Using Shop Cash in 2025: A Real Guide for Buyers and Sellers

Shop Cash is one of those features that sounds simple—“store credit”—but if you know how to use it, it becomes a real lever.

For buyers, it’s basically free money: earn credit just for shopping through the Shop App, then use that credit like cash at participating stores.

For sellers, it’s a smart way to stand out without slashing prices. Shop Cash can increase your store’s visibility, boost conversions, and keep loyal customers coming back.

In this guide, we’ll explain what Shop Cash actually is, how it works, how to set it up, and how to use it to drive more sales.

What is Shop Cash＆How does Shop Cash Work?

Shop Cash is Shopify’s built-in reward system—a way for buyers to earn free store credit when they shop using the Shop App.

Here’s how it works: when a customer checks out using Shop Pay at a participating store, they earn Shop Cash automatically. The amount they earn shows up in their Shop App and can be used like a discount the next time they shop.

• 1 Shop Cash = $1 USD
• It’s auto-applied at checkout—no promo codes needed
• It only works in the Shop App

Now here’s where it gets more interesting for sellers.

Shop Cash isn’t just passive credit. Sellers can actively boost it by creating Shop Cash campaigns—offering buyers extra credit like “10% back.” These campaigns are displayed inside the store’s page on the Shop App. Even better, Shopify promotes them through emails, push notifications, and in-app placements to the buyers most likely to convert.

Used strategically, Shop Cash campaigns can boost visibility, drive more conversions, and attract high-quality buyers—all without needing deep discounts or complicated sales funnels.

Who can use Shop Cash?

Shop Cash is flexible, but it’s not available to everyone. Whether you’re shopping or selling, there are a few requirements to use it.

For Buyers

If you’re using the Shop App, you’re already halfway there. But to actually use Shop Cash at checkout, your order needs to meet these conditions:

• You must shop through the Shop App, not just a regular Shopify store website.
• Your order must be shipped, not picked up locally.
• The purchase can’t include gift cards, subscriptions, or digital products.
• You need at least one payment card with a U.S. or Canadian billing address saved to your Shop Pay account.
• If you’re using Shop Pay Installments, Shop Cash can only be applied to the first payment.

For Shopify Sellers

If you run a store on Shopify and want to offer Shop Cash, here’s what you’ll need:

• Your store must be based in the U.S. or Canada.
• You must have Shop Pay enabled as a payment method.
• To participate, you’ll need to opt into a Shop Campaign and choose the Shop Cash offer you want to promote (like 5% or 10% back).

How to Use Shop Cash on Shopify as a Buyer?

Using Shop Cash is easy—and it all starts with earning it.

First, you earn Shop Cash by checking out with Shop Pay or Shop Pay Installments. You might also collect extra credit during special promos in the Shop App. Just note: your balance won’t update until your order is fulfilled, so give it a little time.

Next, when you’re browsing the Shop App, you’ll notice that eligible products clearly show whether Shop Cash can be applied. If it’s available, you’ll see it on the product page.

Finally, just add your favorite items to your cart. At checkout, your available Shop Cash will be automatically applied—no codes or extra steps needed. It’s real store credit, and it shows up like a discount.

How to Set Up Shop Cash as a Seller?

Setting up Shop Cash is a smart way to attract new customers and boost sales—and it’s easier than you might think. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get started.

Step 1: Activate Shop Pay

Before you can use Shop Cash, you need to activate Shop Pay. Without it, you won’t be able to offer Shop Cash.

• Sign in to your Shopify account and go to the Settings menu on the left.

• Scroll down to find the Shop Pay option, then check the box to activate it. If you’re using third-party providers, follow the on-screen instructions to enable Shop Pay.

Step 2: Create a Shop Cash Campaign 

Once Shop Pay is activated, you can start your Shop campaign. Here’s how:

1. Go to the Advertising section in the Shop app and click Create Offer.
2. You’ll be prompted to fill in details like:

• Cost per Acquisition (CPA): This is how much you’ll pay for each new customer you acquire. A higher CPA means a bigger Shop Cash boost for your buyers, but don’t assume more is always better. You can start with Shopify’s suggested CPA or set your own, based on what you’ve used on other platforms.
• Minimum Order Value: This sets the lowest order amount required to trigger the Shop Cash offer. Setting a minimum helps ensure you’re getting a healthy return on your ad spend.
• Daily Budget: You can set a daily budget to control costs. You only pay when a buyer converts, so you won’t spend more than you want.

While inputting these parameters, you’ll see estimated weekly results, like projected sales, new customers, return on ad spend, and average order value.

3. Set Your Campaign Dates: You can choose the start and end times for your campaign.

Note: You can adjust the schedule and budget at any time. However, if you want to change the CPA or minimum order value after the campaign has started, you’ll need to create a new one.

Step 3: Promote and Educate Customers on Shop Cash Redemption

Just launching a campaign isn’t enough. You need to get the word out and let customers know about the benefits of it. Here’s how:

1. Optimize Your Product Page: Make sure your Shop Cash offer is visible on your product pages. For example, add a message in the product description like: “Buy this and earn $10, which you can use toward your next purchase.”
2. Create Engaging Content: Use short videos or graphics to explain how Shop Cash works. Share these on your social media channels to educate customers or potential buyers about how to redeem Shop Cash. This also helps attract more traffic to your store.
3. Use Email Marketing: After a customer makes a purchase, include a message in the confirmation email saying, “You’ve earned $10 Shop Cash! It will be automatically applied to your next purchase when you checkout with Shop Pay.” Additionally, you can send a follow-up email or app notification reminding them to use their Shop Cash before it expires.

