How to Build an E-Commerce App Without Coding
A complete guide to creating shopping apps with no-code platforms, payment integrations, and everything you need to launch your mobile store in 2026
Founder, Natively
Mobile commerce is projected to account for 60% of all e-commerce sales in 2026, with the global m-commerce market reaching $2.4 trillion. If you want to build an e-commerce app without coding, this guide covers everything from essential features to payment integration to platform selection — so you can launch your shopping app and capture your share of this massive market.
Key Takeaways
- $2.4 trillion market — Mobile commerce dominates e-commerce with 60%+ of all online sales
- No coding required — Modern platforms let you build full-featured shopping apps without technical skills
- Payment integration simplified — Stripe, PayPal, and BNPL options integrate with clicks, not code
- From $5/month — Build native e-commerce apps for a fraction of traditional development costs
- Full code ownership — AI-powered platforms like Natively give you source code with zero vendor lock-in
Mobile Commerce in 2026
Sources: Fortune Business Insights, DemandSage
Why Build an E-Commerce Mobile App?
The numbers tell a compelling story: according to Shopify research, 70% of online purchases now originate from mobile devices. Shopping apps deliver 3x higher conversion rates than mobile websites, and customers using apps spend up to 7x more than those browsing on mobile web.
The traditional path — hiring developers to build a custom e-commerce app — costs $25,000 to $250,000+ according to ManekTech, with development timelines of 3-8 months. But in 2026, no-code platforms have matured to the point where you can build professional-grade shopping apps without writing a single line of code.
Global e-commerce sales projected for 2026
Mobile shoppers in the US alone
BNPL transaction surge by 2026
Whether you are starting a new e-commerce business, launching a minimum viable product, or adding a mobile app to your existing online store, this guide will show you exactly how to build an e-commerce app without coding — and which platforms give you the best results.
Essential E-Commerce App Features
According to Appbrew research, successful e-commerce apps share common features that drive conversions and customer satisfaction. Before choosing a platform, understand what your shopping app needs.
E-Commerce Feature Planner
Select the features you need for your shopping app
Core Shopping
Payments
Marketing
Advanced
Core Shopping Features
- ✓Product catalog with images, descriptions, and variants
- ✓Search and filters for quick product discovery
- ✓Shopping cart with quantity management
- ✓Secure checkout with multiple payment options
- ✓Order tracking with real-time status updates
Growth Features
- ✓Push notifications for sales and updates
- ✓User accounts with saved preferences
- ✓Wishlist for saving items for later
- ✓Product reviews to build trust
- ✓Discount codes for promotions
Digital wallets are expected to handle 51-61% of all e-commerce payments by 2026. Your e-commerce app should support Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Buy Now Pay Later options to maximize conversions.
Best No-Code Platforms for E-Commerce Apps
The no-code market is projected to reach $90 billion by 2029, with 70% of new business apps already leveraging no-code or low-code platforms. Here are the leading options for building e-commerce mobile apps.
| Platform | Best For | Starting Price | Code Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|
NativelyAI-Powered | Native apps with full code ownership | $5/month | Full ownership |
| Tapcart | Shopify merchants | $99/month | No ownership |
| GoodBarber | Building from scratch | $40/month | No ownership |
| MobiLoud | Website-to-app conversion | $599/month | No ownership |
| FlutterFlow | Advanced customization | $30/month | Code export |
| Adalo | Quick prototypes | $45/month | No ownership |
When evaluating platforms, consider these factors beyond price: Does the platform produce truly native apps or webview wrappers? Can you export your source code? Are payments and backend included or extra?
Traditional App Builders
- ✗Template-based with limited customization
- ✗Often webview apps, not truly native
- ✗No source code access
- ✗Vendor lock-in — app stops if you stop paying
- ✗Additional fees for payments, backend, hosting
AI-Powered Native (Natively)
- ✓AI generates custom apps from your description
- ✓True native iOS and Android with React Native
- ✓Full source code ownership — export to GitHub
- ✓No vendor lock-in — take your code anywhere
- ✓Backend included — Supabase with database, auth, storage
For a deeper dive into platform comparisons, see our guides on best no-code app builders and Adalo alternatives.
