Partners are how merchants win on Shopify. You're the ones bringing stores to life, and helping merchants scale with confidence.
Starting August 10, 2026, we're introducing a new partner earning model that's simpler, more transparent, and more closely aligned to the value you create. It's part of the broader commitment we made earlier this year: to reinvest in the partner ecosystem and build a stronger foundation for shared growth.
For the first time, partners will share directly in the growth of the merchants you bring to Shopify, earning from both subscription revenue and the sales those merchants generate on Shopify. Every partner will earn the same rates on every plan, whether the deal is partner-led or sales-assisted.
When merchants grow, you grow with them. Same side of the table.
What's changing
Two components apply to every merchant you bring to Shopify going forward, whether the deal is partner-led or sales-assisted:
- 20% revenue share on the subscription fee across all plans, for 4 years
- 0.1% of eligible online Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) on all plans, for 4 years
We're also expanding earning opportunities in these key areas:
- Plus upgrades: Earn a $2,500 one-time payout when you refer an existing Shopify merchant who upgrades to Plus
- POS Payments Profit Share: The earning period is extending from 2 years to 4 years
- B2B Payments Profit Share: Earn 20% of B2B payments profit share for 4 years
- Shop Pay off Shopify: Earn 0.1% of Gross Payment Volume (GPV) through Shop Pay for 1 year
Together, these changes give partners a more direct stake in the growth they help merchants achieve.
What isn't changing
Nothing changes for merchants you've already launched. Every existing payout stays at its current rate and structure. The new model only applies to deals signed or stores transferred on or after August 10, 2026.
Plus referrals and POS Pro referrals will continue as they do today.
Why we moved to a 4-year term
The 4-year term is built to reward partners earlier.
Adding GMV-based earnings means you now earn from the sales merchants generate on Shopify, not just from what they pay in subscription fees. That creates more earning potential in the years after launch.
More upside sooner. More to reinvest in your business.
Note: The 4-year term begins with the first partner payment. Learn more →
What this could look like in practice
Advanced plan merchant generating $750K USD in annual eligible online GMV
In the first 4 years, partners earn $5,872 vs. $2,872 today—more than 2x current earnings.
Plus plan merchant, sales-assisted, with $10M USD in annual eligible online GMV and $2M USD in annual retail GMV
In the first 4 years, partners earn $73,380 vs. $30,900 today—nearly 2.4x current earnings.
Note: Includes retail POS profit share and a Plus referral bonus. All example outcomes based on merchant plan, GMV, and eligibility.
Building for shared growth
We want Shopify to be the best place for partners to build a business by helping merchants build theirs, regardless of size, geography, or ambition.
This is one step toward that: a simpler structure, a more direct stake in merchant success, and a clearer path for partners building their business on Shopify.
Questions? Read the updated FAQ or reach out to Support.
