Email magic link
Account access exists to make returning-customer recovery easier. It links verified purchase email to the customer portal, but direct purchase remains the primary path.
The account route exists as convenience, not as the default storefront story.
Use the same checkout email if you want direct purchases to attach to the dashboard automatically after verification.
The link is single-use, expires in 15 minutes, and returns to the requested destination after verification.
Guest checkout stays primary. Sign-in exists to consolidate recovery and account management once a purchase already exists.
The dashboard is the convenience layer on top of direct purchase and direct recovery.
This flow is intentionally narrow and practical.
Not every return path needs sign-in.