stripe if:

• Shopify Payments is not available in your country
• You need advanced payment customization
• Your business requires complex subscription billing
• You want access to Stripe's developer tools and APIs

Many international merchants prefer Stripe because it supports global payment methods and offers flexible payment architecture.

Shopify Payments vs Stripe – Which Solution is Best for You

In summary, Shopify Payments is ideal for simplicity and seamless integration within the Shopify platform. It's convenient for managing both store and payments in one place.

On the other hand, Stripe offers more customization and flexibility, supporting various payment methods and currencies. Consider factors like transaction fees, features, ease of use, and customer support to choose the best fit for your business needs and goals.

Common Stripe and Shopify Payment Issues

While integrating Stripe with Shopify is generally straightforward, merchants may occasionally encounter payment-related issues.

Some common problems include:

• Stripe not appearing as a payment provider in Shopify
• Account verification delays when activating Stripe
• Payments being temporarily held due to fraud detection
• Country restrictions preventing Stripe integration

Most of these issues can be resolved by verifying business details, ensuring compliance with Stripe's policies, and checking Shopify’s supported payment gateway list.

=>> View details: Shopify Customer Support: How to Contact Shopify?

Shopify's integration with Stripe remains seamless and familiar, offering the same reliable payment processing. Combining your Stripe account with Shopify Payments streamlines financial reporting and invoicing, benefiting both existing and first-time users. Explore our payments section for more helpful guides and tips.