How to limit order value for first-time customers on Shopify

Short answer: Cap the order value of brand-new customers (zero previous orders) to reduce chargeback risk while still welcoming new buyers. In Checkpost, choose “Limit first-time customer orders” from Templates, adjust the values, test it, then save and enable the rule.

The problem

Most chargebacks come from first orders placed with stolen cards. Limiting new customers' first order value reduces exposure while repeat customers shop freely.

How to set it up

1. Install Checkpost from the Shopify App Store.
2. Open Templates and choose Limit first-time customer orders.
3. Set the cap for first orders.
4. Use Try this rule to test a sample cart, then click Save rule.

The rule

Checkout is blocked when all of these conditions are true:

• Customer's previous orders is exactly 0
• Cart subtotal is greater than 500

Shoppers see: “First orders are limited to $500. Please contact us for larger orders.” at the top of checkout, in the cart and at checkout.

{
  "name": "First order max $500",
  "match": "all",
  "conditions": [
    {
      "kind": "number",
      "field": "customer_order_count",
      "op": "eq",
      "value": 0
    },
    {
      "kind": "number",
      "field": "cart_subtotal",
      "op": "gt",
      "value": 500
    }
  ],
  "message": "First orders are limited to $500. Please contact us for larger orders.",
  "target": "cart",
  "runOn": "always"
}

Where this rule works

These are cart and checkout validations, including supported accelerated checkouts. They are current-cart policies; they do not track previous purchases of a SKU. Shopify excludes POS, recurring subscription orders and native pre-order/Try Before You Buy flows from this API. See Shopify's validation compatibility.

Tips

• Guests are treated as having zero previous orders.
• Pair with a disposable email rule for stronger protection.

FAQ

How does it know if a customer is new?

It uses the customer's order count from Shopify. Guests and new accounts count as zero.

Will my existing customers be affected?

No. Only customers with no previous orders are limited.

Related rules

Add limit first-time customer orders to your store