Running a Shopify store in the UK comes with more than just a monthly plan fee. From transaction charges to hidden costs and third-party payment fees, the total cost can be surprisingly high—especially in 2025. This guide breaks it all down clearly and gives you smart ways to save. One of the most effective cost-saving tools for UK merchants is Pay by Bank, a new Open Banking-based method that offers ultra-low fees and instant payouts.
Shopify Pricing Plans in the UK (2025)
Shopify offers three main pricing tiers in the UK (monthly basis):
These prices exclude VAT and may be discounted with annual billing.
Shopify Transaction Fees (Third-Party Fees)
When using non-Shopify payment providers, Shopify charges additional transaction fees:
These are on top of any fees the payment provider charges.
Payment Method Fees: Klarna, PayPal, Shopify Payments & More
Payment method fees vary, and combining Shopify’s transaction fees with gateway charges can add up quickly.
Other Potential & Hidden Shopify Costs
- Apps: Premium apps range from £5 to £100+/month.
- Themes: Premium themes may cost £140–£300 one-time.
- Staff accounts: Limited by plan (e.g., only 2 staff on Basic).
- Currency conversion fees: For international payments.
- Payout delays: With traditional methods, payout times vary from 3–7 days.
- Chargeback fees: Typically £10–£15 per dispute.
How to Optimise Shopify Costs in the UK (2025)
Many sellers overlook payment processing as the largest cost centre. Here's how to optimise:
Use Shopify Payments if possible
It removes the extra transaction fee, though you're still subject to card charges (1.5–2.0%).
Switch to Open Banking / Pay-by-Bank
Wallid’s Pay-by-Bank app lets UK Shopify merchants accept direct bank payments via Open Banking—ideal for high-ticket or high-volume sales.
- Zero card fees
- Payouts in minutes
- Costs ~0,7% (vs. 2.9%+ with cards)
- No chargebacks
On a £200 order, you could save £4+ per transaction using Pay-by-Bank instead of PayPal or Klarna.
Summary: Shopify UK Fees Breakdown
Final Thoughts
While Shopify is a powerful platform, UK sellers in 2025 must look beyond plan pricing to understand the true cost of selling online. Apps, payment fees, and hidden charges can shrink margins quickly.
Wallid Pay-by-Bank is one of the smartest ways to reduce fees and get paid faster — ideal for scaling your Shopify store in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the cheapest Shopify plan in the UK?
The cheapest option is the Basic plan at £25/month (excluding VAT), perfect for small or newly launched businesses.
Does Shopify charge extra if I use PayPal or Klarna?
Yes. Shopify adds up to a 2% extra transaction fee if you’re not using Shopify Payments. This is in addition to PayPal or Klarna’s standard rates, which can exceed 3%.
How can I reduce my payment processing costs on Shopify?
Using Shopify Payments helps—but the most effective solution is to switch to an Open Banking provider like Wallid Pay-by-Bank, which offers fees around 0.7% + 25p and no card fees.
Is Pay-by-Bank safe and fast?
Yes. Wallid Pay-by-Bank uses regulated Open Banking APIs for secure, real-time payments. Payouts are nearly instant, and there are no chargebacks.
What are the hidden costs I should watch for?
Apps, paid themes, staff account limits, chargeback penalties, and currency conversion fees can all add up. Always account for these when projecting your Shopify operating costs.
Disclaimer: All pricing and fee information in this article is accurate as of May 2025 based on publicly available sources and estimates. Actual rates may vary depending on your Shopify plan, location, payment provider agreements, and transaction volume. Always verify the latest fees directly with Shopify or your payment provider.
