Picking the right payment setup for your online store feels like choosing between three completely different tools. You've got Klarna pushing buy now, pay later options, BigCommerce offering flexible payment gateway choices, and Shopify running its own payment ecosystem. Each one works differently, costs differently, and fits different types of businesses.
Understanding Each Platform's Core Function
Before comparing Klarna vs BigCommerce vs Shopify directly, you need to understand what each platform actually does. They're not all the same type of service.
Klarna operates as a payment method and BNPL provider. It's not an ecommerce platform. Instead, it integrates with existing online stores to offer customers flexible payment options. When shoppers see Klarna at checkout, they can split purchases into installments or pay later.
BigCommerce functions as a complete ecommerce platform that lets you connect multiple payment gateways. You build your store on BigCommerce, then choose from over 65 payment providers to process transactions. This includes traditional credit card processors, digital wallets, and BNPL services like Klarna.
Shopify works as both an ecommerce platform and payment processor through Shopify Payments. You can use their built-in payment system or connect third-party providers. With over 100 payment gateways available, Shopify gives you options while encouraging use of their native solution.
Payment Processing Fees Breakdown
The fee structure varies significantly when comparing Klarna vs BigCommerce vs Shopify payment costs.
Klarna Fees:
- Charges merchants 3.29% + $0.30 per transaction for Pay in 4
- Monthly financing options cost 3.99% to 5.99% per transaction
- No setup or monthly fees
- Merchants get paid upfront while Klarna handles customer collections
BigCommerce Payment Fees:
- No transaction fees from BigCommerce itself
- You pay only what your chosen payment gateway charges
- PayPal typically charges 2.9% + $0.30
- Stripe charges 2.9% + $0.30
- Square charges 2.9% + $0.30
Shopify Payment Fees:
- Basic plan: 2.9% + $0.30 online
- Shopify plan: 2.7% + $0.30 online
- Advanced plan: 2.5% + $0.30 online
- Additional 2% fee if using external payment gateways on Basic plan
BNPL Integration Capabilities
Buy now, pay later has become essential for online stores. According to Adobe Analytics, BNPL usage grew 14% during the 2023 holiday season.
Klarna leads in BNPL since that's their primary business. They offer multiple payment timing options, handle all credit checks, and take on payment risk. Customers see familiar Klarna branding, which builds trust.
BigCommerce supports BNPL through integrations. You can add Klarna, Afterpay, Sezzle, or Affirm to your BigCommerce store. Since BigCommerce doesn't favor one provider, you can test different BNPL services to see what converts best for your customers.
Shopify enables BNPL through Shop Pay Installments and third-party apps. Shop Pay Installments works automatically for eligible US merchants using Shopify Payments. You can also add Klarna, Afterpay, and other BNPL providers through the Shopify App Store.
Chargeback Protection Features
Chargeback protection varies significantly across these payment platforms, making this comparison of Klarna vs BigCommerce vs Shopify particularly important for high-risk merchants.
Klarna assumes chargeback liability for approved BNPL transactions. If a customer disputes a Klarna payment, they handle the chargeback process. You keep your money as long as you follow their seller protection guidelines.
BigCommerce doesn't provide direct chargeback protection since they don't process payments. Your protection depends on which payment gateway you choose. Some gateways offer strong fraud tools while others leave you exposed.
Shopify Payments includes basic fraud analysis and flags suspicious orders. They offer additional protection through Shopify Protect on eligible orders, though this costs extra and has coverage limits.
Best Shopify Payment Providers
While Shopify Payments works well for many merchants, adding alternative payment providers can reduce fees and expand payment options. The best Shopify payment providers depend on your business model.
For Lower Fees:
- Stripe offers competitive rates and excellent developer tools
- PayPal provides instant brand recognition
- Authorize.net works well for B2B transactions
For International Sales:
- 2Checkout supports 200+ countries
- Payoneer handles multi-currency efficiently
- WorldPay processes local payment methods
For High-Risk Industries:
- CCBill specializes in subscription billing
- Durango Merchant Services accepts difficult niches
- PayKings works with CBD and supplement stores
Payment Platform Comparison: Making Your Choice
Choosing between Klarna vs BigCommerce vs Shopify depends on your specific needs.
