What is Shopify Virtual POS and How Does It Work?
Shopify virtual POS is an integration method that allows customers to pay by credit or debit card by connecting a bank's payment infrastructure directly to the Shopify store. Virtual POS, the online equivalent of a physical POS, executes payment transactions directly through the bank; it works without a third-party intermediary such as iyzico or PayTR.
A virtual POS application in Turkey is integrated into Shopify with API information from the bank with which the business owner entered into the agreement. This structure offers a lower commission rate compared to payment infrastructure providers in some cases; however, the integration process is more complex and there are different technical requirements for each bank.
To compare all Shopify payment options in Turkey: Adding Shopify Payment Methods: India Guide
Virtual POS or Iyzico/Paytr? Which is the Right Choice?
There is no clear answer to this question; the decision depends on the volume of transactions, bank relationships and technical capacity.
At Nodus Works, we have observed that the commission advantage of virtual POS for stores below 100 monthly orders rarely meets the complexity of integration. In stores with 300+ orders per month and a high cart average, virtual POS provides a significant cost advantage.
Decision Rule: If your monthly trading volume is below $50,000, start with iyzico or PayTR. If you are making regular turnover over $50,000, call for the bank's virtual POS; banks offer better rate offers at this level.
Turkish Banks Compatible with Shopify
Turkish banks that offer virtual POS that can be integrated into Shopify and general commission ranges:
Important Note: Shopify does not directly support virtual POS integration. The vast majority of Turkish banks are not on Shopify's list of ready-made integrations. For this reason, integration setup via PayTR or a similar payment gateway is required to connect the bank virtual POS to Shopify.
Shopify Virtual POS Setup: Two Different Methods
Method 1: PayTR Via Virtual POS (Recommended)
PayTR acts as a payment gateway that connects bank virtual POSs to Shopify in addition to its own infrastructure. In this method, you make a deal through PayTR; PayTR establishes the connection with the bank for you. The technical integration is taken over by PayTR.
Steps:
- Contact PAYTR and request the virtual POS service
- Choose between the banks with which PAYTR agrees
- Install Paytr's Shopify App Store integration
- Enter API information in Shopify Admin
The advantage of this method is that it eliminates the technical complexity of bank integration. For details: How to Connect Shopify PayTR
Method 2: Direct Bank Integration (Technical)
Direct bank integration is performed using Shopify's payment gateway API. This method requires technical development and is usually done with the support of a Shopify developer or agency.
Steps:
- Apply for virtual POS from the bank
- Get API documents and test information after bank approval
- Develop custom integration with Shopify's Payment Gateway API or use an existing compatible app
- Test in sandbox environment
- Get it alive
This method can provide lower commission rate but requires development cost and maintenance.
Bank Virtual POS Application: Required Documents
For a bank virtual POS application, the following documents are usually requested:
- Tax sheet
- Trade register newspaper
- Signature Circles
- Company bank account (preferably in the applied bank)
- Website address and activity statement
- Authorized person's identity document
The application evaluation process varies from bank to bank; it usually takes between 5-15 business days. Some banks may wait for your store to be active for a certain period of time or that you meet the minimum turnover requirement.
Hint: Having your corporate account at the bank you are applying to significantly speeds up the approval process. Applying from the bank where you are already a customer also gives you an advantage in rate negotiations.
Installment Configuration: Things to Consider in Virtual POS
In the bank virtual POS, the installment can be applied only to cardholders of the contracted bank. Additional bank agreements are required to offer installments for cards from other banks.
iyzico and PayTR are advantageous in this regard; access to the installment infrastructure of multiple banks is provided with a single integration. To achieve similar coverage with virtual POS, it is necessary to have separate agreements with multiple banks.
Shopify Installment Restriction: Shopify's standard checkout page doesn't automatically show specific installment options. In order for installment options to be available to the customer at checkout, the payment provider may need to support this and, if necessary, checkout customization with Shopify Plus.
Shopify Virtual POS Integration Control
After the installation is complete, apply the following checklist:
- Successful payment received with at least 3 different test cards in the sandbox environment?
- Is 3D Secure streaming working correctly?
- Has the failed payment scenario been tested?
- Do orders occur automatically in Shopify?
- Are webhook notifications transmitted correctly?
- Have the API keys changed in the live transition?
- Is Shopify transaction fee factored in?
Optico/Paytr Mixed Use with Virtual POS
Some stores want to use both bank virtual POS and iyzico or PAYTR at the same time. Shopify doesn't directly support this; only one active payment provider can be identified at a time.
If you want to offer different payment methods for different markets or customer segments HidePay You can use the app.
Legal Compliance: Virtual POS and BDDK
The virtual POS infrastructure you use is required to have a license from the BDDK (Banking Regulatory and Supervisory Authority). All major banks in Turkey and authorized brokers such as PayTR have this license. Connecting a third-party payment infrastructure without a BDDK license to your store can lead to legal enforcement.
About other legal regulations required for your Shopify store:
FAQ: Shopify Virtual POS
How to integrate virtual POS into Shopify? Since Shopify doesn't support direct bank virtual POS integration, integration is usually done through a payment gateway like PayTR. A virtual POS connection to the bank is established via PayTR, API information is entered into Shopify Admin and brought to life after testing.
Is virtual POS cheaper or better? In terms of commission, bank virtual POS is usually in the range of 1.75-2.30%, while iyzico is around 2.85%. But the virtual POS application and integration process is longer and more complicated. For low-volume stores, the difference remains small; virtual POS provides a distinct cost advantage in high-volume stores.
Which banks offer Shopify virtual POS support? Garanti BBVA, İş Bank, Yapı Kredi, Akbank, Halkbank and Vakıfbank offer virtual POS service. However, these banks don't integrate directly into Shopify; they need to connect through a payment gateway like PayTR.
How long does it take to apply for a virtual POS? The bank virtual POS application is usually completed in 5-15 business days. If you have an existing corporate account in the bank, the process may be shortened.
Is overseas card accepted with virtual POS? Yes, Visa and Mastercard international cards are accepted via virtual POS. However, the payment currency takes place in TRY.
Can I set up a virtual POS without Shopify Plus? Yep. Virtual POS integration can be done through PayTR on all Shopify plans. Shopify Plus provides benefits only for those who want to customize the checkout page.
How to set up Shopify virtual POS? For virtual POS setup in Shopify, a payment gateway like PayTR is usually used. A virtual POS application is made from the bank, Shopify integration is installed via PayTR, and API information is added to Shopify Admin. After testing, the system is brought back to life.
What is the best virtual POS for Shopify in Turkey? Garanti BBVA and İş Bank virtual POSs are widely used options. But providers that offer ease of integration, such as iyzico or PayTR instead of virtual POS, are a more practical starting point for low and medium-sized stores.
What is the difference between Shopify virtual POS and iyzico? Virtual POS is a payment infrastructure that is taken directly from the bank and usually offers lower commissions, but it's complicated to integrate. iyzico is a third-party provider on Shopify's App Store and is much easier to set up. Virtual POS is cost advantageous for high transaction volume stores.
consequence
Setting up a Shopify virtual POS can significantly reduce payment costs when the right bank and integration method is chosen. However, the integration process is a longer and technical process compared to iyzico or PAYTR.
Determining which payment method best suits your store requires evaluating your turnover goals and technical capacity together. Our Shopify integration services We offer support in the selection and installation of payment infrastructure within the scope. To compare all Shopify UK payment options Our Shopify Payment Methods guide browse.
