Shopify New Customer Accounts vs. Classic(Legacy) Customer Accounts: Complete Comparison
Introduction
Choosing between Shopify's new customer accounts and classic customer accounts is essential for optimizing customer experience, security, and repeat sales. In this comprehensive guide, discover the key differences, benefits, and migration best practices for Shopify customer account login options. Whether migrating from classic accounts or setting up your store for the first time, understanding Shopify account types will help maximize customer engagement and streamline operations.
With Shopify’s shift toward password-less login and enhanced app integrations, more merchants are evaluating whether it’s time to migrate to new customer accounts on Shopify. Uncover which Shopify customer account type is right for your business, how each affects customer experience, and get actionable migration checklists for a seamless transition.
Shopify Customer Accounts Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature
Classic Customer Accounts
New Customer Accounts
Login Method
Email + Password
One-time sent to email (passwordless)
Customization
Liquid & theme branding supported
UI blocks/extensions
App Compatibility
Full 3rd-party app support
Limited; more in dev preview
Registration Form
Fully customizable; custom fields allowed
No customization other than UI, can use apps in profile section
Workflow & Automations
Works with Shopify Flow, legacy triggers
Not compatible with classic automations
Multipass/SSO
Supported
SSO supported only on Plus
International Domains
Multiple domains per market
Single domain only
Self-Serve Returns
Not native
Supported natively
Saved Payment Methods
No
Yes
Analytics Integration
Full
Limited (no pixel support)
Brand Experience
Matches full-store theme
Follows checkout branding
Use Cases
B2B, custom signup flows, gated content
DTC, high-volume, lower friction, fast repeat buys
What are Classic Customer Accounts in Shopify?
Classic customer accounts are Shopify’s original login type, requiring users to register with an email and password. These accounts are highly customizable, supporting theme-based branding, Liquid customizations, custom signup forms, and rich app integrations. Merchants can personalize the customer journey, collect extra information (like Tax ID or documentation), and enable powerful automations using Shopify Flow.
Common features:
Full support for custom fields and registration logic
Works with apps for loyalty, approvals, wishlists, B2B, and more
Supports multiple international domains and Multipass SSO for advanced use cases
Account page branding mirrors your store’s main theme, fully customizable using Liquid
Use Cases
Classic customer accounts are best for stores needing rich data collection, complex registration requirements, or deep customization (e.g., B2B, regulated industries, gated content, multi-market brands).
What are New Customer Accounts in Shopify?
Shopify’s new customer accounts introduce a passwordless login system using a 6-digit code emailed to the customer each time they try to log in. New accounts simplify onboarding: registration and login use a single, frictionless prompt. These accounts natively support self-serve returns, reordering, and extension blocks, allowing developers to build modern, app-like customer account experiences.
Key highlights:
No password needed—reduced login friction
Saved payment methods in account—faster checkouts
Modern UI matches parts of checkout branding
Secure, with robust Shopify authentication
Account features can be extended via new UI blocks and extension points
Ideal for fast DTC shopping, repeat purchases, and guest-to-account conversion
Limitations:
The registration form cannot be natively customized (but can use third-party apps on
different pages)
No support for custom fields, Multipass, or legacy automation (yet)
All markets must use the same customer account domain
Side-by-Side Experience: UX, Security & Compatibility, Customer Experience
Classic accounts provide a familiar experience with deep customization power. Useful for brands prioritizing data collection, branding, and multi-step onboarding.
New accounts reduce friction through passwordless login and a simpler UI, increasing repeat purchases for high-velocity DTC stores.
Security:
New customer accounts use the Shopify login code for each authentication, removing password risks (safer, less brute-forcing).
Classic accounts depend on password hygiene, but allow for more sophisticated access policies or SSO (if required).
Migration & Compatibility:
Migrating to new accounts disables Liquid customizations, pixel tracking and classic workflows.
App support is broader on classic (for now); Shopify is rapidly adding extension points for popular apps on new customer accounts.
Analytics: Pixels and event triggers do not work natively on new Shopify customer account pages.
Migration Checklist for Moving to New Customer Account
NOTE: Although Shopify hasn’t announced a timeline yet, legacy customer accounts would be retired and hence switching to New customer accounts is the recommended option by Shopify.
Learn more here: https://changelog.shopify.com/posts/new-customer-accounts-is-now-customer-accounts
Theme & Code Audit: Ensure your theme and all customer-related Liquid customizations are not mission-critical, as these will not be transferred.
App Compatibility Audit: List all third-party apps (loyalty, reviews, forms, B2B) tied to customer accounts. Contact vendors for compatibility.
Workflow & Automations: Note any automations (Shopify Flow, email triggers) using classic events that will need rebuilding.
Pixel & Analytics Review: Remove or update any scripts or pixels relying on customer account page events.
Multipass/SSO Needs: If you require Multipass, delay switching, or prepare a transition plan.
Internationalization: Understand that new accounts use a single domain across markets.
Customer Communication: Inform your customers about the new, passwordless login procedure ahead of migration.
Testing: Before permanent migration, test all flows: login, order history, returns, app integrations.
Revert Option: Shopify allows a limited-time rollback to classic if issues are detected.
Impact on Checkout, Repeat Purchases, Automations & Support
Checkout: New customer accounts simplify repeat purchases by enabling saved payment methods and self-serve returns.
Repeat Purchases: Lower login friction and streamlined UX increase return visits and reordering, improving retention.
Automations: Classic automations break; most need recreating using new triggers or supported apps.
Support: New accounts reduce account-related support queries; clear documentation and communication further decrease friction.
Real-World Examples
DTC fashion brands prioritize new customer accounts for mobile-first customers and frictionless reorders.
B2B suppliers stick with classic accounts for custom registration requirements and gated content.
Hybrid brands are experimenting with both account types to match audience segments and app compatibility
Pros & Cons of Each Account Type
Classic Customer Accounts Shopify
Pros:
Highly customizable (Liquid, apps, fields)
Support for complex workflows, B2B logic, SSO
Full analytics and pixel support
Cons:
Password friction and potential security risks
Higher support/maintenance burden
Shopify plans to deprecate
New Customer Accounts Shopify
Pros:
Passwordless login Shopify experience (secure, modern)
Faster onboarding, repeat purchases, self-serve
Future-proof: more extension/app integrations coming
Cons:
Customization and app support still growing
No Multipass, limited analytics
Less support for custom registration fields