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Shopify Pricing In Canada: All The Associated & Hidden Costs

Sam|
April 26, 2025|
20 min read

In Canada, Shopify pricing starts from 7 CAD/month to over 2,600 CAD/month with five plans available.

This comprehensive guide will delve deeper into Shopify pricing in Canada, breaking down all the subscription plans it currently offers online merchants and all the additional costs associated with running your online store.

Key Takeaways

  • Shopify offers five subscription plans tailored to Canadian businesses, from the budget-friendly Starter plan to the feature-rich Shopify Plus.
  • Beyond the core pricing plan, be mindful of additional costs, including credit card processing fees, app charges, domain registration, and theme purchases, as they collectively shape your overall budget.

Shopify Plans In Canada: Overview

Shopify costs Canada include not only the monthly subscription fees but also transaction charges, app costs, and potential theme expenses. Before diving into the finer details, let’s review the key components of Shopify’s pricing structure in Canada that merchants should notice.

As an e-commerce platform, the price lies most on the essential elements of Shopify plans, including subscription fees, free trial offerings, billing frequencies, credit card rates, and shipping discounts.

Shopify Pricing Plans In Canada: Overview
Plans Subscription fees per month Credit card rates Transaction fees(for all third-party payment providers) Shipping discounts
Monthly bill Yearly bill (save 25%) Online In-person
Starter 7 CAD   5% + 30¢ 5% + 0¢ CAD 5.0% Discounted shipping rates from from Canada Post
Basic 51 CAD 38 CAD 2.9% + 30¢ CAD 2.7% + 0¢ CAD 2.0% Up to 45% discount from Canada Post
Shopify 132 CAD 99 CAD 2.7% + 30¢ CAD 2.6% + 0¢ CAD 1.0% Up to 50% discount from Canada Post
Advanced 517 CAD 389 CAD 2.4% + 30¢ CAD 2.4% + 0¢ CAD 0.5% Up to 53% discount from Canada Post
Plus From 2,600 CAD   Custom Custom 0.15% Custom

More specifically, for those who use the online international or Amex credit card, the rate will range from 3.3% to 3.5% + 30¢ CAD for the three main plans (Basic, Shopify, and Advanced).

In Canada, Shopify’s cost structure also comes with perks such as the ability to sign up for a 3-day free trial and a special deal of just $3 for the three months ($1 for each month). 

For businesses with a physical presence, Shopify’s “Retail” package, at 119 CAD/month, offers a powerful point-of-sale (POS) system. This solution allows you to seamlessly integrate your online and in-store sales operations.

Additionally, the cost of available apps and extensions on the Shopify App Store varies significantly, with prices starting as low as 6 CAD per month for basic apps to a few hundred CAD dollars for advanced apps. A premium theme’s price for your store can range from approximately 150 USD to nearly 400 USD for a one-time payment.

Is Shopify Pricing Canada Different From Other Places In The World?

Yes, while Shopify pricing in Canada may differ from other regions due to factors like currency exchange rates, local taxes, and payment processing fees, its overall pricing structure remains similar to that in other regions like the UK, Australia, South Africa and USA.

Shopify Pricing Canada

One key consideration for Canadian Shopify merchants is the exchange rate between the Canadian Dollar (CAD) and the United States Dollar (USD). Currently, the Canadian dollar (CAD) is weaker than the US dollar (USD). This means that when pricing is converted from USD to CAD, the equivalent cost for a Shopify plan in Canada may appear higher.

Another factor contributing to the perceived price differences between Canada and the United States is regional taxation. Tax regulations can vary significantly between countries and regions, affecting the final cost of Shopify plans and services.

While this can create the perception of a price difference, it’s important to note that it’s often the result of currency valuation rather than actual changes in the plan’s cost. 

Shopify Subscription Plans In Canada

Starter

The Shopify Starter Plan costs a budget-friendly 7 CAD per month. Merchants can sell on social media, marketplaces, messaging apps, and in person.

