We are building a Shopify public app that connects merchants to our existing SaaS platform.
In the app pricing settings, I see an option that says:
“I have approval to charge merchants outside of the Shopify Billing API.”
I understand that Shopify generally requires public apps to use Shopify Billing API or Shopify App Pricing when charging merchants. However, our product is an existing SaaS platform, and some customers may already have contracts or billing relationships with us outside of Shopify.
My questions are:
How do we request approval from Shopify to charge merchants outside of the Shopify Billing API?
Is there a specific form, Partner Support category, or App Review process for this?
Any guidance from developers who have gone through this process would be appreciated.
As far as I know there isnt a separate application form for this approval. If your app already has an established SaaS billing model its usually something you explain during the app review process. The review team will let you know if they need additional information or documentation.
If you are unsure whether your billing setup qualifies, I’d recommend opening a ticket with Shopify Partner Support before submitting the app. They can clarify whether your use case is eligible and save you time during the review.
There’s no special form for this. You ask through Shopify Partner Support email app@shopify.com, mailto:app@shopify.com, or the Partner Dashboard chat.
Just explain that you already have customers with contracts before they used your Shopify app.
Replies can take a while. Some devs waited weeks. Partner Dashboard chat tends to be faster than email.
Hey @Ce_Cui ,
Shopify doesn’t provide a self-service approval form for this. If you want to charge merchants outside of the Shopify Billing API you’ll typically need to contact Shopify Partner Support and explain your billing model and why it requires an exception.
Approval is generally handled on a case by case basis usually during the app review process. Shopify will want to understand why billing can’t be handled through the Shopify Billing API and whether your app qualifies for an exception (for example if it’s an existing SaaS platform with pre existing contractual relationships).
I’d recommend opening a ticket with Partner Support before submitting your app for review (or if it’s already under review responding through the review conversation). They can clarify whether your app is eligible and what documentation if any they’ll require.
first of all dont spend months building this app which might not get approved at all. Nowadays, shopify is getting more strict regarding its policy/rules.
I have seen many apps getting rejected even if a similar apps exist on the app store. I have also seen an app which was approved, months later was brought down from the app store.
So, first create a minimal product (though it should not be a low effort, unpolished and buggy) and submit it for app review. Then shopify responds you in the email with the reason (and if the app is not approved, you cannot talk to review team at all). Then modify the app based on their recommendations. Though repeated failure in fixing the bug might lead to temporary suspension which on next failures get extended. And in the video demo in the submission, try to show why this feature is important and how you are staying in the policy (there are no other ways i know to communicate your viewpoints to shopify reviewers)
I have encountered this once. The best way to reach out to shopify partner support is with a clear explanation of your existing SaaS billing model, how many merchants you already have, if the app gets approved, can the existing merchants use the app without resubscribing from their shopify admin etc. Unless you get a clear go-ahead, i would stick with the current shopify billing flow only.
Hi @Ce_Cui This is a specific approval process handled directly by Shopify Partner Support. Here’s how it works:
How to request approval:
Go to your Partner Dashboard → Support → Contact Partner Support and open a ticket specifically mentioning:
You have an existing SaaS platform with pre-existing billing relationships
You are requesting approval to charge merchants outside the Shopify Billing API
Briefly explain your current contract/billing setup
There’s no public form for this — it’s a manual review by the Shopify App Review/Partner team. The checkbox you see in app settings is only enabled after Shopify grants approval.
What they typically look for:
You already have an established SaaS product with existing merchant contracts
Your billing relationship predates the Shopify app integration
You’re not trying to avoid Shopify’s revenue share on new merchant acquisitions through the app
Important: This approval is not guaranteed and Shopify is fairly strict about it. If merchants are being acquired through the Shopify App Store, they’ll generally require Billing API usage for those customers even if existing customers are exempt.
Best to reach out to Partner Support directly and be transparent about your use case. And also if this will work then don’t forget to like and mark as solution on it
