Introduction
If you're running a Shopify store in the UK, your checkout experience can make or break your sales. A slow, clunky, or confusing checkout results in abandoned carts and lost revenue. This guide explores how to create a faster, simpler, and more secure checkout for UK customers using the latest tools — including Pay by Bank.
What is Shopify Checkout?
Shopify Checkout is the final step in your store’s sales funnel where customers confirm their purchase and submit payment. It includes:
- Shipping & delivery options
- Payment methods
- Final order review
For UK merchants, Shopify Checkout supports major card processors, Apple Pay, Shop Pay, and increasingly — open banking-based options like Pay by Bank.
Why Customers Abandon Shopify Checkout in the UK
The UK has:
- A high mobile checkout rate (over 60%)
- Strong consumer expectations for trust, speed, and security
- Open banking adoption enabling fast, secure A2A payments
Problems Merchants Face:
- High cart abandonment rates (avg. 70%)
- Slow checkout UX on mobile
- Payment failures or declines
A frictionless checkout solves these issues and boosts completion.
How to Optimise Shopify Checkout for Better Conversion Rates
Conversion isn’t just about the product — it’s about the path to purchase.
Best practices:
- Use one-step or express checkout (Shop Pay, Pay by Bank)
- Minimise required fields (auto-fill when possible)
- Show trust signals (payment logos, secure badges)
- Offer local payment methods (UK bank options)
Stat: UK merchants using Pay by Bank report up to 37% checkout completion uplift.
What Are the Best Express Checkout Options for Shopify UK?
Pay by Bank offers real-time account-to-account payments without card networks — ideal for UK checkout optimisation.
How to Reduce Shopify Checkout Friction and Abandonment
Friction points in checkout include:
- Multiple redirects (e.g., PayPal login)
- Declined card payments
- Missing autofill or mobile responsiveness
Fixes:
- Use native embedded payments (like Wallid Pay by Bank)
- Optimise checkout layout for mobile (Shopify’s 2024 UX updates help)
- Remove unnecessary steps or fields
How Secure Is Shopify Checkout and What Affects Payment Success?
Security is crucial, but it shouldn’t block conversions. UK customers expect:
- Verified payment methods (e.g., Face ID, fingerprint)
- Bank-level encryption (especially for open banking)
- No redirects to unknown pages
Pay by Bank provides:
- Verified identity (bank login)
- No card storage = fewer fraud risks
- 100% SCA-compliant
FAQ
What are the most common reasons customers abandon Shopify checkout?
Customers often leave due to slow page load times, unexpected costs at checkout, limited payment methods, or a complicated user interface.
How can I reduce checkout friction for mobile users?
Make sure your checkout is mobile-optimised. Use auto-fill, support express payment options like Shop Pay or Apple Pay, and avoid unnecessary fields.
What is a good Shopify checkout conversion rate in the UK?
It varies by industry, but most UK Shopify stores see 1.4–2.5%. Improving checkout speed, trust signals, and local payment options can help boost this.
What payment failures happen most on Shopify and why?
Common issues include expired cards, insufficient funds, or failed 3DS authentication. Using real-time payment methods like A2A reduces this risk.
Can I offer localised checkout experiences on Shopify?
Yes. Shopify allows you to offer different payment options based on region. For UK users, supporting bank transfers and local wallets is increasingly effective.
