Best Payment App for Shopify

When running a Shopify store, one of the most important things to get right is how customers pay for their purchases. If the checkout process is unclear or complicated, potential buyers might leave without finishing their order.

Offering several payment options and easy ways to split or delay payments can help boost sales and keep customers happier.

This is where payment apps come in. By installing a dedicated payment app, you can provide more convenient choices at checkout, making the shopping experience smoother for your customers.

Below, we’ll review the basics of what payment apps for Shopify are and the key points you should consider when choosing one.

After that, you’ll find a list of some of the best payment apps available, with short overviews, pricing details, and lists of advantages and disadvantages, along with advice on which type of store might benefit the most. Since every store is different, it’s important to choose one that fits your specific audience and business model.

What It Is

A payment app for Shopify is an add-on that improves or replaces Shopify’s standard checkout options.

These apps often include extra features, such as splitting the bill between multiple payers, accepting partial deposits for expensive items, or showing customers how much they can pay in each installment.

For an online retailer, these extras can help convert more visitors into buyers because flexible payment options can make customers more comfortable with bigger purchases or trying your store for the first time.

What Are Key Aspects

When choosing a payment app, consider these main points:

1. Ease of Use: Both you and your customers should find the app simple. A complicated checkout process can drive people away.
2. Customization: Some apps let you adjust the branding, colors, and messages, which helps maintain your store’s look.
3. Pricing: Many apps offer free trial periods or free plans but check for any commissions, transaction fees, or premium features.
4. Compatibility: Ensure the payment app works well with your existing theme and other apps to avoid technical issues later.
5. Support for Various Payment Methods: The best payment apps let you accept credit cards, debit cards, local payment options, and even pay-later choices.

Considering these factors can help you select a payment app that is not only technically sound but also flexible, affordable, and easy for customers to use.

The 9 Best Payment Apps for Shopify

Below is a curated list of top payment apps you can consider for your Shopify store. Each one comes with a brief overview, pricing details, and quick lists of benefits and drawbacks, plus a note on which type of store might get the most out of it.

1. SPD Split Payment & Deposit (best for flexible checkout on big-ticket items)

This app focuses on offering the option to split payments or set up deposits and delayed payment alternatives.

It provides features that can be very helpful for stores selling high-priced products by allowing customers to pay in parts.

Price: Free trial available

PROS

• Supports multiple partial payments
• User-friendly interface
• May reduce cart abandonment on expensive orders

CONS

• Less appealing for stores selling only low-priced products
• Requires some initial setup to match your store’s look

Best for: Stores that sell more expensive items and want to let customers pay in installments.

2. Downpay: Deposits Made Simple (best for partial deposits for new product launches)

Downpay offers a flexible way to collect down payments from customers. If you’re selling pre-orders or custom-made goods, it helps ease customer concerns by only asking for a partial deposit.

Splitting the payment can make customers more willing to buy because they don’t have to pay the full amount right away.

Price: Free trial available

PROS

• Works well for handling pre-orders
• Easy to set up and manage
• Decreases the upfront financial burden for customers

CONS

• Installment terms may feel a bit rigid for some types of products
• May require extra communication with customers about final payments

Best for: Shops launching new products or offering made-to-order items that require an initial deposit.

3. Sezzle Widget (best for interest-free installment shoppers)

Sezzle Widget helps add pay-over-time options and installment information to your store.

By making it clear that purchases can be split into smaller payments, it encourages customers to add products to their cart without worrying about the entire cost immediately.

Price: Free

PROS

• Can increase the total value of each order
• Provides a clean user experience
• Offers interest-free installments

CONS

• Only available in countries where Sezzle is supported
• Adds an extra step for customers who are not familiar with Sezzle

Best for: Stores targeting budget-sensitive customers who appreciate splitting costs without incurring interest.

4. Lay‑Buys Virtual Terminal (best for layaway-friendly stores)

Lay-Buys Virtual Terminal makes it possible to offer layaway payment options.

Customers can pay a portion upfront and then continue with smaller, scheduled payments over time. This app works well for merchants who want to integrate a layaway program directly into their Shopify storefront.

Price: Free

PROS

• Provides a straightforward layaway solution
• Comes with automated reminders and payment schedules
• May improve the conversion rate for higher-priced products

CONS

• May need clear communication for customers who are new to layaway
• The interface may not be as modern as some newer apps

Best for: Merchants who frequently work with customers needing a layaway plan for costly items.

