Free & Affordable Options Compared

If you're starting an online business, one of the biggest — and often hidden — costs you'll face are transaction fees. Many e-commerce platforms charge a percentage on every sale, quietly eating into your profits. But what if you could avoid them altogether?

In this guide, we’ll explore the best e-commerce platforms with no transaction fees, compare their features, and help you choose the right one based on pricing, flexibility, and ease of use.

What Is a Transaction Fee in E-Commerce?

A transaction fee is a charge imposed by your e-commerce platform on every sale you make. This is separate from standard payment processor fees (such as those from PayPal or Stripe).

For example, Shopify can charge up to 2% in transaction fees unless you use their own payment gateway. Over time, these costs add up, especially for small or growing businesses.

Why Choose a Platform With No Transaction Fees?

• Save More Per Sale – Keep more of your revenue.

• Transparent Pricing – Understand exactly what you’re paying for.

• Scalability – Grow your business without your profits shrinking.

Looking for a fully customized site built for conversions? FinesseInk’s website design experts can help you create a tailored online store optimized for performance.

1. WooCommerce

Transaction Fees: No
Best for: WordPress users, full customization
Cost: Free (plus hosting and domain)

WooCommerce is a free, open-source WordPress plugin that gives you total control over your store. There are no platform-imposed transaction fees, and you can integrate any payment processor of your choice.

Pros:

• Fully customizable

• No per-sale platform fees

• Extensive plugin and theme ecosystem

Cons:

• Requires technical setup

• Hosting and security must be managed separately

2. Ecwid by Lightspeed

Transaction Fees: No
Best for: Beginners and multichannel selling
Cost: Free plan available; premium plans from $19/month

Ecwid allows you to turn any website into an online store or build one from scratch. It offers a forever-free plan with no transaction fees, making it ideal for beginners or side businesses.

Pros:

• Free plan includes core features

• Easy to embed on existing websites

• Supports social and marketplace selling

Cons:

• Limited design flexibility compared to other platforms

3. Shift4Shop (formerly 3dcart)

Transaction Fees: No
Best for: US-based businesses
Cost: Free if using Shift4 Payments

Shift4Shop offers a full-featured e-commerce solution at no cost — if you use its payment processor. It’s among the most affordable options for sellers in the U.S.

Pros:

• No monthly platform fee

• SEO-friendly structure

• Robust built-in tools

Cons:

• Only available for U.S. merchants

• User interface feels dated

Want to boost your eCommerce SEO? Read our guide on how to improve local search rankings.

4. Square Online

Transaction Fees: No platform fees
Best for: Physical stores expanding online
Cost: Free plan available; paid plans from $12/month

Square Online is a great solution for brick-and-mortar businesses already using Square POS. While payment processing fees still apply, Square doesn’t charge platform-level transaction fees.

Pros:

• Quick and easy setup

• Ideal for syncing in-store and online sales

• Offers a free starter plan

Cons:

• Limited design capabilities

• Works best only with Square Payments

5. Big Cartel

Transaction Fees: No
Best for: Artists, makers, and small stores
Cost: Free plan; paid plans start at $9.99/month

Big Cartel is a lightweight platform designed for independent creators. It offers a simple, clean experience with no transaction fees—even on the free plan.

Pros:

• Forever-free option

• Intuitive user interface

• Great for small catalogs

Cons:

• Basic features

• Limited marketing functionality

6. Wix eCommerce (Business Unlimited Plan)

Transaction Fees: No platform fee
Best for: Drag-and-drop website builders
Cost: Starts at $27/month

Wix does not charge transaction fees through its own platform, though standard gateway fees still apply. It’s ideal for those who want creative control without coding.

Pros:

• Powerful design tools

• All-in-one hosting, store, and marketing

• Easy to manage

Cons:

• Learning curve for full customization

• Third-party app usage may increase costs

If you're deciding between Wix and custom-built websites, check out our guide on website design costs for small businesses.

7. Zyro

Transaction Fees: No
Best for: Startups and low-budget sellers
Cost: Starts around $2.99/month

Zyro, by Hostinger, is a low-cost e-commerce solution with no platform fees per sale. It’s great for those launching their first online store or testing a business idea.

Pros:

• Extremely affordable pricing

• Simple interface

• No hidden platform fees

Cons:

• Limited features

• Smaller app ecosystem

8. OpenCart

Transaction Fees: No
Best for: Tech-savvy business owners
Cost: Free (self-hosted)

OpenCart is a fully open-source e-commerce solution that you can host and manage yourself. It doesn’t charge any fees, but requires more technical know-how.

Pros:

• Completely free

• Highly customizable

• Active global community

Cons:

• Requires server and hosting management

• Manual security and updates needed

9. PrestaShop

Transaction Fees: No
Best for: Medium to large stores
Cost: Free (self-hosted)

PrestaShop is another open-source platform, built to scale. It’s well-suited for international sellers and businesses needing custom functionality.

Pros:

• Free to use

• Multi-language and currency support

• Flexible architecture

Cons:

• Add-ons can become costly

• Hosting and maintenance required

Looking to get help from professionals rather than going the DIY route? Learn the differences between hiring a web design company vs. using website builders.

Comparison Table: Best E-Commerce Platforms with No Transaction Fees

*Standard payment processing fees still apply.

If you're building an e-commerce business in 2025, choosing a platform that doesn’t charge transaction fees is a smart first step toward profitability. Whether you’re a startup or an established brand, reducing overhead can help you scale faster.

At FinesseInk, we specialize in building high-converting, cost-effective online stores that grow revenue and reduce friction. If you're ready to take your store to the next level — or just need help choosing the right platform — we’re here for you.

Ready to launch or optimize your online store?
Contact our team for a free consultation and explore our affordable pricing plans.