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Shopify Subscriptions app eligibility considerations

On this page, you can find details on theme compatibility, payment gateway options, subscription considerations, staff permissions, and card auto updater features for the Shopify Subscriptions app.

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Considerations for subscription products

Review the following considerations for using subscription products on your store.

  • Subscription products are supported only on the online store, Shopify POS, Shop, and custom storefront sales channels.
  • Automatic discounts that you create in the Discounts section of your Shopify admin can be applied to subscription orders, ensuring that each order receives the specified discount.
  • Shopify Scripts that apply discounts to subscription costs or shipping rates apply only to the first payment.
  • Gift cards that are used to pay for subscriptions apply only to the first payment.
  • Subscriptions can't be used with draft orders.
  • You must use one of the supported payment gateways for subscriptions.
  • Customers can't use local payment methods to purchase subscriptions.
  • Customer payment information is stored securely by Shopify. You can't access your customers' full credit card information after it's been entered.
  • Customers are billed for their purchase the day after the subscription is due at 10:00 am in your store's local time.
  • You can use shipping and delivery options to deliver subscription orders, including local delivery and pickup in store.
  • The order edits API doesn't support subscriptions.
  • Bundles aren't compatible with the Shopify Subscriptions app.
  • Users require a role with the apps and sales channels store permission to access subscription app.

Supported subscription product payment gateways

To use the Shopify Subscriptions app, your store must use one of the following payment gateways:

Payment gateway availability varies by region and terms of service.

Shopify Payments

Consider the following benefits and limitations of using Shopify Payments with the Shopify Subscriptions app:

  • Automatic card updates reduce payment failures or declines, especially when customers receive new cards.
  • Customers can use accelerated checkouts, such as Shop Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or PayPal, to purchase subscriptions.
  • Customers can use only Shop Pay on some stores.
  • Apple Pay support for subscriptions is limited to Visa and Mastercard.

PayPal Express

Consider the following benefits and limitations of using PayPal Express with the Shopify Subscriptions app:

  • Customers can use the PayPal Express gateway and PayPal as a wallet option.
  • Third-party transaction fees are charged if Shopify Payments isn't activated on your store.

Authorize.net

Consider the following benefits and limitations of using Authorize.net with the Shopify Subscriptions app:

  • PayPal is the only wallet option available to customers. Google Pay and Apple Pay aren't supported.

Stripe

Consider the following benefits and limitations of using Stripe with the Shopify Subscriptions app:

  • Available only to select merchants.
  • You might be able to use Stripe as a wallet option if your store can't use Shopify Payments.

Card auto updater for Shopify Payments

When a customer's card expires or is replaced, automatic card updates might be supported for Shopify Payments or other payment gateways.

Shopify Payments integration

  • Automatic card updates: Shopify Payments collaborates with major card networks to automatically update saved card details when customers receive new cards.
  • Benefits:
    • Reduces the likelihood of payment failures or declines.
    • Minimizes the need for you to collect new card details when a card is replaced.
  • Availability: Automatic card updates are widely supported in the United States for major card networks, with international support varying.

Other supported payment gateways

If you use another supported gateway, then you might need customers to update their payment details manually to continue being charged. You should confirm with your payment gateway whether you can automatically receive updated payment details from major card networks.

Theme compatibility

To display subscription products on your store, your theme must be compatible with sections and blocks.

The following free Shopify themes are supported:

Learn more about theme versions.