PPlatformAppStores

BigCommerce Apps

Ecommerce

BigCommerce Inc. · Ecommerce & storefront platforms

Best for: Developers wanting fewer platform fees and mid-market/enterprise merchants, trading smaller reach for higher-value customers.

Overview

BigCommerce Apps lets developers build apps against the BigCommerce APIs for catalog, checkout, and order management. Apps are distributed through the BigCommerce App Marketplace and can be single-click installed by merchants across any BigCommerce plan tier.

How to build & ship

  1. 1Sign up as a Tech Partner and create the app in the BigCommerce Developer Portal to generate Client ID/Secret
  2. 2Toggle the required OAuth scopes and set your Auth, Load, and Uninstall callback URLs
  3. 3Build a single-click app that implements the OAuth code-grant flow and renders branded UI inside the control-panel iframe
  4. 4Use the Store Management/GraphQL APIs (and BigDesign for UI) to integrate store data
  5. 5Submit the app through the Developer Portal against the App Store Approval Requirements

Key APIs & SDKs

REST Store Management API
GraphQL Admin API
OAuth (single-click auth flow)
BigDesign
Webhooks
Storefront GraphQL API

Integration types

Embedded app
Connector

Authentication & security

  • Primary auth: OAuth 2.0
  • Also supports: API key
  • Security review: Required
  • Technical and UX review required before public listing.
  • BigCommerce reviews single-click OAuth handling, the branded iframe load experience, security and UI constraints before listing; a manual approval typically measured in weeks.
  • Sliding-window rate limits per store, tracked via response headers.
Auth docs Store policies

Monetization

Paid app
Usage-based
Free
Onboarding
$0
Commission
0% direct; developer bills separately
Merchant of Record
Developer is MoR

Pros & cons for builders

Pros

  • Open, well-documented APIs with generous rate limits and no transaction fees on the platform
  • Serves larger/enterprise merchants, so higher average contract value per install
  • BigDesign component library helps apps match native control-panel styling

Cons

  • Much smaller merchant base than Shopify, so lower install volume
  • Single-click iframe + dual-callback model adds integration complexity

Frequently asked questions

How do I get my app approved on BigCommerce Apps?

BigCommerce reviews single-click OAuth handling, the branded iframe load experience, security and UI constraints before listing; a manual approval typically measured in weeks.

What authentication does BigCommerce Apps use?

BigCommerce Apps apps primarily authenticate with OAuth 2.0, also supporting API key.

How is BigCommerce Apps monetized?

BigCommerce Apps supports Paid app, Usage-based, Free. Typical commission: 0% direct; developer bills separately. Onboarding fee: $0.

Is a security review required to list on BigCommerce Apps?

Yes, BigCommerce Apps requires a formal security or listing review before apps go live. Technical and UX review required before public listing.