Venmo and PayPal: Separate Payment Methods in Shopify API 2026-01
Discover the Update: Real-World Impact in Plain English
Starting from API version 2026-01, Shopify developers now have greater control over payment methods with the separation of Venmo and PayPal. Imagine running a Shopify store that accepts payments through these gateways. Previously, if you wanted to hide the PayPal option, Venmo would inadvertently disappear too. This change allows merchants to independently manage Venmo and PayPal, ensuring customers can choose their preferred payment method. For instance, if you’re running a holiday sale and wish to enable Venmo for special promotions, you’re no longer constrained by PayPal’s settings. This shift empowers you to tailor the customer payment experience, ultimately enhancing satisfaction and boosting sales.
Let’s Talk on Tech Side
For the technically inclined, this update marks a crucial change in how payment methods are manipulated within Shopify’s API. Prior to the 2026-01 version, hiding PayPal would automatically suppress Venmo, owing to their linked functionality under the ACCELERATED_CHECKOUT placement. Developers previously could employ the following logic to hide both:
export function run(input) {
const operations = [];
const paypal = input.paymentMethods.find(method =>
method.name.includes("PayPal")
);
if (paypal && shouldHidePayPal(input)) {
operations.push({
paymentMethodHide: { paymentMethodId: paypal.id }
});
// Venmo was implicitly hidden
}
return { operations };
}Now, explicit control is required. Here’s the updated script you should consider:
export function run(input) {
const operations = [];
const paypal = input.paymentMethods.find(method =>
method.name.includes("PayPal")
);
const venmo = input.paymentMethods.find(method =>
method.name === "Venmo"
);
if (shouldHidePayPal(input)) {
if (paypal) {
operations.push({
paymentMethodHide: { paymentMethodId: paypal.id }
});
}
// NEW: Must explicitly hide Venmo if you want both hidden
if (venmo) {
operations.push({
paymentMethodHide: { paymentMethodId: venmo.id }
});
}
}
return { operations };
}This change mandates a tailored approach in handling payment methods, ensuring precise control and enhanced flexibility for developers.
Business Growth Unleashed: What This Means for Merchants
For merchants, this API update is more than a backend adjustment—it’s a strategic advantage. By having separate control over Venmo and PayPal, businesses can customize payment options that best meet customer preferences, facilitating smoother transactions. No longer are you bound by a one-size-fits-all approach; the ability to tailor how and when these payment options appear allows for targeted marketing strategies. Let’s say you identify a customer base that favors Venmo due to its convenience on mobile. You can highlight Venmo in your campaigns, knowing it won’t disappear just because you adjusted PayPal settings. This flexibility fosters a more robust, consumer-focused checkout experience, thus potentially increasing conversion rates and customer loyalty. In essence, it equips merchants with the tools to drive business growth through personalized customer engagements.
Trident Spark: Your Trusted Shopify Innovation Partner
At Trident Spark, we pride ourselves on staying ahead of digital trends, ensuring your Shopify store not only adapts to changes like these but thrives because of them. Our team of seasoned developers and strategists work hand-in-hand to implement these updates seamlessly, guaranteeing your business stays competitive. Whether it’s optimizing functionality with these new payment method distinctions or developing custom apps tailored to your business needs, Trident Spark stands as a leader in Shopify development.
Connect with Trident Spark Today!
Are you ready to optimize your Shopify store with the latest advancements? Contact Trident Spark for a consultation. Whether it’s implementing API updates or building custom solutions from the ground up, we’re here to propel your business forward with expert guidance and cutting-edge technology solutions.