With this affordable option, merchants can get:

  • A simple online store including product pages, a contact page, and Shopify’s fast and secure checkout
  • A mobile POS to sell in person anywhere and accept payments with just your smartphone
  • Linkpop, the link in bio tool designed for commerce
  • Access to Shopify apps
  • Shopify order management and integrated fulfillment network
  • 24/7 customer support ensures timely assistance with inquiries and issues.

The Shopify Starter plan caters to budding merchants embarking on their e-commerce journey, aiming to reach customers via social media and messaging apps while enjoying the simplicity of a streamlined online store.

Basic

One of the three main plans of Shopify, which is also the most popular choice of this platform, is the Basic plan.

The plan costs 49 CAD per month for the monthly bill and 37 CAD per month for the annual bill. Under this plan, online transactions incur a per-transaction credit card rate of 2.9% plus 0.30 CAD, while in-person purchases are subject to a 2.7% fee.

The Basic Plan marks the essential and comprehensive entry level for dedicated online store owners. It includes:

  • A full-function online store
  • 5 additional staff accounts
  • List and sell an unlimited number of products
  • Sell on multiple sales channels, including marketplaces and social media
  • Abandoned cart recovery
  • Up to 45% shipping discount

As the most fundamental plan, it’s ideal for those either launching a new online store or enhancing an existing one. It particularly suits small businesses aiming to establish a robust online store with versatile selling options, such as dropshipping.

Shopify Grow

The Shopify plan is set at 132 CAD per month, but this can be reduced to 99 CAD per month if you opt for the annual payment option. This plan entails a credit card rate of 2.7% + 0.30 CAD per transaction for online sales. For in-person card transactions, the fee stands at 2.6%.

The Shopify Grow plan encompasses all the features and offerings found in the Basic plan, plus

  • Five additional staff accounts.
  • Up to 50% shipping discounts 
  • Shipping insurance when using Shopify Payments adds an extra layer of protection for shipments.

The basic plan provides an excellent opportunity for growing businesses seeking to enhance their online presence and broaden their sales channels. It can handle the operation and management of high-volume stores.

Advanced

The Shopify Advanced plan in Canada is priced at 517 CAD per month, but it drops to 389 CAD per month when billed annually, offering significant cost savings. Online credit card rates for this plan are set at 2.4% per transaction, with an additional 0.30 CAD charge. The in-person transaction fee is also at 2.4%

The Shopify Advanced plan is tailored for businesses operating in both online and physical spaces. It includes all features of the Shopify plan and:

  • 15 additional staff accounts
  • Enhanced 24/7 live chat
  • Custom reports and analytics
  • 10x check-out capacity
  • Support for third-party calculated shipping rates, providing precise shipping cost calculations.
  • Up to 53% shipping discounts
  • Collecting duties and import taxes at the checkout streamlines the international sales process.

It is an ideal choice for established businesses with high-volume sales, extensive teams, and advanced e-commerce needs. It offers features and capabilities suited for scaling operations and streamlining complex tasks, making it an excellent fit for enterprises aiming to achieve substantial growth.

Plus

The Shopify Plus plan, tailored for enterprise-level businesses, costs 2,600+ CAD per month and provides an extensive range of premium features. Credit card rates and transaction fees are custom.

With this top-tier plan, users can get:

  • The option to host and manage ten stores using one account
  •  Fully customizable checkout
  • Headless commerce
  • Guaranteed server uptime
  • Enhanced API access
  • ‘White glove’ level of support via a dedicated ‘Merchant Success’ program
  • Access to more apps and integrations
  • More sophisticated options for selling in multiple currencies
  • Advanced sales automation tools
  • Access to premium training resources, like the ‘Shopify Plus Academy.’
  • Integrated   Shopify POS Pro for comprehensive in-store solutions

Shopify Plus caters to merchants with exceptionally high online sales volume, demanding higher store location limits, substantial budgets, and a need for streamlined workflow automation. It’s a premium solution designed to meet the complex needs of large-scale e-commerce businesses.

