What Should Shopify Merchants Look for in a Canadian Payment Processor?

Running a Shopify store in Canada comes with plenty of perks—but also a few challenges when it comes to getting paid. From transaction fees to fraud disputes, your payment processor can make a big difference in your bottom line and your customer experience.

So how do you choose the right one?

Here are five key things Canadian Shopify merchants should look for in a payment processor:

1. Strong Security and Fraud Protection

A strong Canadian payment processor should offer secure solutions that don’t store sensitive customer details.

Look for solutions that have different security features to help build trust and keep checkout simple.

Customers benefit from:

• No card or account details are stored
• Payment through their banking app using two-factor authentication

2. Minimal or No Chargebacks

Chargebacks are one of the biggest pain points for Shopify merchants. Whether it’s fraudulent activity or so-called “friendly fraud,” each dispute can cost you time, money, and lost inventory.

Ask these questions when comparing providers:

• Does this payment method allow for chargebacks?
• If yes, how are disputes resolved?
• Are there better alternatives with fewer risks?

Reducing chargeback exposure can mean steadier cash flow and fewer surprises.

3. Clear and Competitive Pricing

No one likes hidden fees—especially small business owners. Some payment processors charge flat rates, while others tack on costs for refunds, foreign transactions, or chargebacks.

Make sure you fully understand:

• Transaction and processing fees
• Any monthly, minimum, or setup charges
• Penalties for high dispute volumes

Clarity is key. The best processors make it easy to predict what you’ll pay and how it impacts your profits.

4. A Smooth Checkout Experience

Cart abandonment is real—and a frustrating checkout experience is often to blame. Whether your customer is on desktop or mobile, the payment flow should be simple, fast, and trustworthy.

Look for:

• Mobile-first design
• Guided and intuitive payment steps
• Trusted payment options familiar to Canadians

An optimized checkout experience helps you close more sales and keep customers coming back.

5. Understanding Local Payment Preferences

Many global processors were built for U.S. or international markets, which can lead to clunky experiences for Canadian shoppers. Choose a processor that truly understands the Canadian landscape.

That means:

• Offers local solutions such as Interac® e-Transfer  
• Compliance with local banking standards
• Familiarity with Canadian shoppers’ behaviour
  

An Option to Consider: Clik2pay

If you’re looking for a Canadian-first payment solution that aligns with all the priorities above, Clik2pay is worth checking out.

Clik2pay via Interac® offers a secure and low-cost way to accept Interac e-Transfer® payments that reduce chargebacks. Customers pay directly from their bank accounts, while merchants enjoy faster settlements and fewer headaches.

It’s a great option for Shopify merchants who want a more predictable, efficient, and trusted way to get paid in Canada. Try our demo and see how it benefits your Shopify checkout.