---
title: Removal of payment method requirement on API created Subscription contracts - 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/removal-of-payment-method-requirement-on-api-created-subscription-contracts
  md: https://shopify.dev/changelog/removal-of-payment-method-requirement-on-api-created-subscription-contracts.md
---

[Back to Developer changelog](https://shopify.dev/changelog)

December 12, 2025

Tags:

* API

# Removal of payment method requirement on API created Subscription contracts

We've made it possible create subscription contracts without an attached payment method using the GraphQL Admin API. Contracts created through checkout will continue to require a payment method.

With this update, if you’re importing existing contracts with missing or expired payment methods, you can still migrate them to Shopify first and collect or update payment details later—removing a common onboarding blocker while keeping the buyer experience unchanged.

**Note**: Charges can’t be processed until a valid payment method is added.

[Learn more in the dev docs](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/purchase-options/subscriptions/migrate-to-subscriptions-api/migrate-subscription-contracts).