Managing cash flow is one of the biggest challenges for ecommerce businesses. To help merchants cover everyday expenses without relying on traditional banks, Shopify introduced Shopify Credit, a business credit card built exclusively for Shopify sellers.
But what exactly is Shopify Credit, how does it work, and is it actually worth using for your store in 2026?
This guide breaks everything down clearly, from eligibility and rewards to real pros and cons, so you can decide if Shopify Credit makes sense for your business.
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Quick Summary: Shopify Credit at a Glance
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What it is: A pay-in-full business credit card for Shopify merchants
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Interest & fees: No interest, no annual fees
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Rewards: Up to 3% cashback on eligible spending
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Availability: United States only
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Best for: Merchants who want short-term flexibility and cashback on business expenses
What Is Shopify Credit?
Shopify Credit is a business credit card designed specifically for Shopify merchants. Unlike traditional business credit cards, it does not charge interest. Instead, you must pay off your full balance each month.
The card is powered by Stripe, issued by Celtic Bank, and accepted everywhere Visa is supported. Shopify Credit is part of Shopify’s growing ecosystem of financial tools aimed at helping merchants manage expenses and scale faster.
In simple terms:
Shopify Credit lets you spend on business needs today and pay later without interest while earning cashback rewards.
How Shopify Credit Works
Shopify Credit follows a pay-in-full monthly model, which is different from most traditional credit cards.
Here’s how it works:
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You make purchases using your Shopify Credit card (physical or virtual).
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All spending is tracked inside your Shopify admin.
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A statement is generated at the start of each month.
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Your full balance is automatically paid from your linked bank account.
Payment Flexibility
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You can get up to 56 days to pay for purchases, depending on when they are made.
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There are no minimum payments the full balance is due each cycle.
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You can also make manual payments before the automatic withdrawal.
This structure eliminates interest but requires disciplined cash flow management.
Key Features of Shopify Credit
Shopify Credit stands out because it’s tightly integrated with the Shopify platform.
No Interest or Fees
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No interest charges
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No annual fees
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No foreign transaction fees
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No setup fees
Cashback Rewards
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Earn up to 3% cashback on your top eligible spending category each month
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Earn 1% cashback on all other eligible spending
No Credit Checks
Approval is based on your Shopify store’s performance, not your personal credit score.
Tailored Credit Limits
Your credit limit is customized based on sales volume and store activity.
Physical and Virtual Cards
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Use a virtual card for online purchases
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Order physical cards for in-store or team use
Visa Acceptance & Security
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Accepted worldwide wherever Visa is supported
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Fraud protection and zero-liability coverage
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Ability to freeze or lock cards instantly
Shopify Credit Eligibility Requirements
Shopify Credit is not available to everyone. To qualify, your business must meet specific criteria.
You must have:
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An active Shopify Payments account
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A linked and verified US bank account
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A single Shopify store (multi-store businesses are not eligible)
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Two-step authentication enabled
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A valid US Social Security Number
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A store based in the United States or Puerto Rico
If you’re eligible, Shopify will show an invitation inside your Shopify admin under the Finance section.
How to Apply for Shopify Credit
Applying for Shopify Credit is fast and fully online.
Step-by-step process:
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Log in to your Shopify admin
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Go to Finances → Credit
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Click Apply Now
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Review the terms and agreements
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Enter required details (including SSN)
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Submit your application
Most merchants receive a decision within seconds or minutes.
Shopify Credit Rewards Explained
One of the biggest advantages of Shopify Credit is cashback on everyday business expenses.
Cashback Structure
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3% cashback on your highest eligible spending category each month (up to $100,000 per year)
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1% cashback on all other eligible spending
The annual cashback cap resets each year on the anniversary of your account activation.
Example:
If you spend $10,000 on advertising in a month:
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Cashback earned: $300
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Annual potential: Up to $3,000 per $100,000 spent
Eligible Cashback Categories
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Marketing & advertising: Google Ads, Meta, TikTok, Pinterest, Klaviyo, Mailchimp, Shopify Email
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Shipping & fulfillment: UPS, USPS, DHL, ShipStation, Shippo, Shopify Fulfillment Network
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Wholesale: Faire (with more categories expected in the future)
Not all purchases qualify, so it’s important to review Shopify’s official cashback list.
Shopify Credit Pros and Cons
Pros
| Advantage | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| No interest or annual fees | You only pay what you spend, with no hidden costs. |
| No credit checks | Approval is based on store performance, not personal credit. |
| Cashback rewards | Earn up to 3% cashback on eligible business expenses. |
| Built for Shopify merchants | Fully integrated with your Shopify admin. |
Cons
| Limitation | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Full balance due monthly | Not suitable for long-term financing. |
| US-only availability | Not accessible to global merchants. |
| Limited cashback categories | Not all business expenses qualify for rewards. |
| Not ideal for large purchases | Better for operating costs than major investments. |
Shopify Credit vs Shopify Capital
Many merchants confuse Shopify Credit with Shopify Capital, but they serve different purposes.
| Feature | Shopify Credit | Shopify Capital |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Credit card | Loan / cash advance |
| Repayment | Monthly pay-in-full | Percentage of daily sales |
| Interest | None | Fixed borrowing cost |
| Rewards | Cashback | No rewards |
| Best for | Operating expenses | Growth investments |
In short:
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Use Shopify Credit for ads, shipping, and tools
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Use Shopify Capital for inventory, expansion, or major upgrades
Is Shopify Credit Worth It?
Shopify Credit is worth it if you can pay your balance in full every month and regularly spend on eligible categories like advertising and fulfillment.
Best for:
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Growing Shopify stores with consistent revenue
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Merchants spending heavily on ads and shipping
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Business owners who want cashback without interest
Not ideal for:
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Stores with unpredictable cash flow
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Merchants needing long-term financing
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Non-US businesses
Shopify Credit FAQs
Is Shopify Credit free?
Yes. There are no annual fees, interest charges, or setup costs.
Does Shopify Credit affect your credit score?
Shopify does not rely on traditional credit checks, but policies may change. Always review current terms.
Can non-US merchants apply?
No. Shopify Credit is currently available only in the United States and Puerto Rico.
What happens if a payment fails?
If your payment fails, Shopify may restrict card usage until the balance is settled.
Can I issue cards to my team?
Yes. You can create and manage multiple cards with custom spending limits.
Is Shopify Credit better than a traditional business credit card?
It depends. Shopify Credit is better for short-term flexibility and cashback, while traditional cards may offer longer repayment options.
Final Thoughts
Shopify Credit is a powerful financial tool when used correctly. It offers interest-free flexibility, seamless Shopify integration, and meaningful cashback rewards for everyday business spending.
However, because balances must be paid in full each month, it’s best suited for merchants with stable cash flow and disciplined financial management.
If you qualify, Shopify Credit is absolutely worth evaluating but always compare it with other financing options before committing.