Looking to start selling on Shopify quickly and confidently? Setting up your payment gateway is one of the most critical steps — and luckily, it doesn’t have to take long! In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to set up Shopify Payments in under 15 minutes.
We’ll explain why Shopify Payments is better than third-party gateways, what information you need beforehand, and walk you step-by-step through the setup process. You’ll also learn how to handle common issues, optimise for global sales, and avoid costly mistakes.
Whether you’re just launching your Shopify store or switching from another provider, this guide covers everything you need to know to start accepting payments seamlessly.
Ready to set up Shopify Payments and grow your store? Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Why Choose Shopify Payments Over Third-Party Gateways?
- What Do You Need Before You Start the Setup?
- Step-by-Step Guide to Set Up Shopify Payments (Under 15 Minutes)
- Common Shopify Payments Issues and How to Fix Them
- How to Optimise Shopify Payments for Global Sales
- Conclusion
- FAQs
1. Why Choose Shopify Payments Over Third-Party Gateways?
When you open your Shopify store, one of the first decisions you face is: How will you accept payments?
While you can use third-party gateways like PayPal, Stripe, or Authorize.net, Shopify Payments offers some clear advantages.
Benefits of Shopify Payments:
| Feature | Shopify Payments | Third-Party Gateways |
| Fees | No additional transaction fees beyond standard credit card rates | Additional fees (usually 1-2% per transaction) |
| Setup | Quick and integrated into the Shopify admin | Separate account and integration required |
| Payouts | Managed within the Shopify dashboard | Managed externally |
| Customer Experience | Seamless checkout with fewer redirects | Often redirects customers away from your store |
By choosing Shopify Payments, you save money on fees, simplify your setup, and provide a smoother experience for your customers.
2. What Do You Need Before You Start the Setup?
Before you begin, gather the following details to ensure a quick and painless process.
Checklist Before Setting Up Shopify Payments:
Business Information:
- Legal business name
- Business address
- Phone number
Bank Account Details:
- Account number & routing number (for payouts)
Tax Details (if applicable):
- EIN (Employer Identification Number) for U.S. businesses
- VAT ID for European merchants
Identity Proof:
- A government-issued photo ID (like a passport or driver’s license)
Products You Sell:
- Be sure your products comply with Shopify’s Acceptable Use Policy. Certain items (like CBD or alcohol) may require special approval.
Having these ready means you can truly set up Shopify Payments in under 15 minutes!
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Set Up Shopify Payments (Under 15 Minutes)
Now, let’s get down to business. Follow these simple steps to activate Shopify Payments on your store:
Step 1: Log in to Your Shopify Admin
Head to your Shopify admin dashboard at shopify.com and log in.
Step 2: Navigate to Payments Settings
From your dashboard:
- Click Settings (bottom-left corner)
- Click on Payments
You’ll see several payment options here.
Step 3: Choose Shopify Payments
At the top, you’ll find Shopify Payments as the recommended option.
- Click Complete account setup.
Step 4: Enter Business & Banking Information
Fill in all required fields, including:
- Business type & details
- Banking info for payouts
- Tax details & proof of identity
Step 5: Save & Activate
Once everything is entered, review your details and click ‘Complete Setup’.
That’s it — your Shopify Payments account is live!
You can now accept:
– Major credit & debit cards
– Apple Pay
– Google Pay
– Shop Pay
Pro Tip: Test your checkout by placing a test order to ensure everything works smoothly.
4. Common Shopify Payments Issues and How to Fix Them
Even though the setup is simple, some merchants face hiccups. Here are common problems — and their solutions:
| Issue | Why It Happens | How to Fix It |
| Application Under Review | Shopify is verifying your business details | Be patient; provide any additional info if asked |
| Payments Are On Hold | Account verification is pending or suspicious activity | Check your email for Shopify’s request and respond |
| Bank Account Rejected | Incorrect or mismatched banking details | Double-check account/routing numbers |
| Ineligible Products | Your products violate Shopify’s policies | Review the Acceptable Use Policy and adjust the inventory |
If you run into issues you can’t solve, reach out to Shopify Support — they’re responsive and helpful.
5. How to Optimise Shopify Payments for Global Sales
Once you’ve set up Shopify Payments, you can take it a step further by optimising it for international customers.
Here’s how to make the most of Shopify Payments globally:
Enable Multiple Currencies
- Go to Settings > Payments > Shopify Payments
- Turn on Multiple Currencies
- Customers will see prices and pay in their local currency.
Offer Local Payment Methods
Shopify Payments supports regional payment methods:
| Region | Popular Methods |
| Europe | Sofort, iDEAL, Bancontact |
| Asia | GrabPay |
| North America | Shop Pay, Apple Pay |
Set Up International Pricing
You can adjust product prices by country/region to remain competitive globally.
Enable Fraud Prevention
Shopify Payments includes fraud analysis tools — turn them on to protect against chargebacks.
By enabling these global features, you can expand your customer base without extra plugins or costs.
6. Conclusion
Setting up Shopify Payments is one of the quickest — and smartest — things you can do to start selling online confidently. Within just 15 minutes, you can:
- Activate a seamless, integrated payment solution
- Save on extra transaction fees
- Offer a smooth checkout experience to customers
- Support global sales effortlessly
If you want help setting up or optimising your Shopify store further, the team at HiddenTechies is here to help. From payment gateways to custom themes and integrations — we’ve got your back.
7. FAQs
1. Is Shopify Payments free to set up?
Yes, there’s no additional charge to use Shopify Payments. You only pay the standard credit card processing fees.
2. Can I use Shopify Payments and PayPal together?
Absolutely. You can offer both Shopify Payments and PayPal to give customers more choices.
3. What are the processing fees with Shopify Payments?
Fees depend on your Shopify plan and location. Typically around 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction for online sales.
4. Can I sell internationally with Shopify Payments?
Yes, Shopify Payments supports multiple currencies and local payment methods.
5. Why was my Shopify Payments account put on hold?
It usually happens when Shopify needs to verify more information about your business. Respond to their email promptly to resolve it.


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