Why Does Your Checkout Experience Deserve an Upgrade?
Think about the last time you abandoned a cart. Odds are, it wasn’t because you changed your mind; it was probably the checkout. Long forms, extra steps, or missing payment options can kill conversions at the finish line.
If you’re running a growing Shopify store—or especially if you’re on Shopify Plus—it’s time to explore how a custom Shopify checkout can make all the difference not just in design, but in speed, trust, and revenue.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to customize Shopify checkout for your store, what tools you need, and what’s possible (and what’s not) on different Shopify plans.
What Is a Custom Shopify Checkout?
A custom Shopify checkout is a tailored version of the default Shopify checkout experience. It allows you to modify the design, layout, flow, and functionality to better reflect your brand—and, more importantly, optimize conversions.
With the right tools, you can:
- Add upsells and cross-sells
- Customize the layout and branding
- Integrate third-party apps and extensions
- Offer region-specific payment or shipping options
- Improve mobile experience
- Run A/B tests on checkout features
Whether you’re running flash sales, managing subscriptions, or launching globally, a custom checkout gives you the control you need to scale.
Who Can Customize the Shopify Checkout?
Here’s the catch: Most deep Shopify checkout customization features are available only on Shopify Plus, Shopify’s enterprise-grade solution.
If you’re not on Plus, your customization options are limited to:
- Fundamental branding changes (logo, colors)
- Editing checkout language
- Adding custom scripts with Shopify Functions (limited access)
- Adjusting fields with available apps
On Shopify Plus, however, you get full access to Checkout liquid (Shopify’s checkout templating file), as well as Shopify Functions and the ability to use Checkout Extensions—a powerful way to customize functionality without touching the core code.
Tools You’ll Need to Customize Shopify Checkout
If you want to take control of your checkout experience, here’s what you’ll need:
Shopify Plus Account
This unlocks access to the complete checkout code, extensions, and enterprise-level support.
Checkout Extensions Pro
Checkout Extensions Pro lets you build and manage custom upsell and cross-sell modules, layout changes, banners, and dynamic content without writing a single line of code.
Shopify Functions
Shopify Functions allow developers to write logic for discounts, shipping, and payment options directly within your checkout. Ideal for international retailers with customized pricing requirements.
Custom Apps or Scripts
You can also use third-party apps or Shopify Scripts to create custom promotions, shipping rules, and cart behaviors.
What Can You Customize in the Shopify Checkout?
Here are some of the most impactful areas you can customize in your Shopify checkout custom experience:
- Branding: Add your logo, brand colors, and trust badges.
- Layout: Reorganize steps, add info banners, or insert upsell sections.
- Fields: Add, remove, or reorder form fields to reduce friction.
- Shipping/Payment Options: Offer different methods based on region, cart value, or customer tag.
- Language: Localize your checkout in multiple languages.
4 Smart Shopify Checkout Customizations to Implement
- One-page checkout layout: Consolidates steps, streamlines flow, and reduces abandonment by up to 20%.
- Security badges & trust signals: Display SSL, payment symbols, and refund policies to calm buyers’ anxieties—data shows 18% abandon carts due to security concerns.
- Upsell & cross-sell options: Integrate apps like Checkout Extensions Pro to suggest complementary products near the order summary.
- Post-purchase offers: Advanced apps enable congratulatory upsells on Thank-You pages, enhancing the average order value.
Pro Tips for Shopify Checkout Custom Checkout
- Maintain a simple design by keeping the look uncluttered. You should have lots of contrast between sections and give extra weight to key buttons.
- Designed for mobiles: place deals in a central spot, ensure the page is simple, and let users scroll less.
- You can use Elevar or Shopify Pixels to learn at what point many customers leave your website.
- It is vital to comply with the rules: Give a clear and legal option for an SMS alert or text message during the checkout process.
Steps to Launch Your Custom Shopify Checkout
- Outline the goal: Increase conversion, reduce field friction, and display trust elements.
- Select your method: Shopify editor, app plugin, or Plus customizations
- Preview & test: Use draft checkout to ensure functionality
- Analyse performance: Monitor cart abandonment, conversion metrics
- Iterate smarter: Tweak based on real data—e.g., removing fields or A/B testing CTAs
Real-World Example: How Brands Use Custom Checkout
Let’s say you’re an international skincare brand. Your Shopify Plus store could:
- Show local shipping policies based on the customer’s country.
- Offer relevant product bundles (e.g., “Complete Skincare Kit”) during checkout.
- Display trust signals like “Over 1M customers served.”
- Simplify payment choices by showing only local currency gateways.
- Reduce cart abandonment by offering one-click checkout options for logged-in users.
All of this leads to one thing: higher conversions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcomplicating the checkout: Keep it simple and streamlined.
- Not testing changes: Always A/B test new layouts or features before going all-in.
- Skipping mobile optimization: Over 70% of traffic is mobile—your checkout must work flawlessly on all devices.
- Forgetting legal compliance: Ensure tax, GDPR, and accessibility features are in place, especially if you sell internationally.
How to Customize Without Shopify Plus?
Even without Plus, you can implement strong Shopify checkout customization:
- Remove extra checkout fields
- Customize buttons and colors, keep branding consistent
- Use basic apps to inject banners or forms
- Implement guest checkout and encourage account creation later
Final Thoughts: Why It’s Worth It
Shopify checkout customization helps customers trust your site, makes buying effortless, and eliminates difficulties. If increasing sales is your goal, a bespoke checkout can make a big difference to your earnings.
For example, Checkout Extensions Pro has made it very easy for everyone to add payment methods to their sites. Therefore, if you want to fine-tune your site’s design, suggest extra upsells, or tweak your order process, the steps are outlined here.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I customize the Shopify checkout without Shopify Plus?
Ans. Only fundamental changes, such as branding and text editing, are allowed. Full customization requires Shopify Plus. - Is Shopify checkout customization safe?
Ans. Yes, especially when using Checkout Extensions or Shopify-approved apps. Always test on staging environments first. - Do I need a developer to customize my checkout?
Ans. Not necessarily. Tools like Checkout Extensions Pro allow no-code customization, but advanced features may require developer help. - Can I A/B test different checkout versions?
Ans. Yes. Shopify Plus enables integrations with testing tools or custom code setups to test various layouts and messaging. - How does checkout customization affect speed?
Ans. Done right, it won’t slow you down. Poorly coded customizations, however, can increase load times—use trusted tools. - Can I add upsells to the Shopify checkout?
Ans. Yes, with apps like Checkout Extensions Pro, you can add smart upsells and cross-sells within the checkout flow.