Govalo offers two ways to issue store credit: Native Shopify Store Credit and Legacy Govalo Store Credit.
This guide explains the difference between them, how to choose your preferred mode, and how to issue credit to a customer.
Store Credit requires a Premium plan or higher.

What is the difference between the two modes?

Choose your Store Credit mode

1. Open Govalo and go to Configure.
2. Under General, select Store credit.

3. Select Native Shopify Store Credit or Legacy Govalo Store Credit.
4. Read the warning about separate balances and histories.
5. Click Save to apply your selection.

Selecting a mode does not save it automatically. Your current mode remains active until you click Save.

You can also open this setting by clicking Configure mode on the Store Credit dashboard. The badge beside the page heading shows which mode is currently active.

What happens when you switch modes?

Switching modes does not transfer, combine, or delete credits.

• Existing Native credits remain on Shopify customer accounts.
• Existing Legacy credits remain in the Govalo code-based system.
• The Store Credit dashboard shows the records and history for the selected mode.
• New credits issued through Govalo use the selected mode.

Previously issued credits retain their original redemption method. Switching to Legacy does not turn Native balances into codes, and switching to Native does not add Legacy balances to customer accounts.
Govalo continues tracking supported activity on existing Native credits even while Legacy mode is selected.
To view the other system’s history, switch back to that mode and click Save.

Issue Native Shopify Store Credit

Use Native mode when you want credit to be available directly on a customer’s Shopify account.

1. Make sure Native Shopify Store Credit is the active mode.
2. Open Store credit and click Issue store credit.
3. Search for and select the customer.
4. Enter the Amount.
5. Optionally add an Expiration date and a Note.
6. Click Issue store credit.
7. Review the confirmation and click Issue.

The credit is added to the customer’s Shopify account. No redemption code is created. The customer must sign in to the associated customer account to use their available credit at checkout.
Native mode also supports issuing credits in bulk through Import via CSV on the Store Credit dashboard.

Issue Legacy Govalo Store Credit

Use Legacy mode when you want customers to redeem a code without signing in.

1. Make sure Legacy Govalo Store Credit is the active mode.
2. Open Store credit and click Issue store credit.
3. If prompted, select the gift card product to use for the credit.
4. Enter the customer’s details, including their email address.
5. Set the Delivery date and Store credit value.
6. Add any optional details.
7. Click Issue store credit, then confirm the issuance.

The customer receives the Legacy credit email with access to their redemption code. They can use that code at checkout without signing in to a customer account.
Existing Legacy credits are available in the Store Credit section when Legacy mode is active. They are not included in the Gift Cards list.

View balances and history

Open Store credit to view the records for your active mode. Select an account or credit to open its details.

• Native: review customer account balances and credit/debit activity.
• Legacy: review individual code-based credits and their history.

Exports from the Store Credit dashboard also correspond to the selected mode. They do not combine Native and Legacy records.

Customer email notifications

Both modes support customer notifications, but the redemption instructions differ:

• Native notifications direct customers to their account and explain that signing in is required.
• Legacy notifications provide the familiar code-based redemption experience.

Govalo uses your configured Store Credit email provider, subject to your plan’s integration availability.
Using Klaviyo, Sendlane, or Omnisend? Review your flow and templates before sending Native notifications. Native emails need an account link and sign-in instructions instead of a redemption code. Keep the code-based content for Legacy notifications.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to change my mode?

No. Native is the default. Switch to Legacy only if you prefer code-based credit.

Can switching modes move my existing balances?

No. The setting changes the active experience; it is not a migration tool.

Why can’t I see my older Legacy credits?

Check the active-mode badge. If Native is selected, switch to Legacy in Configure → General → Store credit and click Save.

Will switching modes cancel credits already issued?

No. Switching does not cancel or delete existing credits. Their original balances, expiration conditions, and redemption methods remain applicable.

Updated on: 12/10/2026