Which Shopify Plan Is Best For Canadian Merchants?

Which Shopify Plan Is Best For Canadian Merchants?

The Shopify Grow plan is a strategic choice for emerging businesses to expand their sales. It accommodates the trend of omni-channel retailing in Canada, where consumers shop both online and in physical stores. Given the evolving consumer behavior, Canadian merchants looking to adapt to these shifts can benefit from this plan.

With the growth of e-commerce in Canada, businesses are expanding their product catalogs and catering to a broader customer base. The Advanced plan aligns with this growth trajectory, offering more advanced features and support for more extensive inventories that give more opportunities to compete with other components.

Additional Shopify Fees Canada: What to Expect 

Transaction Fees Structure

Transaction fees are perhaps the most significant additional cost to consider. When using third-party payment providers (instead of Shopify Payments), these transaction charges range from 0.5% to 5%, depending on your plan. The higher your subscription tier, the lower these fees become, with Advanced plan users paying just 0.5% and Plus users paying as little as 0.15% per transaction.

Credit card rates for Shopify Payments users in Canada range from 2.4% to 2.8% + 30¢ CAD for online transactions, and 2.4% to 2.6% for in-person transactions. These rates are competitive compared to standalone payment processors in the Canadian market.

>>See more: How to Set Up Shopify Payments & Additional Payment Methods

Shopify Themes

The pricing of Shopify themes in Canada is a significant factor for businesses seeking to create a unique and professional online presence. While Shopify offers free themes that are perfectly functional, many businesses opt for premium themes to achieve a specific look and functionality right from the start.

Premium themes for Shopify typically cost between $150 and $400, depending on the theme’s features, design, and customization level. These themes are designed by professional developers and often come with additional support and updates.

Shopify Themes

Premium themes for Shopify typically cost between approximately 150 USD and nearly 400 USD, depending on the theme’s features, design, and customization level. These themes are designed by professional developers and often come with additional support and updates.

Shopify Apps

Investing in premium plugins available on the Shopify App Store to enhance the store’s capabilities is essential in the competitive Canadian market. The cost of these plugins can fluctuate significantly, with prices depending on the specific functionalities and features they offer. 

Typically, prices for these plugins start as low as $ 5 USD, equivalent to approximately $ 6.70 CAD per month, and can range up to several hundred dollars.

>>See more: 10+ Best Shopify Apps for Dropshipping To Maximize Your Sales

Shopify Apps

Domain Pricing

Shopify provides two options for securing a custom domain. You can purchase one directly from your Shopify dashboard or transfer a domain you’ve acquired from a third-party seller.

Domain Pricing In Canada

If you opt for a Shopify domain name, the cost typically ranges from 15 to 18 USD per year (20.6 to 24.7 CAD). This pricing includes domain registration and management, and Shopify ensures a hassle-free experience by handling all the technical aspects, such as DNS configuration. This option is often convenient for businesses looking for an all-in-one solution, simplifying the domain acquisition process.

Alternatively, if you wish to use a domain from a third-party registrar, you can acquire it separately from platforms like GoDaddy, DreamHost, etc. Prices for domain registration with third-party registrars typically range from around $ 10 CAD to $30 CAD per year. This choice gives businesses more control and flexibility over their domain, as they can manage it directly through the registrar.

Shipping Fees and Discounts

With Shopify, Canadian merchants can seamlessly integrate with major carriers like Canada Post, UPS, and FedEx to offer various shipping rates and options to customers.

The beauty of partnering with Shopify is that it doesn’t add any extra charges for essential services like label printing, carrier tool integration, or package dispatch.