Step 4: Monitor Your Shop Cash Campaign

After launching your Shop Cash campaign, it’s important to track how it’s performing. To do this, head to the Analytics Dashboard in the Shop Advertising section. Here, you can explore key metrics like conversion rates, sales, average order value, and return on spend.

Additionally, you can review individual orders generated by the Shop Cash campaign. This allows you to track specific transactions and gain insights into customer behavior.

The Benefits of Launching Shop Pay Campaign

• Reward loyal customers and keep them coming back: When customers earn Shop Cash from buying your products, they feel rewarded and are more likely to return to spend it. It’s a simple incentive that helps drive repeat purchases.
• Drive first-time purchases: Attracting new customers can be tough, but Shop Cash makes it easier. With a Shop Pay campaign, you can offer a small percentage back on a first-time purchase. It feels like a bonus to the customer, but for you, it’s a smart investment.
• Get visibility without paying upfront: Unlike most advertising campaigns that charge you per click (even if those clicks don’t result in sales), Shop Pay campaigns only charge when a sale happens. This means your advertising budget is performance-based, which is a more cost-effective model.
• Rapid setup and easy testing: Shop Pay campaigns are quick and easy to launch. You don’t need a designer or developer, and you don’t have to build a complex ad funnel. Within minutes, you can launch a campaign and start seeing results. This makes it easier to test different strategies and refine your approach without wasting time or money.

Best Practices to Boost Sales with Shop Cash

To make the most out of Shop Cash, here are some best practices to consider:

Test Different Campaign Setups 

Don’t run campaigns blindly—always test and compare. Run two campaigns for two weeks and see which one drives more purchases, clicks, or repeat buyers. Data will guide you to what works best. Once you find the right setup, focus on it or rotate it seasonally to keep things fresh.

Launch Limited-Time Campaigns

Creating urgency can drive faster action. Run limited-time campaigns, like “Only 72 hours to earn $10”. Make sure the campaign has a clear start and end time so customers know they need to act fast before the offer expires.

Promote it everywhere

Don’t assume customers will automatically notice Shop Cash. Promote it on all your channels—email newsletters (especially to your most engaged customers), push notifications (if your store has an app), and SMS reminders. Social platforms like Instagram and TikTok are also great places to show how it works and encourage customers to use it.

Pair it with Free Shipping

Free shipping combined with Shop Cash can increase the perceived value of your offer. If you already provide free shipping, add a message like “Use your Shop Cash for even more savings” at checkout. Be sure to highlight which products qualify for Shop Cash, especially for items you want to push harder.

Recommended read: Top 6 Shopify Dropshipping Course 2025

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

When it comes to the question of how to use shop cash effectively, a few challenges may arise. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Here are some common issues and solutions to help you navigate them. If you have other questions, feel free to drop a comment below.

Profit margins look a little too thin

Shop Cash can drive sales, sure—but if you’re handing out 10% on every order without thinking it through, you’ll end up selling more and earning less.

Solution? Be strategic. Use it on high-margin products only. Set a minimum spend to qualify. That way, you’re not giving out free money—you’re guiding buyers toward more valuable carts.

Discounts become the norm, not the exception

Over time, buyers start waiting for Shop Cash deals—ignoring your regular prices. That’s not loyalty; that’s habit.

To break the cycle, use it like a special event. Launch it around new product drops or seasonal pushes. You want people to see it as a bonus, not a baseline.

Worried about abuse or fake accounts

Some users might try to game the system—new accounts, same address, multiple redemptions. It happens.

Keep an eye on repeat behavior patterns. Use Shopify’s fraud analysis tools. If something smells off, pause the order and verify it before you ship.

FAQ About Shop Cash and Shop Pay

1. Can all Shopify merchants use Shop Cash?

No, not all sellers can use it. To run Shop Cash campaigns, your store needs to be in the U.S. or Canada and have Shop Pay turned on. You also have to join a Shop Campaign and set up an offer. If your store’s outside North America, this feature won’t work yet.

2. Does Shop Pay check or affect credit?

Nope. Using Shop Pay doesn’t require a credit check, and it won’t affect your credit score. Even if you choose to pay in installments, the provider (like Affirm) may run a soft check—but that doesn’t hurt your credit. It’s just to see if you’re eligible, not a full-on report.

3. How do I redeem my cash rewards?

When you check out in the Shop app, your Shop Cash shows up automatically if the product qualifies. You don’t need to enter a code or do anything fancy. Just make sure you’re signed into the same account where you earned the rewards.

4. Can customers earn Shop Cash on all purchases

Not every purchase earns it. It only works if you’re shopping through the Shop App and paying with Shop Pay. Also, some items like gift cards, digital goods, and subscriptions don’t qualify. Just make sure your order is eligible before checkout—Shop will usually tell you if it counts.

Final Thoughts

Shop Cash is a smart way to boost sales, win over new customers, and reward repeat buyers—without the need for deep discounts or complicated loyalty programs. But like any tool, it works best when used with intention. From setting the right campaign rules to promoting your offer across channels, every step matters.

If you’re a dropshipper looking to make the most of Shop Pay campaigns, Sup Dropshipping has your back. We help you source high-margin, fast-shipping products, automate your fulfillment, and simplify operations—so you can focus on scaling your store and growing your brand. Contact us today!