💳 WooCommerce Store Credit and Why It’s So Popular?
WooCommerce Store Credit is a plugin that enables store owners to offer store credits to customers, which can be used for future purchases. This functionality is particularly useful for handling returns, rewarding loyal customers, or offering promotional incentives. The plugin allows for the creation of store credit coupons that customers can redeem at checkout, enhancing customer retention and satisfaction.
WooCommerce Store Credit Free vs WooCommerce Store Credit Premium GPL — Comparison Table
| Feature | Free Version | Premium Addon (GPL) |
|---|---|---|
| Store Credit Functionality | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Ability to Create Custom Credit Rules | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Credit Expiry & Usage Restrictions | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Customer Email Notifications | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Priority Support | ❌ No | ❌ No (GPL version doesn’t include support) |
| Regular Updates | ✅ Yes (official version) | ⚠️ Depends on GPL source |
The Premium GPL version includes more customization and control, but lacks official support and updates, while the official version ensures stability and security.
Can You Get WooCommerce Store Credit Premium for Free?
Yes, the GPL version of WooCommerce Store Credit Premium can be downloaded for free from third-party sites as it’s released under the General Public License (GPL).
However:
- You won’t get official support or auto-updates.
- The quality and security of the files can vary depending on the third-party source.
For those looking for a reliable, safe experience with updates and support, purchasing the premium version directly from the official site is recommended.
Best Free or Budget–Friendly Alternatives to WooCommerce Store Credit Premium
If you’re looking for free or more affordable alternatives, here are a few options:
- WooCommerce Gift Cards (Free + Pro) – Allows you to create gift cards and store credits that customers can use on your site.
- WooCommerce Smart Coupons (Free + Pro) – This plugin lets you create and manage coupons and store credits with ease, offering a range of features at a lower cost.
- YITH WooCommerce Gift Cards (Free + Pro) – Create digital gift cards and credits, a great alternative for offering store credit to customers.
- Coupon Creator (Free) – While not focused solely on store credit, this plugin lets you create and manage coupons, which could serve a similar purpose for promotions.
These plugins offer a variety of solutions for incentivizing and rewarding customers on your WooCommerce store.
What is WooCommerce Store Credit Premium GPL?
The WooCommerce Store Credit Premium GPL means the plugin is released under the General Public License (GPL), which allows you to:
- Use the plugin for free
- Modify it to fit your needs
- Share it with others, even commercially
However, while you get all the premium features, the GPL version doesn’t come with official support or auto-updates. You’ll need to manage updates and security if you use the GPL version from third-party sites.
WooCommerce Store Credit Premium GPL vs WooCommerce Store Credit Premium: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Premium GPL | Official Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free or very cheap (via GPL sites) | Paid (license from official site) |
| Full Plugin Access | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Custom Credit Rules | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Credit Expiry & Restrictions | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Customer Notifications | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Auto Updates | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Customer Support | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Summary: The GPL version gives you access to all the features, but lacks official support and automatic updates. The official premium version ensures ongoing updates, security, and support.
WooCommerce Store Credit Premium Version History and Timeline
Here’s a quick overview of the key updates for WooCommerce Store Credit Premium:
- 2017 – WooCommerce Store Credit is launched, enabling stores to offer store credit as a payment method.
- 2018 – Introduced the ability to set custom rules for store credit usage and restrictions.
- 2019 – Added integration with WooCommerce Gift Cards and other plugins for smoother management.
- 2020 – Improved email notifications and enhanced customization options for store credit expiration.
- 2022 – Ongoing updates to improve compatibility with the latest WooCommerce and WordPress versions, along with improved user experience for admins.
The plugin continues to evolve with more advanced features aimed at improving store management and customer experience.