Shopify Canada Shipping Fees and Discounts

In fact, Shopify goes a step further by extending shipping discounts. The level of discount you receive depends on your Shopify plan:

  • On the Basic plan, shipping rates can be reduced by up to 45%.
  • The Shopify plan boasts even more impressive savings, with discounts of up to 50% on shipping rates.
  • The Advanced plan takes it a notch higher, offering potential discounts of up to 53% on shipping rates.

Additionally, Shopify streamlines the shipping process with user-friendly label software that allows you to print labels directly on a standard printer such as Dymo LabelWriter 4XL, Bixolon, Zebra, and Brother QL, eliminating the need for specialized equipment. 

For Canadian merchants, purchasing Canada Post shipping labels through Shopify can yield substantial savings of up to 58% on shipping rates, adding another layer of cost-efficiency to the e-commerce shipping process.

Shopify Point Of Sale

Shopify POS seamlessly integrates a high-end point-of-sale system with the Shopify e-commerce platform. All Shopify Plans Canada members can access Shopify POS  to sell in person. 

The Starter, Basic, Shopify, and Advanced plans include the free version, Shopify POS Lite, which facilitates card transactions and synchronizes your online inventory. However, you can choose to pay $89 USD per location per month to upgrade to Shopify POS Pro to unlock advanced features such as local pickup, exchange processing, local delivery, and purchase order management.

The Shopify Plus plan comes with Shopify POS Pro, allowing enterprises to sell omnichannel effortlessly.

Otherwise, Shopify offers two plans for merchants to access tools designed specifically for in-person sales and straightforward features for establishing an online presence.

Shopify Point Of Sale Pricing In Canada
  • Starter ($7 CAD per month): Credit card rates are 5% + 0¢ CAD for in-person transactions and 5% + 30¢ CAD for online sales. It is designed for casual sellers, including
    • 1 POS lite location
    • 1 admin account
    • 1 POS login for point-of-sale operations
    • A simple online store
  • Retail ($119 CAD per month, or $105 CAD if paid annually): The competitive credit card rates are 2.7% + 0¢ CAD for in-person transactions and 2.9% + 30¢ CAD for online sales. It caters to retail businessesonth, or $105 CAD if paid annually): The competitive credit card rates are: 2.7% + 0¢ CAD for in-person transactions and 2.9% + 30¢ CAD for online sales. It caters to retail businesses
    • 1 POS Pro location
    • 2 admin accounts, facilitating collaborative management.
    • Unlimited POS logins for seamless in-store operations
    • A simple online store

Taxes

If you’re new to Shopify, your first task is to determine if sales tax collection applies to your products and regions, which involves registering with relevant tax agencies. Once this is sorted, Shopify allows you to configure your tax settings to ensure you accurately charge the correct rates for your sales throughout Canada. 

For established Canadian sellers on Shopify, you can also update your store with the latest Canadian sales tax features. 

Shopify Taxes

Typically, if your store exceeds a certain sales threshold for sales taxes, you may be required to register to collect and remit Canada’s Goods and Services Tax (GST). Canadian sales often involve a 5% GST applied to most transactions. In certain provinces, you’ll encounter an additional provincial sales tax (PST) or a harmonized sales tax (HST) that combines the GST with the provincial tax. 

This diversity in sales tax requirements underscores the importance of understanding the specific tax regulations in your operating regions.

Read more

Dropshipping Suppliers 

Shopify dropshipping costs in Canada include several components beyond the basic subscription fee. The primary additional expense comes from connecting with dropshipping suppliers through specialized apps, which connect your store to suppliers and automate order fulfillment.

Popular dropshipping suppliers and apps for Canadian merchants include:

  • Spocket: Starting at approximately 6 CAD/month, specializing in US and European products
  • DSers: Free plan available, with premium plans starting around 26 CAD/month, connecting to AliExpress suppliers
  • Modalyst: Focuses on name-brand and designer products, starting at about 40 CAD/month
  • CJDropshipping: Free to use with competitive product and shipping rates for global suppliers.

