What's the difference between a new customer account and a traditional customer account on Shopify?

Shopify has updated the way their customer accounts work to make running your online store smoother. In this article, we'll explain the difference between the newly added "new customer account" and the existing "traditional customer account." Each customer account has different characteristics, so it's important to choose the right account type for your needs. In this article, we'll explain the differences between each account and their advantages and disadvantages.

1. What is a "New Customer Account"?

The "New Customer Account" has a simpler login method. Instead of using a password to log in, you will receive a 6-digit code that is valid for 15 minutes and can be used to log in.

Features

• One-time code login via email or SMS (no password required)
• It is provided as a standard feature of Shopify and can be easily enabled in your store settings.
• Integrated with checkout for a smooth purchasing experience

merit

• Less login hassle makes it easier for users to create accounts
• Improved security (no need for password management)

Disadvantages

• Password login is not possible (inconvenient for users accustomed to the traditional method)
• Because integration with third-party apps is limited , functions of existing apps (e.g. points programs, etc.) may not be available.

Personally, I think the benefits in terms of security are huge. Brute force attacks, a method of cracking passwords, have become increasingly common in recent years, making two-step authentication and one-time code logins more important. Therefore, I suspect that Shopify's recent transition to "New Customer Accounts" was also a change that emphasized security.

Currently, when you create a new store, "New Customer Account" is selected by default, so we think it's possible that Shopify will also completely switch to "New Customer Account" at some point in the future.

What store would you recommend?

• Stores that prioritize security
• A completely new store with no customizations made to your "legacy customer account" (no future migration costs)
• Stores where "old customer accounts" were fraudulently used

2. How to customize your "New Customer Account" profile page

"New Customer Account" is a standard feature of Shopify, so it is said that there is little freedom in customization. However, by using the H. New Customer Profile Blocks app, it is now possible to customize the profile page.

https://apps.shopify.com/customer-account-app

Specifically, you can now do the following:

Adding a banner image to your profile page

Adding customer meta fields (editable/view only) to the profile page

Add meta fields and banner images to your profile page

In this way, the H. New Customer Profile Blocks app allows you to add meta field blocks and banner image blocks to the profile page of new customer accounts . This allows you to achieve the following functions:

• Show additional information on your profile (membership rank, birthday, favorite drink, etc.)
• Display banners with special campaign information (sales information, coffee specials, etc.)

This allows you to leverage new customer accounts while providing a unique customer experience that reflects your brand's personality .

https://apps.shopify.com/customer-account-app

3. What is a "traditional customer account"?

The traditional customer account is the traditional system where you log in using a password. This "traditional customer account" has been used in previous stores.

Features

• Log in using your email address and password
• You can edit elements using the theme code.
• Easy integration with third-party apps

merit

• Easy to customize (points programs and member-only features can be implemented)
• Password authentication makes it easy for users accustomed to traditional online shopping experiences to use

Disadvantages

• Password management burden (users may forget their passwords)
• Increased login time means it's not suitable for one-time buyers
• Security risks (password leakage, etc.)

4. Which should you choose?

You need to choose the appropriate account type depending on your store's purpose and target users.

5. Summary

The "New Customer Account" is simple and easy to use, and offers a password-free login method, allowing you to operate your store with security in mind. On the other hand, the "Traditional Customer Account" allows you to edit the code, and is easy to use for users who are accustomed to passwords.

Consider which account type to use depending on your store's business model. Both account types are available in Shopify settings, so it's important to find the best method and use it.