About Payment Methods
Before you bid on an item or use Buy It Now, make sure that the seller's payment options will work for you. Important factors you should consider include:
* Is it traceable and is there proof of payment?
* Is the method fast and convenient?
* How secure is it?
* What is the liability coverage in case something goes wrong?
There are a number of ways to pay on eBay. Most sellers offer more than one option. Some payment options offer more protection than others, so be sure to select a method of payment that makes you feel comfortable. Most payment options are also covered by the eBay Standard Purchase Protection Program for up to $200 (minus $25 for processing costs).
If you have additional questions about payment options, you can contact the seller directly.
Common payment methods available using the Pay Now button include:
PayPal
Credit card
Personal checks, cashier's checks, or money orders
The seller may accept other types of payment methods involving escrow companies (recommended for high-price items) and bank to bank wire transfers. For information on these types of payments, see Sending Payments: Benefits and Risks.
Important: eBay does not recommend cash or cash wire transfers as a payment method. If you pay by cash, you do not receive protection under the eBay Standard Purchase Protection Program. You also do not retain any proof of your payment, and will have little to no remedy for transaction problems.
Paying with Pay Pal
PayPal is the preferred payment method for most eBay buyers and sellers. PayPal enables you to send payments quickly and securely online using a credit card or bank account. However, you should first check that the seller offers PayPal as a payment method for their listing.
When you select PayPal as the payment method, you go to the PayPal site, where you can send your payment. If you do not already have a PayPal account, you can sign up for an account. At PayPal, you can choose how you would like to fund your PayPal payment (for example, using a checking account, credit card, or PayPal balance) and then send the payment. If you use PayPal, the seller may require a credit card billing address registered at PayPal, sometimes called a "confirmed" address.
Advantages
Payment is traceable. You can track the status of your payment using My eBay or your PayPal account.
Is immediate and convenient. You pay directly from the item listing page and payment is deposited directly into the seller's account.
Does not require you to use your credit card online (you can transfer directly from your bank account). Sellers don't see your credit card number (it is safely encrypted through PayPal's server), which limits the risk of unauthorized use.
Offers PayPal Buyer Protection on qualifying items - up to $1,000 in free coverage. Additional limited protection is offered through PayPal's Money Back Guarantee.
If you have a PayPal question, please contact PayPal Customer Support.
Paying with a credit card
Certain Sellers are set up to take credit card payments. This will require you to provide your credit card information to the seller.
Advantages
Payment is traceable.
Payment is Immediate and convenient.
Provides limited liability coverage. Credit card companies typically provide some level of identity and purchase protection whether you are paying with your credit card through PayPal, or directly to the seller. Contact your credit card company to learn more.
Note: Since credit card purchases are generally protected by your card company, if problems arise you must go through your card company before applying to the eBay Standard Purchase Protection Program.
Paying with personal check, cashiers check or money orders
You can pay with a personal check, cashiers check or a money order as long as your seller accepts this payment method. After you click the Pay Now button and sent your information to the seller, you will receive detailed payment instructions.
Advantages
Payment is traceable to a particular mailing address and provides proof of payment.
Covered up to $200 under the eBay Standard Purchase Protection Program (minus $25 for processing costs).
Most banks offer a stop payment service if problems arise before the check is cashed. Some money order services may have the option to stop payment if problems arise before the payment is cashed.
Disadvantages
Sellers must wait for funds to clear.
Payment is extremely difficult to recover in cases of fraud.
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