The payment provider or installment service collects installment payments from customers, rather than Shopify directly.

For example, when customers use a supported buy now, pay later (BNPL) or installment payment method, the provider typically handles the customer’s repayment schedule and collects the installments. The merchant generally receives payment according to the provider’s settlement terms.

Pending charges are payment authorizations that have been initiated but haven’t been fully processed or settled yet.

For example, a customer’s bank or card issuer may temporarily place a hold on the funds while the payment is being verified. The charge may later become successful and captured, or the authorization may be released if the payment isn’t completed.

The exact timing depends on the payment method, payment provider, and bank.

Yes. Shopify can help detect potentially risky orders through its built-in fraud analysis and security tools. It evaluates signals associated with an order and can provide a fraud-risk assessment to help merchants decide whether to fulfill, review, or cancel the order.

However, fraud detection is not perfect, so merchants should review high-risk orders carefully before fulfilling them.