---
title: >-
  Create subscriptions contracts without payment methods - Shopify developer
  changelog
description: >-
  Shopify’s developer changelog documents all changes to Shopify’s platform.
  Find the latest news and learn about new platform opportunities.
source_url:
  html: >-
    https://shopify.dev/changelog/posts/create-subscriptions-contracts-without-payment-methods
  md: >-
    https://shopify.dev/changelog/posts/create-subscriptions-contracts-without-payment-methods.md
metadata:
  effectiveApiVersion: 2026-04
  affectedApi:
    - displayName: Admin GraphQL API
      handle: admin-graphql
  primaryTag:
    displayName: API
    handle: api
  secondaryTag:
    displayName: New
    handle: new
  indicatesActionRequired: false
  createdAt: '2026-01-09T14:10:22-05:00'
  postedAt: '2026-04-01T00:00:00-04:00'
  updatedAt: '2026-01-11T10:58:31-05:00'
  effectiveAt: '2026-04-01T00:00:00-04:00'
---

April 1, 2026

# Create subscriptions contracts without payment methods

DateApril 1, 2026

Version[2026-04](https://shopify.dev/changelog?api_version=2026-04)

FlagsNew

SurfacesAPI

Affected APIs[Admin GraphQL API](https://shopify.dev/changelog?api_type=admin-graphql)

In the API `2026-04` release candidate version, the `paymentMethodId` field is no longer required when creating a subscription contract using the [`subscriptionContractAtomicCreate`](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/latest/mutations/subscriptioncontractatomiccreate#arguments-input.fields.contract.paymentMethodId) and [`subscriptionContractCreate`](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/latest/mutations/subscriptioncontractcreate#arguments-input.fields.contract.paymentMethodId) mutations. This allows you to migrate subscription contracts even if they have missing or expired payment methods.

For implementation instructions, see our docs on [how to build a subscription contract](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/purchase-options/subscriptions/contracts/build-a-subscription-contract).