>>Related articles:

Here’s a quick comparison table summarizing the key Shopify additional fees and costs for Canadian merchants:

CategoryPricing
Transaction Fees0.5% to 5% (depends on Shopify plan)
Credit Card Rates (Shopify Payments)2.4% to 2.8% + 30¢ (online), 2.4% to 2.6% (in-person)
Premium Shopify Themes$150 USD to $400 USD (~$200 to ~$530 CAD)
Shopify Apps~$6.70 to $300+ (depends on apps used)
Domain Pricing$15 to $18 USD (~$20.60 to $24.70 CAD) for Shopify domain
Shipping Fees and DiscountsSavings on shipping per order (no extra cost)
Shopify POS Pricing$7 to $120 (depends on plan)
Shopify POS Starter Plan$7 CAD/month
Shopify POS Retail Plan$119 CAD/month ($105 if paid annually)
Sales TaxesBased on region and sales threshold
Dropshipping Supplier Apps~$6 to $40 (depends on the app)
Total price ~$46.72 to ~$139.72

How Shopify Canada Merchants Save Their Money 

Shopify Canada merchants can save money in several ways by leveraging the platform’s tools, features, and integrations, tailored to the needs of Canadian businesses. Here are the key strategies:

  • Competitive Transaction Fees: Shopify Payments offers lower transaction fees (e.g., 2.8% + 30¢ for Basic Shopify), helping you save money compared to third-party gateways.
  • Shipping Discounts: Access discounts of up to 50% off retail rates with Canada Post, UPS, and DHL, reducing shipping costs.
  • No Extra Transaction Fees: By using Shopify Payments, you avoid extra 2% fees that third-party gateways charge.
  • Automated Tax Calculation: Shopify automatically calculates Canadian taxes (GST, HST, PST), saving time and reducing errors.
  • Cost-Effective Marketing Tools: Free email marketing (up to 2,500 emails/month) and social media integrations to promote your store without extra costs.
  • Scalable Pricing Plans: Start with a low-cost plan and upgrade as your business grows, helping you save money early on.
  • Free Themes and Apps: Use free customizable themes and apps to reduce design and tool costs.
  • Localized Support: Get local support for Canadian merchants, saving time and avoiding confusion with regulations.
  • Canadian Bank Integration: Seamlessly integrate with local banks for direct deposits and payments, saving on international fees.
  • Shopify Plus for Large Businesses: Shopify Plus offers custom pricing and advanced features for enterprise-level savings.

E-commerce Platform Costs: Shopify vs. Competitors

When comparing e-commerce platform costs, Shopify pricing Canada offers competitive value compared to alternatives like Wix, Squarespace, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce. Each platform has its own pricing structure and feature set tailored to different business needs.

Shopify vs. Wix Canada: Pricing and Features

Shopify vs. Wix pricing presents an interesting comparison for Canadian merchants. While Shopify’s plans start at $ 7 CAD/month for the Starter plan, Wix’s e-commerce plans range from $ 17 to $ 59 CAD/month. Shopify offers lower transaction fees (starting at 2.4% for the Advanced plan vs Wix’s standard 2.9%), but Wix provides more free themes and a more intuitive drag-and-drop editor.

Shopify vs. Squarespace Pricing in Canada

Shopify vs. Squarespace pricing reveals that Shopify’s plans start at $ 7 CAD/month, while Squarespace’s business and commerce plans range from $ 25 to $ 72 CAD/month. Shopify provides more robust e-commerce features and scalability, while Squarespace offers more visually appealing templates out of the box.

Shopify vs. BigCommerce Pricing in Canada

For Canadian merchants comparing Shopify and BigCommerce, there are notable differences in their pricing structures. BigCommerce plans start higher at approximately 40 CAD/month for their Standard plan, compared to Shopify’s 7 CAD/month Starter plan. However, BigCommerce includes more built-in features without requiring additional apps, potentially reducing overall e-commerce expenses for larger stores. Shopify’s advantage lies in its more intuitive interface and extensive app ecosystem through the Shopify App Store.

