Shopify vs Squarespace Transaction Fees in 2026

🛍️ Picking a platform often comes down to what you’ll actually pay per order. Here’s a clear, practical comparison and a plug-and-play calculator so you can model your own numbers.

Adjust the defaults to your local rates. It estimates monthly totals and an effective fee % for each platform, then calls the winner.

💡 What counts as a “transaction fee”

• Shopify: You pay a card processing rate (usually percent + fixed per order). If you don’t use Shopify Payments, there’s an extra platform % on each order, plus whatever your gateway charges.
• Squarespace: You pay a payment processor rate (Stripe/PayPal, percent + fixed). On the Business plan there’s also a platform fee per order; on Commerce plans that platform fee is 0%.

Exact rates and plan fees vary by country and plan. Use the calculator fields to match your setup.

📈 When each platform can cost less

• Low volume or already on Squarespace Business: Squarespace may be fine for small catalogs, but the per-order platform % on Business can add up on bigger AOVs.
• Scaling stores: Shopify with Shopify Payments or Squarespace Commerce (no platform %) can both be cost-effective; it depends on your card rates, AOV, and order volume.
• Not using Shopify Payments: Remember to include Shopify’s extra % for third-party gateways.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Squarespace Business adds a platform % per order; Commerce plans remove it. If your average order value is high, that Business platform % can dominate.
• Shopify can be very competitive at scale, especially if you use Shopify Payments. If you use a third-party gateway, include the extra % in your math.
• The cheapest option depends on your AOV, monthly orders, and the exact payment rates in your country. Use the calculator to find your break-even point.