The optimal way to set up Shopify customer accounts depends on your business needs, with Shopify offering two distinct systems: New Customer Accounts (passwordless, verification-code-based) and Classic Accounts (traditional email/password). The New Customer Accounts system is Shopify’s latest solution, featuring one-time 6-digit email verification codes, saved payment methods, self-serve returns, and B2B wholesale support—though it lacks compatibility with legacy features like Multipass ^[1]. For most merchants, the New Customer Accounts provide a streamlined, secure experience, while Classic Accounts may better suit stores requiring deep customization or third-party integrations. The setup process is straightforward but varies slightly between the two systems, with additional options for branding, social logins, and advanced customization via apps like Custio or Recharge.

Key takeaways for the best setup approach:

• New Customer Accounts are ideal for modern stores prioritizing convenience, with passwordless login, saved payments, and B2B features, but test them first due to potential "rough edges" ^[10].
• Classic Accounts remain viable for stores needing legacy integrations (e.g., pixels, Multipass) or manual password management, though they lack newer features like self-serve returns ^[1][5].
• Essential setup steps include enabling accounts in *Settings > Customer accounts, configuring login methods (email verification or social sign-ins), and customizing account pages via Settings > Checkout > Customize* ^[2][4].
• Advanced customization requires third-party apps (e.g., Custio for UI enhancements, Recharge for subscriptions) or Shopify Plus for custom identity providers ^[3][8].

Choosing and Configuring the Right Account System

Comparing New vs. Classic Customer Accounts

Shopify’s New Customer Accounts system, introduced as the default for newer stores, eliminates passwords in favor of email-delivered 6-digit verification codes, reducing friction for customers ^[1]. This system supports saved payment methods (for faster checkouts), self-serve returns, and B2B wholesale features, but it does not support Multipass or certain legacy pixels ^[2]. Merchants upgrading from Classic Accounts may lose customizations, as the new system uses a standardized template ^[5].

Classic Accounts, by contrast, rely on traditional email/password logins and offer greater flexibility for customizations, including:

• Manual customer account creation via *Shopify Admin > Customers > Add customer*, with invites sent to set passwords ^[9].
• Compatibility with older integrations like Multipass and custom checkout pixels ^[1].
• The ability to tag customers as "Members" for loyalty programs, whereas New Accounts default to "Guests" (though this can be adjusted) ^[5].

Which to choose?

• Opt for New Accounts if:
• You prioritize a frictionless, passwordless experience ^[1].
• Your store uses B2B wholesale or saved payment methods ^[2].
• You don’t rely on legacy integrations like Multipass ^[1].
• Stick with Classic Accounts if:
• You need deep customization or third-party app compatibility ^[5].
• You manually create customer accounts (e.g., for wholesale clients) ^[9].
• Your loyalty program requires "Member" tagging by default ^[5].

Reddit users caution that while New Accounts offer "cool features," they may have "rough edges," recommending a small-group test before full migration ^[10].

Step-by-Step Setup Process

Enabling customer accounts in Shopify takes under a minute but requires careful configuration to align with your store’s needs. Follow these steps:

1. Access Settings: - Navigate to *Shopify Admin > Settings > Customer accounts* ^[6][7]. - For New Accounts, ensure Login links are enabled and select New under Customer Accounts settings ^[5]. - For Classic Accounts, choose Classic and toggle Accounts are optional or Required (note: requiring logins may reduce conversions) ^[6].

1. Configure Authentication Methods: - Enable passwordless login (New Accounts) or email/password (Classic) ^[1]. - Activate social sign-ins (Google, Facebook) via *Settings > Customer accounts > Social accounts* ^[2]. - For Shopify Plus stores, connect a custom identity provider (e.g., Okta) ^[2].

1. Customize Account Pages: - Go to *Settings > Checkout > Customize* to edit: - Branding (logos, colors) for account pages ^[4]. - Navigation links (e.g., order history, profile) ^[3]. - Use apps like Custio or Froonze for advanced UI customizations (e.g., widgets, order tracking) without coding ^[3][6].

1. Enable Advanced Features: - Saved Payment Methods: Toggle Saved payment methods in *Settings > Customer accounts* (New Accounts only) ^[2]. - B2B Wholesale: Configure wholesale pricing and approvals under *Settings > Markets* ^[1]. - Loyalty Programs: Adjust participant settings to include "Guests" (New Accounts) or "Members" (Classic) ^[5].

1. Test and Migrate (If Upgrading): - Use Shopify’s migration tool to switch from Classic to New Accounts, but note that customizations may not transfer ^[2]. - Test with a small customer segment before full rollout, as some features (e.g., pixels) may break ^[10].

For subscription-based stores, integrate Recharge by:

• Installing extensions (Subscription page, Payment Methods, etc.) via *Shopify Theme > Extensions* ^[8].
• Confirming customer account settings in *Recharge > Portal settings*.

Enhancing Accounts with Third-Party Apps

While Shopify’s native customer accounts offer core functionality, third-party apps unlock advanced features for engagement and retention. Here’s how to leverage them:

1. UI/UX Customization (Custio, Froonze) - Apps like Custio allow drag-and-drop customization of account pages, including: - Order history widgets with filters (e.g., by date, status) ^[3]. - Profile fields for birthdays, preferences, or loyalty tiers ^[6]. - Mobile-optimized navigation menus ^[3]. - Froonze adds features like wishlists, reorder buttons, and subscription management ^[6].

1. Subscription and Recurring Payments (Recharge) - Recharge’s customer portal extensions sync with Shopify accounts to manage: - Subscription pauses, skips, or cancellations ^[8]. - Payment method updates and upcoming order previews. - Credits/rewards for loyalty programs (requires additional extension) ^[8]. - Setup involves: - Installing extensions in *Shopify Theme > Extensions* ^[8]. - Mapping customer account fields to Recharge’s portal settings.

1. Loyalty and Memberships - New Customer Accounts tag users as "Guests" by default, but you can adjust loyalty program settings to include them: - In *Shopify Admin > Customers*, edit tags to grant "Member" status manually ^[5]. - Use apps like Smile.io to sync account activity (e.g., points for reviews) with both Classic and New Accounts.

1. Bulk Account Management - For wholesale or B2B stores, manually create accounts via: - *Shopify Admin > Customers > Add customer*, then send invites ^[9]. - CSV imports for bulk additions (note: passwords cannot be pre-set for security) ^[9].

Limitations to Note:

• New Accounts cannot use Multipass or certain checkout pixels ^[1].
• Bulk invites for account activation are not supported natively; workarounds require apps or manual sends ^[9].
• Custom identity providers are restricted to Shopify Plus plans ^[2].