As Shopify continues to evolve, merchants must stay updated with platform changes to remain competitive in the eCommerce space. One of the most significant updates is the introduction of New Customer Accounts in January 2023, replacing the traditional Classic (Legacy) Customer Accounts.

While both account types help manage customer interactions, they differ in functionality, customization, and overall user experience. With Shopify gradually phasing out Legacy Customer Accounts, it's crucial to understand the differences and determine which option best suits your store.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences, benefits, and considerations to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Shopify’s Customer Accounts

Customer accounts in Shopify allow shoppers to log in, track orders, and store personal information for future purchases. Previously, classic customer accounts were the default, but Shopify has introduced new customer accounts with a more modern, password-free approach.

Shopify has also hinted at phasing out classic accounts in the future, making it crucial for merchants to understand and prepare for this transition.

Key Differences: Shopify Classic vs. New Customer Accounts

1. Login & Authentication

• Classic Customer Accounts: Customers log in using an email and password.

• New Customer Accounts: Shopify replaces passwords with a one-time 6-digit verification code sent via email.

🔹 Why it matters: The new login method improves security and reduces password-related customer support issues.

2. Account Creation & Management

• Classic Accounts: Customers must sign up manually or accept an invitation.

• New Accounts: Accounts are created automatically the first time a customer logs in with their email.

🔹 Why it matters: This eliminates sign-up friction, making it easier for customers to access their accounts, but businesses that rely on manual account approval may find it limiting.

3. Customization & Theme Integration

• Classic Accounts: Supports Liquid customizations, allowing extensive modifications to match your brand.

• New Accounts: This does not support Liquid customizations but can be modified through Shopify’s branding settings.

🔹 Why it matters: Merchants who have heavily customized login and account pages using Liquid may face challenges when transitioning to new accounts, although these customizations are expected soon in the new customer accounts.

4. Stored Customer Information

• Classic Accounts: Customers can store addresses and order history but cannot save payment methods.

• New Accounts: Supports saved addresses, order history, and payment methods.

🔹 Why it matters: The ability to store payment information streamlines repeat purchases and can lead to increased conversion rates.

5. Order Management & Reordering

• Classic Accounts: Customers can view past orders but must go through the checkout process again manually.

• New Accounts: Offers one-click reordering, making repeat purchases much faster.

🔹 Why it matters: One-click reordering enhances the user experience and can drive more frequent purchases.

6. Self-Serve Returns

• Classic Accounts: Customers must contact support to initiate a return.

• New Accounts: Enables self-serve returns, allowing customers to request refunds and manage returns on their own.

🔹 Why it matters: Automating returns reduces merchant workload and improves customer satisfaction.

7. B2B Support

• Classic Accounts: Limited B2B functionality.

• New Accounts: Supports B2B features like saved tax exemptions, company profiles, and bulk orders.

🔹 Why it matters: If your store serves both B2C and B2B customers, new accounts provide a more seamless experience for business buyers.

8. Multipass Login & Third-Party Integrations

• Classic Accounts: Supports Multipass login, allowing customers to sign in using external authentication systems.

• New Accounts: This does not support Multipass login, which may affect merchants who use Single Sign-On (SSO) solutions.

🔹 Why it matters: If your store relies on external authentication, classic accounts may still be necessary.

Which One Should You Choose?

Stick with Classic Accounts If:

✔️ You rely heavily on Liquid customizations for a unique customer experience. 

✔️ Your store uses Multipass login or third-party integrations. 

✔️ You prefer manual customer account creation and invitation-based access.

Switch to New Customer Accounts If:

✔️ You want a seamless, password-free login experience for customers. 

✔️ You need saved payment methods and one-click reordering for higher conversion rates. 

✔️ Your business handles high return volumes and benefits from self-serve returns.

 ✔️ You operate a B2B store and need enhanced business customer features.

Preparing for the Future

Since Shopify plans to phase out classic accounts, switching early can future-proof your store and help you take advantage of new features. However, before making the transition, ensure your store's customizations and integrations align with the new system.

Final Thoughts

Both customer account types have their pros and cons. While classic accounts offer more customization, new customer accounts streamline the shopping experience, reduce customer friction, and provide additional functionalities like saved payment methods and self-serve returns.

If Shopify does retire classic accounts, merchants will eventually need to adapt. The best strategy is to evaluate how new customer accounts align with your business needs and start planning a gradual transition.