Integrating Payments Without Coding
Payment integration is often the most intimidating part of building an e-commerce app. The good news: Stripe offers extensive no-code options, and most app builders handle the heavy lifting for you.
Payment Methods Comparison
Compare popular payment options for your e-commerce app
Pro Tip: Start with Stripe
Most no-code platforms, including Natively, integrate seamlessly with Stripe. It supports cards, digital wallets, and BNPL options — covering 95%+ of customer payment preferences.
2026 Update: In-App Payment Changes
Following the Epic v. Google settlement, Android developers can now integrate third-party payment systems directly in-app (not just link-out), and Google Play Billing is no longer required for digital goods. Apple is expected to announce revised commission rates for external payments in 2026. This opens new opportunities for lower-cost payment processing in e-commerce apps.
Payment Features Your App Needs
Card Payments
Accept Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and Discover with standard 2.9% + $0.30 fees
Mobile Wallets
Apple Pay and Google Pay for one-tap checkout with higher conversion rates
Buy Now Pay Later
Klarna, Afterpay, and Affirm to increase average order value
Ready to Build Your E-Commerce App?
Natively makes it easy to build a complete shopping app with payments, inventory management, and more. Describe your store and AI generates a production-ready native app.
Step-by-Step: Building Your Shopping App
Here is the most effective approach for building an e-commerce app without coding, whether you are starting from scratch or adding a mobile app to an existing online store.
Define Your Core Features
Start with the essentials: product catalog, cart, checkout, and payments. Use the feature planner above to identify what your app needs. For your MVP, focus on features that directly impact conversions.
Choose Your Platform
For AI-powered native apps with full code ownership, use Natively. For Shopify stores, consider Tapcart. For website conversion, look at MobiLoud. Consider your budget, technical needs, and whether you need source code access.
Describe Your App (AI Platforms)
With AI-powered platforms like Natively, simply describe your e-commerce app in plain English: what you sell, your brand style, required features, and payment preferences. The AI generates your complete app with UI, backend, and database.
Example prompt: "Build a sneaker store app with product catalog, user reviews, wishlist, Apple Pay and Stripe checkout, order tracking, and push notifications for new drops. Modern dark theme with bold typography."
Configure Payments
Connect your Stripe or PayPal account. Most platforms handle the technical integration automatically. Configure your payment methods, currencies, and tax settings through a simple dashboard.
Add Products and Content
Import your product catalog or create products within the platform. Add high-quality images, detailed descriptions, pricing, and inventory levels. Set up categories and filters for easy navigation.
Test and Launch
Test the complete purchase flow: browsing, adding to cart, checkout, and payment. Verify order confirmations and tracking work correctly. With Natively, one-click deployment publishes your app to both App Store and Google Play.
For a complete walkthrough, see our step-by-step app building tutorial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features does an e-commerce app need?
Essential e-commerce app features include: product catalog with search and filters, shopping cart and checkout, secure payment processing (cards, digital wallets), user accounts, order tracking, and push notifications. Advanced features include wishlists, reviews, loyalty programs, and multi-currency support.
Which no-code platforms support e-commerce?
Popular no-code platforms for e-commerce apps include Natively (AI-powered native apps with full code ownership), Adalo (drag-and-drop mobile apps), GoodBarber (established platform with 0% transaction fees), Tapcart (Shopify integration), MobiLoud (website-to-app conversion), and FlutterFlow (advanced customization).
How do I integrate payments without coding?
Most no-code platforms offer built-in payment integrations with Stripe, PayPal, and other processors. With Natively, you simply describe your payment needs and AI generates the integration. Stripe handles credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Buy Now Pay Later options without writing code.
How much does it cost to build an e-commerce app without coding?
No-code e-commerce app costs vary widely. Traditional development costs $25,000-$250,000+. No-code platforms range from $5-500/month. Natively starts at $5/month with full source code ownership. Factor in payment processing fees (typically 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction) for ongoing costs.
What is the best approach for building a shopping app?
The best approach depends on your needs: For quick launch with existing Shopify store, use Tapcart. For building from scratch with full customization, use Natively or FlutterFlow. For converting an existing website, use MobiLoud. For maximum code ownership and native performance, choose AI-powered platforms like Natively that generate real source code.
Start Selling on Mobile Today
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