Last Updated on by Dan S
Originally Published March 22, 2021.

Streamlining the shopping process can significantly enhance the customer experience and increase sales. One effective strategy is to skip the cart and redirect customers directly to the checkout page on your Shopify store.

This article will guide you through the steps to achieve this, ensuring a smoother, more efficient shopping journey for your customers. We’ll also discuss the benefits of this approach and introduce a helpful app to make the process even easier.

The Issue with Skipping the Cart

While it’s technically possible to make the “add to cart” button direct customers straight to the checkout, we generally don’t recommend it without careful consideration. Skipping the cart step can prevent buyers from reviewing or upgrading their orders, which may lead to increased abandoned checkouts, refunds, and customer confusion.

However, if implemented correctly, it can be a powerful tool to enhance user experience and drive conversions.

Implementing the Redirect in Shopify

This solution was initially designed for the Debut theme but can be adapted for other themes as well. Here’s how you can modify your Shopify theme to skip the cart and redirect to the checkout page:

1. Locate the Code:
Find the following code in ‘product-template.liquid’:

<span id="AddToCartText-{{ section.id }}">

2. Add the Redirect:
Make a copy of the file for backup purposes. Then, paste the following code beneath it:

<input type="hidden" name="return_to" value="/checkout/" />

With this change, customers can still use the breadcrumbs on the Checkout page and the button on the website to return to the cart if needed.

Benefits of Skipping the Cart

1. Increased Conversion Rates:

By reducing the number of steps in the purchasing process, you minimize the chances of cart abandonment. According to recent 2025 data, the average cart abandonment rate across ecommerce is approximately 70%, meaning businesses are losing significant potential revenue. Customers are more likely to complete their purchases when they can go directly to checkout.

2. Enhanced User Experience:

A seamless, straightforward shopping experience keeps customers happy and reduces friction. By skipping the cart, you streamline the path to purchase, which can lead to higher customer satisfaction. Studies show that 90% of customers say a satisfying checkout experience means they’ll likely buy from a brand again.

3. Higher Average Order Value:

With fewer steps, customers are less likely to reconsider their purchase, leading to fewer abandoned carts and potentially higher average order values.

4. Efficiency:

For returning customers who know what they want, skipping the cart can save time and make the shopping process more efficient. This is especially valuable as mobile commerce now accounts for 68% of online shopping orders in 2025, and mobile users particularly benefit from streamlined checkout processes.

Using an App

To further simplify the process, consider using the PF Skip Cart app. This app is designed to help customers reach the checkout page as quickly and smoothly as possible, removing unnecessary actions and boosting conversions.

Key Features:

  • Direct Checkout: When buyers press the Add to Cart button, they are taken straight to the checkout page.
  • Instant Checkout: Skip the cart page and send customers directly to checkout with accelerated checkout functionality.
  • Customizable Options: Hide Add to Cart or Buy Now buttons for specific products or store-wide to create a tailored shopping experience.
  • Cart Page Control: Remove cart elements and hide Express Checkout buttons like PayPal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay as needed.
  • Easy Installation: One-click installation with no coding required, making it accessible for all store owners.
  • Increased Sales Opportunities: Allow customers to purchase items directly from the catalog and skip straight to checkout, reducing cart friction and increasing conversion rates.

This app has helped thousands of merchants increase their sales by making the shopping process more intuitive and efficient.

Conclusion

Skipping the cart and redirecting to checkout can be a game-changer for your Shopify store, enhancing the customer experience and boosting your sales.

By implementing the simple code changes or leveraging an app, you can streamline the purchasing process and reduce friction for your customers.

Remember to monitor the impact on your store’s performance and make adjustments as necessary to optimize the experience.