If you're using Shopify’s Advanced Plan, you're likely aware of the 1.5% + 25p transaction fee — but that doesn’t always reflect your real cost per transaction.
By examining actual UK merchant payouts, we reveal how fees fluctuate depending on order value and payment method, and how better understanding these costs can improve your margins.
⚠️ This article is based on live payout observations and general merchant data on 27.03.2025. It is for informational purposes and is not endorsed by Shopify.
Merchant Payout Examples (UK, Shopify Advanced Plan)
These numbers show that actual fees often differ from Shopify’s headline rate — and for lower order values, the percentage taken can rise sharply.
Understanding Order Value Impact
The flat 25p fee means smaller transactions carry a higher effective rate. Merchants with high-volume, low-ticket items (like accessories, samples, or low-cost goods) may be paying more than they realise.
As order size increases, the fixed component becomes less significant — but you’ll still encounter variations based on the type of card used and the payment method selected by the customer.
As order size increases, the fixed component becomes less significant — but you’ll still encounter variations based on the type of card used and the payment method selected by the customer.
Effective Fees by Tier (Advanced Plan – 1.5% + 25p)
Why Your Shopify Advance Plan Fee Isn’t Always 1.5%
Order Size: The smaller the cart, the more the 25p fee skews the total cost.
Card Type & Digital Wallet: Some cards (especially Amex) and services like Shop Pay or Google Pay carry additional interchange charges.
Settlement Timing: Standard Shopify payouts typically take 1–3 business days to arrive.
Card Type & Digital Wallet: Some cards (especially Amex) and services like Shop Pay or Google Pay carry additional interchange charges.
Settlement Timing: Standard Shopify payouts typically take 1–3 business days to arrive.
Bonus Tip: Consider Pay by Bank
If you’re seeking a more transparent, faster and cost-efficient way to get paid, explore Pay by Bank from Wallid. It works alongside your current Shopify checkout and offers:
No replacement of your checkout is required — simply add it like PayPal.
- Instant bank transfers
- Lower fees (from 0.7%)
- Built-in ID verification, no chargebacks
- Seamless express checkout with pre-filled details
No replacement of your checkout is required — simply add it like PayPal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What fees do I pay on the Shopify Advanced Plan in the UK?
A: The standard fee is 1.5% + £0.25 per transaction, but actual fees vary based on order size, card type, and payment method (like Google Pay or Shop Pay).
Q2: Why are small orders more expensive on the Advanced Plan?
A: The fixed £0.25 fee takes up a larger portion of the transaction on low-value orders. For example, a £20 order could carry a 2.75%+ effective fee.
Q3: How can I reduce payment fees on the Shopify Advanced Plan?
A: Use Pay by Bank from Wallid — it offers instant bank transfers, lower fees starting from 0.7%, no chargebacks, and seamless checkout integration.
A: The standard fee is 1.5% + £0.25 per transaction, but actual fees vary based on order size, card type, and payment method (like Google Pay or Shop Pay).
Q2: Why are small orders more expensive on the Advanced Plan?
A: The fixed £0.25 fee takes up a larger portion of the transaction on low-value orders. For example, a £20 order could carry a 2.75%+ effective fee.
Q3: How can I reduce payment fees on the Shopify Advanced Plan?
A: Use Pay by Bank from Wallid — it offers instant bank transfers, lower fees starting from 0.7%, no chargebacks, and seamless checkout integration.
