Shopify Express Checkout: Fast & Easy Setup in 2025
Introduction
Today’s online shoppers expect speed — especially at checkout.
If your checkout process takes too long, they bounce. That’s why Shopify Express Checkout is a game changer.
This feature allows customers to skip the long checkout form and use saved details from Shop Pay, PayPal, Apple Pay, and others — making it incredibly fast and easy to buy.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to:
- Enable Express Checkout in Shopify
- Set up PayPal Express Checkout on Shopify
- Customize the checkout buttons
- Understand how it impacts conversions
- Create an experience like Shopify’s own fast checkout
Let’s get started and turn your store into a sales machine.
Table of Contents
What Is Shopify Express Checkout?
Shopify Express Checkout refers to the accelerated checkout options shown on the first page of your checkout (or even directly from the cart or product page). These include:
- Shop Pay
- PayPal Express Checkout
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Meta Pay (Facebook/Instagram checkout)
When enabled, these fast options allow customers to:
Skip typing in address & payment info
Use stored payment methods
Check out in seconds
It’s one of the easiest ways to reduce cart abandonment.
Shopify Express Checkout Options Explained
1. Shop Pay (Default for Shopify)
- Fastest and most optimized for Shopify
- Stores shipping, billing, and card info
- Sends SMS for confirmation
- Works on mobile and desktop
2. PayPal Express Checkout Shopify
- Available globally
- Redirects to PayPal login for fast payment
- Supports cards and PayPal balance
3. Apple Pay & Google Pay
- Works based on device/browser
- Requires setup via Shopify Payments
- Extremely fast for mobile shoppers
4. Meta Pay (Optional)
- For stores integrated with Facebook/Instagram
- Checkout within social media platforms
How to Enable Express Checkout in Shopify
Follow these steps to enable Shopify Express Checkout methods:
Step 1: Activate Shopify Payments
- Go to Settings → Payments
- Set up Shopify Payments
- Enable Shop Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay
Step 2: Connect PayPal
- Still under Settings → Payments
- Activate PayPal Express Checkout
- Shopify creates a PayPal Express Checkout link automatically
Step 3: Test Your Checkout
- Visit your site in incognito mode
- Add a product to cart
- On checkout, you’ll now see fast checkout buttons above the form
Done! You now have express checkout Shopify setup.
Why Use Express Checkout in Shopify?
Speed = Sales
The faster the checkout, the lower the bounce rate.
Express options reduce checkout time from 90 seconds to as little as 5 seconds.
Mobile Friendly
Customers using phones prefer Shop Pay, Google Pay, and Apple Pay due to thumb-friendly one-tap payments.
Increased Trust
Recognizable payment methods like PayPal and Shop Pay build trust, especially with new shoppers.
More Conversions
Stores using Shopify fast checkout options often see 10-30% higher conversion rates, especially on mobile.
Customize Express Checkout Buttons
Want to style or remove certain express options?
You can’t move the buttons without Shopify Plus, but you can:
- Enable/disable certain wallets (e.g., remove Apple Pay)
- Add “Buy Now” buttons on product pages via your theme settings
- Use apps like Checkout Extensions (Shopify Plus only) for full control
Test Express Checkout Before Going Live
Always test your setup to ensure payments and shipping settings work as expected:
How to Test:
- Use a different browser/device
- Add product to cart
- Select Shop Pay or PayPal Express Checkout Shopify
- Complete test transaction
- Check if confirmation emails and order data appear correctly
Need to run a full test without real money? Use Bogus Gateway (see our full guide: How to Test Shopify Checkout).
Best Practices for Shopify Fast Checkout
- Use Express Checkout on Product Pages: Add a “Buy Now” or “Checkout” button directly on product pages.
- Test on mobile: Ensure all wallet options are visible and working.
- Track with analytics: Use Shopify Analytics or Google Analytics to measure express checkout usage.
- Keep payment methods updated: Reconnect if PayPal or Stripe accounts are changed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Express Checkout available on all Shopify plans?
Yes, even Basic Shopify stores can enable Shop Pay, PayPal, and Apple Pay.
Can I customize the order of express buttons?
No, not unless you’re on Shopify Plus. The order is handled by Shopify and browser/device logic.
What’s the difference between Shop Pay and PayPal Express Checkout?
- Shop Pay stays within your store
- PayPal Express redirects to PayPal login
Both are fast and trusted.
Why don’t I see all express buttons?
They appear based on browser, device, and user login status. For example, Apple Pay only shows on Safari with a linked Apple Wallet.
Can I disable Express Checkout completely?
Yes, but not recommended. Go to Settings → Payments and disable the wallets you don’t want.
Final Thoughts
Shopify Express Checkout is one of the easiest ways to boost your store’s conversion rate.
It removes friction, speeds up checkout, and gives your customers more trusted payment choices — like Shop Pay and PayPal Express Checkout.
If you’re not using Shopify fast checkout, you’re likely losing sales — especially on mobile.
Set it up, test it, and start selling faster.
