If you’ve ever asked yourself, “does Shopify use Stripe?” you’re not alone. Many sellers are curious about how payments are processed, which tools are involved, and how to keep their books accurate without spending hours on spreadsheets.
In this blog, we’ll cover how Shopify processes payments, Stripe’s role in Shopify Payments, alternatives to Stripe, fees and payment considerations, and bookkeeping tips with PlugBooks to help you manage your store efficiently.
Key takeaways:
- Shopify Payments is powered by Stripe in many countries.
- Sellers can use alternative payment gateways if Stripe isn’t available.
- Fees vary depending on plan and method.
- PlugBooks automates bookkeeping for Shopify sellers.
- Understanding payment flow saves time and reduces errors.
What is Stripe and Why It Matters for Shopify Sellers
Stripe is a well-known online payment processor that makes it easy, safe, and quick to accept payments.
Stripe is like the engine that powers Shopify Payments; it makes sure that money transfers seamlessly from your customer to your bank. There are benefits to using Stripe with Shopify Payments, such as:
- PCI compliance means better security.
- Transactions and payouts happen faster
- Working using instruments for accounting and bookkeeping
This implies that merchants don’t have to worry as much about technical concerns and can focus more on building their store.
Does Shopify Use Stripe?
Yes, Shopify does use Stripe in places where Shopify Payments is available. When someone buys something, Shopify Payments uses Stripe’s infrastructure to process the payment and then sends the money to your bank account.
But not all countries support Shopify Payments. In some situations, sellers have to use a third-party gateway like PayPal or Authorize.net.
Think of Shopify as your store, Stripe as the cashier, and your bank as the place where your money goes.
How Shopify Payments Works With Stripe
Here’s how Shopify Payments works for merchants that want to know if it uses Stripe:
- A customer placed an order on your Shopify store.
- Stripe handles the payment for Shopify Payments.
- Stripe checks the payment and makes sure it is safe.
- On the planned payout day, the money will be paid to your bank account.
- PlugBooks automatically adds these transactions to your bookkeeping dashboard.
You don’t have to keep track of orders, fees, or payouts by hand anymore when you use PlugBooks with Shopify and Stripe. Everything is done for you.
Real Seller Experience
Meet Alex, a handmade candle seller. When he first started on Shopify, he was confused about payments.
“I wasn’t sure if Shopify used Stripe, and my orders didn’t match my bank deposits. It was stressful keeping track of fees and payouts.”
After integrating PlugBooks, all his Shopify and Stripe transactions synced automatically. Alex now spends less time worrying about bookkeeping and more time growing his store.
If you want to create your own account on PlugBooks, this link can help you get started easily.
Alternatives If Stripe Isn’t Available
You can use other payment options if your country doesn’t allow Shopify Payments:
- PayPal is quite popular, lets you pay right away, but has slightly higher costs.
- Authorize.net is strong and works well for big enterprises.
- Other local gateways depend on where you live.
The good news? PlugBooks works with a number of payment gateways, so you can still keep track of your books without having to manually reconcile each payment source.
Costs and fees for Stripe and Shopify payments
Keep these fees in mind when you use Shopify Payments (via Stripe):
- Fees for transactions (depends on the Shopify plan)
- Fees for processing credit cards
- Fees for chargebacks
For instance, if you sell anything for $100 with Shopify Payments, you might pay about $2.90 plus 30 cents for each transaction.
PlugBooks can automatically keep track of these costs, so your financial reports are always correct and ready for taxes.
PlugBooks for Hassle-Free Bookkeeping
Shopify sellers often struggle with manual bookkeeping. Manage your Shopify bookkeeping with PlugBooks simplifies this with:
- Automatic sync with Shopify, Stripe, and other gateways
- Multi-channel consolidation if you sell on Amazon, eBay, or Shopify
- Tax-ready reports to save hours during tax season
- Time-saving automation so you can focus on selling
With PlugBooks, you can track every order, refund, fee, and payout in real time.
FAQs About Shopify and Stripe
- Can I use Shopify without Stripe?
Yes, alternative gateways like PayPal or Authorize.net work if Stripe isn’t available. - Does Stripe charge extra fees for Shopify sellers?
Stripe’s fees are included in Shopify Payments; no hidden charges beyond standard rates. - How fast are payouts via Stripe?
Typically 2–5 business days depending on your country and bank. - Can PlugBooks handle Stripe payments automatically?
Absolutely! PlugBooks syncs all Stripe and Shopify transactions for error-free bookkeeping. - Is Shopify Payments safe to use?
Yes, it uses Stripe’s advanced security, including encryption and PCI compliance. - What happens if Stripe is not available in my country?
You can select alternative gateways, and PlugBooks will still consolidate transactions. - How can I track fees and payouts easily?
PlugBooks automatically categorizes fees, refunds, and payouts, giving you real-time insights.
In conclusion
So, does Stripe work with Shopify? Yes, but only in countries where Shopify Payments is offered. And yes, Stripe is the backbone of Shopify Payments, which makes payments easy, safe, and dependable.
Sellers may focus on building their stores instead of worrying about transactions because there are options for nations that don’t support them and programs like PlugBooks to help with bookkeeping.
The bottom line is that learning how to use Shopify and Stripe together and adding PlugBooks for bookkeeping is a definite way to save time, make fewer mistakes, and grow your business in a smart way.