The short answer
Shopify applies an additional transaction fee when you use a third-party gateway instead of its own payments product. That fee, typically 0.5% to 2% depending on plan, must be added to any competing quote before comparing — and at higher volumes a third-party processor can still win.
When third-party still wins
High-volume stores, businesses needing specific acquirers for their category, and merchants wanting one processor across in-store and online. Model total cost including Shopify's platform fee at your actual volume.
The multi-channel argument
Running the same processor for POS and online gives you one settlement, one statement and one effective rate to monitor. That operational simplicity has real value beyond the rate.
Key takeaways
- Always add Shopify's third-party transaction fee to competing quotes
- Higher volume changes the answer
- One processor across channels simplifies reconciliation
Want this checked against your own statement?
We are an independent agent — we shop every processor we work with and bring you the best deal for your profile. Free analysis, every fee named, back within 4 hours. Or call now and we will quote you on the phone.