Shopify vs. BigCommerce Pricing in Canada

Shopify vs. WooCommerce Pricing in Canada

When comparing Shopify vs. WooCommerce for Canadian merchants, it’s essential to understand the fundamental differences in their business models. WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin, making it appear less expensive initially.

However, the total cost of ownership includes hosting (typically 10-40 CAD/month), premium themes (70-250 CAD), security certificates, and various extensions. Shopify’s all-inclusive subscription models offer more predictable online store costs, including built-in hosting, security, and maintenance, which is often preferable for small business e-commerce operations.

For Canadian merchants choosing between platforms, it’s worth noting that Shopify’s native integration with Canada Post shipping offers significant advantages and discounts that may not be available with other platforms.

FAQs

Yes, Shopify fully supports dropshipping by integrating with multiple suppliers via apps on the Shopify App Store. This partnership streamlines the import of products to your store and automates the order process, as orders are sent directly to your chosen dropshipping supplier, who handles the order fulfillment and shipping to your customers.
No, Shopify does not charge any hidden fees. Your costs are transparent and primarily revolve around the monthly subscription fee. While there are processing fees for payments, these are clearly outlined and explained from the get-go.
  Additionally, if you choose to use apps to enhance your store’s functionality, any associated costs are separate from the base fees and are typically straightforward to calculate, ensuring you have full visibility into your expenses.
Certainly, Shopify offers the flexibility to switch between plans as your business evolves.
  When you upgrade your Shopify plan in the middle of your billing cycle, you’ll be billed the prorated difference for the remainder of that billing cycle. On the other hand, when you choose to downgrade your plan, the changes will take effect during the next billing cycle, ensuring a seamless transition to the new plan without immediate financial adjustments.
Absolutely! Shopify offers 24/7 customer support to all its merchants, regardless of their location.
Shopify pricing in Canada typically starts at $39 CAD per month for the Basic plan, $132 CAD per month for the Shopify plan, and $517 CAD per month for the Advanced plan. Prices may vary slightly due to taxes or promotions.
No, Shopify does not take 30%. Shopify charges transaction fees for using external payment gateways, typically between 0.5% to 2% depending on your plan. If you use Shopify Payments, there are no additional transaction fees, but there are still credit card processing fees.
Yes, you can use Shopify in Canada. Shopify supports Canadian merchants, and you can set up your store, accept payments, and ship products within Canada or internationally.
Yes, Shopify pricing in Canada typically starts at $39 CAD per month for the Basic plan, $132 CAD per month for the Shopify plan, and $517 CAD per month for the Advanced plan. Prices may vary slightly due to taxes or promotions.
Yes, No, Shopify does not take 30%. Shopify charges transaction fees for using external payment gateways, typically between 0.5% to 2% depending on your plan. If you use Shopify Payments, there are no additional transaction fees, but there are still credit card processing fees.
Depending on how well you optimize your store, your marketing strategies, and your product selection, Shopify may be profitable in Canada. Many Canadian businesses have built successful businesses using Shopify, though profitability will depend on individual business performance.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Shopify’s pricing structure in Canada is not significantly different from the standard USD pricing listed on most Shopify websites, based on the exchange rate.

By offering an array of pricing plans designed to meet the needs of businesses at various stages of growth with the flexibility and scalability it provides, Shopify remains a reliable partner for both emerging startups and established enterprises in the Great White North.

Sam Nguyen is the CEO and founder of Avada Commerce, an e-commerce solution provider headquartered in Singapore. He is an expert on the Shopify e-commerce platform for online stores and retail point-of-sale systems. Sam loves talking about e-commerce and he aims to help over a million online businesses grow and thrive.