Comparisons

Shopify UK and EU: Should You Use Pay-by-Bank or Shop Pay?

Choosing the right payment method for your Shopify UK and EU store isn’t just a technical decision—it directly impacts your fees, payout speed, and customer trust.
In this guide, we compare
  • Pay-by-Bank
    a low-cost, real-time payment method using open banking
  • Shop Pay
    Shopify’s native card wallet backed by Stripe
You’ll learn:
  • Which option offers instant vs delayed settlement
  • How transaction fees differ across plans
  • Why offering both options may maximize customer experience and profit

What Is Pay-by-Bank?

Pay-by-Bank enables customers to pay directly from their bank accounts via open banking rails. No cards, no intermediaries—just secure, real-time transfers. Tools like Wallid’s Pay-by-Bank app plug directly into your Shopify checkout and offer a frictionless experience.

Key Benefits
  • Low fees

    1% + 25p per transaction
  • Almost zero chargebacks

    Customer-initiated push payments
  • Instant settlement

    Funds arrive in seconds
  • Stronger cash flow

    Daily liquidity
  • Secure

    PSD2 compliant and bank-authenticated
Shopify mobile checkout with Wallid’s Pay-by-Bank payment method selected
Product card with Lotus Sneaker using Shop Pay button in checkout

What Is Shop Pay?

Shop Pay is Shopify’s native card payment method, available only when Shopify Payments is enabled. It routes card and wallet transactions (such as Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay) through Shopify’s own infrastructure, powered by Stripe.


Key Benefits
  • Card compatibility

    Supports all major credit and debit cards
  • Built-in with Shopify Payments

    No extra setup required
  • Centralised processing

    Managed fully within Shopify admin

What Is Shop Pay?

Shop Pay is Shopify’s native card payment method, available only when Shopify Payments is enabled. It routes card and wallet transactions (such as Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay) through Shopify’s own infrastructure, powered by Stripe.


Key Benefits
  • Card compatibility

    Supports all major credit and debit cards
  • Built-in with Shopify Payments

    No extra setup required
  • Centralised processing

    Managed fully within Shopify admin
Product card with Lotus Sneaker using Shop Pay button in checkout

Shopify Payments Plan-Based Fees

Shop Pay transactions are processed through Shopify Payments, and the fees vary depending on your Shopify subscription tier
Shopify Plan Card Rate (UK)
Basic Shopify 2.0% + 25p
Shopify 1.7% + 25p
Advanced Shopify 1.5% + 25p
Note: Fees may vary and are provided for informational purposes based on publicly available data. Last updated: 31.03.2025

Real Cost Comparison £100 Order Paid by Visa

Shopify Plan Shopify Payments Fee (Visa) Pay-by-Bank Fee
Basic £2.25 (2.0% + 25p) £1.25 (1% + 25p)
Grow£1.95 (1.7% + 25p)£1.25 (1% + 25p)
Advanced£1.75 (1.5% + 25p)£1.25 (1% + 25p)
Conclusion
For Shopify UK and EU merchants, Pay-by-Bank offers a clear cost advantage—especially for high-volume or margin-sensitive businesses.
  • Instant settlement boosts cash flow
  • Almost zero chargebacks reduce risk
  • Almost zero chargebacks reduce risk
While Shop Pay offers familiarity and card coverage, Pay-by-Bank's operational savings often outweigh the difference in pure cost.

Fraud, Chargebacks, and Settlement Speed: What Merchants Need to Know

  • Fraud Risk

    • Pay-by-Bank (Wallid): Low — secure authentication through customers' banks.
    • Shop Pay: Moderate — protected by Stripe but vulnerable to card fraud.
  • Chargebacks

    • Pay-by-Bank (Wallid): None — push-based payments can’t be reversed.
    • Shop Pay: Possible — subject to card network dispute rules.
  • Settlement Speed

    • Pay-by-Bank (Wallid): Instant — improves liquidity and cash flow.
    • Shop Pay: 3−5 business days — standard Shopify Payments delay.

Payment Methods Thoughts

Pay-by-Bank and Shop Pay serve distinct roles in your Shopify store’s payment strategy.
  • Pay-by-Bank

    offers a low-fee, real-time settlement option ideal for merchants focused on reducing transaction costs and improving cash flow.
  • Shop Pay

    (via Shopify Payments) supports traditional card transactions with centralised management and wide customer recognition.
Many UK and EU merchants benefit by offering both options: Pay-by-Bank for savings and efficiency, and Shop Pay for card coverage and familiarity.

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FAQ
Shop Pay vs Pay-by-Bank on Shopify
Yes, Pay-by-Bank typically charges 1% + 25p, while Shop Pay may range from 1.5% to 2.0% + 25p per transaction.
No, Pay-by-Bank uses push payments, which are irreversible.
Pay-by-Bank settles instantly; Shop Pay settles in 3–5 business days.
Yes, many merchants offer both to improve customer choice and cost control.