5. Razorpay Affordability Widget (best for EMI highlights on product pages)

Razorpay Affordability Widget shows EMI and other special offers directly on your product pages.

It integrates with Razorpay’s payment gateway, which is widely used in many regions. This widget helps customers decide faster when they realize they don’t have to pay the full amount immediately.

Price: Free

PROS

• Displays EMI options clearly on product pages
• Easy to integrate
• Helps increase order values by highlighting financing options

CONS

• Mainly for customers in regions where Razorpay operates
• Matching the branding may need extra coding work

Best for: Stores selling mid to high-priced items that want to feature EMI or installment choices right on product pages.

6. Deposit & Partial Payment Depo (best for pay-later friendly shops)

Deposit & Partial Payment Depo lets you take a small part of the total cost upfront and arrange the remaining balance for later.

This setup can boost sales for products that involve production time or custom builds because customers only pay a portion initially.

Price: Free plan available

PROS

• Works well for pre-orders and custom products
• Enables straightforward scheduling of payments
• Beneficial for customers budget-conscious about their purchases

CONS

• May not be the best fit for stores with low average order values
• Regular partial payment updates may require extra attention

Best for: Shops that favor a pay-later approach or rely on pre-order strategies, such as custom clothing or furniture stores.

7. Scala Parcelamento Installment (best for displaying flexible installment plans)

Scala Parcelamento Installment is designed to clearly show installment and pay-over-time plans.

It can be useful in markets where paying in installments is common. Customers can see the breakdown of costs upfront, which may encourage them to complete the purchase.

Price: Free trial available

PROS

• Provides detailed installment information at a glance
• Can help increase conversion rates in markets used to installment shopping
• Shows clear monthly or weekly cost breakdowns

CONS

• May be less necessary for stores focused on lower-priced items
• Some advanced customizations might take additional time

Best for: Merchants in markets where paying in installments is typical, such as in regions familiar with recurring billing.

8. SpurIT Installment Invoices (best for recurring invoices on large orders)

SpurIT Installment Invoices lets you create several invoices for one order, allowing customers to pay in smaller portions.

This approach gives you better control over billing schedules while offering customers more ways to manage their payments. The app’s design focuses on clarity, making installment management straightforward.

Price: Free

PROS

• Provides a simple system for installment invoices
• Keeps clear records for each partial payment
• Can reduce questions from customer service regarding invoices

CONS

• Not as visually attractive as some other solutions
• The free version may lack advanced branding options

Best for: Stores selling higher-value items that benefit from detailed invoicing, such as equipment or specialized goods.

9. Clearpay On‑Site Messaging (best for buy-now-pay-later messaging)

Clearpay On-Site Messaging displays a buy-now-pay-later option directly on your product pages.

It immediately shows customers that they can spread the cost over several weeks. This feature not only may increase the average order value but also can appeal to shoppers who prefer flexible payment schedules.

Price: Free

PROS

• Provides an easy way to highlight pay-later options
• Can encourage quick decisions by lowering the perceived immediate cost
• Recognized as Afterpay in certain regions

CONS

• Works primarily in areas where Clearpay (Afterpay) is available
• Not every product may qualify for BNPL depending on the region

Best for: Stores that want to feature the buy-now-pay-later option immediately on product pages, especially in markets familiar with Clearpay.

Comparison of Shopify Payment Apps

This table provides a comparison of payment apps for Shopify based on their best use cases and main features.

This overview highlights the top payment apps for Shopify, outlining their best use cases and standout features.

FAQ: Shopify payment apps

This section answers common questions about Shopify payment apps to help you choose the right one for your store.

What is a Shopify payment app?

A Shopify payment app enhances or replaces the default checkout process by offering additional payment options, such as installment plans, deposits, and buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) solutions.

Why should I use a third-party payment app?

Third-party payment apps allow you to offer more flexible payment solutions, improve customer conversion rates, and cater to buyers who prefer customized installment or deposit options.

Which payment app is best for high-ticket items?

Apps like SPD Split Payment & Deposit or Lay-Buys Virtual Terminal are ideal for expensive products, as they let customers split payments into smaller portions.

Do these apps charge extra fees?

Some apps offer free plans, while others may have transaction fees, commissions, or premium features that require additional costs. Always check pricing details before choosing one.

Will payment apps work with all Shopify themes?

Most payment apps are designed to be broadly compatible, but it’s always best to verify whether an app integrates smoothly with your specific Shopify theme and other plugins.