Choose Klarna when:
- You already have an ecommerce platform
- Your average order value exceeds $100
- Your customers want flexible payment options
- You sell to younger demographics who know BNPL
Choose BigCommerce when:
- You want payment gateway flexibility
- You sell internationally and need local payment methods
- You prefer avoiding transaction fees from your platform
- You run B2B and B2C operations
Choose Shopify when:
- You want an all-in-one solution
- You prefer simplified payment management
- You're starting out and need easy setup
- You mainly sell in North America
Technical Integration Requirements
Setting up payments requires different technical skills across platforms.
Klarna integration typically takes 1-2 hours for supported platforms. They provide plugins for Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, and Magento. Custom integrations require API implementation but their documentation makes this manageable for developers.
BigCommerce payment setup happens through their control panel. You pick a payment gateway, enter credentials, and configure settings. No coding required unless you need custom checkout modifications.
Shopify Payments activates instantly for eligible merchants. Third-party gateways are installed through apps or manual integration. Most merchants can go live within an hour.
Final Thoughts
The Klarna vs BigCommerce vs Shopify comparison reveals three distinct approaches to payment processing. Klarna excels at BNPL but requires an existing store platform. BigCommerce offers maximum flexibility through multiple gateway options without platform transaction fees. Shopify provides the smoothest integrated experience, especially with Shopify Payments.
Your choice depends on business priorities. Need BNPL to boost conversions? Add Klarna to your existing setup. Want payment flexibility without platform fees? BigCommerce gives you control. Prefer simplicity with everything in one place? Shopify streamlines the entire process.
Consider testing multiple options. Many successful merchants use Shopify or BigCommerce as their platform while adding Klarna for BNPL options. This combination captures different customer preferences and maximizes conversion opportunities.
FAQ: Klarna vs BigCommerce vs Shopify
What's the main difference between Klarna, BigCommerce, and Shopify for payments?
Klarna is purely a payment method and BNPL provider that integrates with existing stores. BigCommerce is an ecommerce platform that lets you choose from multiple payment gateways without charging extra transaction fees. Shopify combines an ecommerce platform with its own payment processing system, though you can use external gateways for an additional fee.
Which platform has the lowest payment processing fees?
BigCommerce technically has the lowest fees since they don't charge transaction fees themselves. You only pay what your chosen payment gateway charges, typically around 2.9% + $0.30. However, Shopify Payments can be cheaper for high-volume sellers on advanced plans at 2.5% + $0.30.
Can I use Klarna with BigCommerce or Shopify?
Yes, Klarna integrates with both BigCommerce and Shopify stores. BigCommerce offers native Klarna integration through their app marketplace. Shopify merchants can add Klarna through the Shopify App Store, giving customers BNPL options at checkout.
Which platform offers the best chargeback protection?
Klarna provides the strongest chargeback protection by assuming liability for approved BNPL transactions. Shopify Payments includes basic fraud analysis with optional Shopify Protect for additional coverage. BigCommerce's protection depends entirely on which payment gateway you select.
Do I need technical skills to set up these payment platforms?
Minimal technical skills are needed for basic setup on all three platforms. Shopify Payments activates almost instantly without coding. BigCommerce payment gateways are configured through their control panel. Klarna provides simple plugins for major platforms, though custom integrations require developer knowledge.
Shield Your Revenue From Payment Disputes
Running an online store means dealing with chargebacks, regardless of which payment platform you choose. While Klarna, BigCommerce, and Shopify each offer some protection features, gaps in coverage can still cost you thousands in lost revenue and fees.
Chargeblast fills those gaps with automated chargeback prevention that works alongside any payment setup. The system identifies high-risk transactions before they become disputes, blocking problematic orders while legitimate customers shop normally. Instead of fighting chargebacks after they happen, you stop them from occurring at all.
Ready to protect your payment processing from costly disputes? Book a demo below or start today!
