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Expert answer · 2 min read

Should I show a progress bar during checkout?

As an e-commerce manager, I'm exploring ways to improve my checkout conversion rates and reduce cart abandonment. I've heard conflicting advice about whether progress bars actually help or potentially distract customers during the checkout process. I want to understand the psychological and UX implications of implementing a progress bar, what best practices exist, and how it might impact my store's conversion rates. What specific considerations should I evaluate before deciding to add a progress bar to my checkout flow?
Muhammed Tüfekyapan

Muhammed Tüfekyapan

Founder & CEO, Growth Suite ·

The short answer

Yes - a progress bar showing checkout steps (Information > Shipping > Payment) reduces abandonment by making the end feel close. Customers are more likely to complete a process when they can see they're almost done. Include it at the top of every checkout step.

In depth

Progress Bars in Checkout

The "goal gradient effect" in psychology shows people speed up and persist more as they approach a goal. A checkout progress bar makes customers feel invested in completing the purchase.

Progress Bar Best Practices

Element Recommendation
Number of steps3 steps maximum (Contact, Shipping, Payment)
Step labelsSimple nouns: "Info", "Shipping", "Payment" - not "Step 1 of 3"
Current stepClearly highlighted, completed steps checked or grayed out
PlacementTop of checkout, below logo - visible before scrolling
Click behaviorAllow clicking back to previous steps (reduces anxiety)

Psychological Mechanisms

  • Sunk cost: Seeing "Step 2 of 3" makes customers feel they've already invested time - quitting feels wasteful
  • Goal proximity: "Almost done" increases motivation to complete
  • Transparency: Knowing what's coming reduces anxiety about unknown steps
  • Control: Clickable steps give customers a sense of agency, reducing resistance

Shopify Native Progress

Shopify's default checkout includes a breadcrumb navigation (Cart > Information > Shipping > Payment). This is already a form of progress indicator. For custom themes, ensure this breadcrumb is visible. Some themes hide it to look cleaner - this is a conversion mistake.

Pairing with Countdown Timers

Growth Suite's High-Fidelity Countdown Timer can appear alongside checkout progress. A customer on step 2 of 3 who sees a timer showing "14:32 remaining on your offer" experiences both goal-proximity push ("I'm almost done") and urgency pull ("my discount expires soon"). This combination drives notably higher checkout completion rates.

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