From collectibles to cars, buy and sell all kinds of items on eBay
Site Map
Advanced Search
BuySellMy eBayCommunityHelp
  Home > Help Topics > Buying > Paying for an Item > Paying for an eBay Purchase
Help
Search the Help pages  (Does not search for items or products)
Tips
Paying for an eBay Purchase

How you pay for an item depends on the payment methods accepted by the seller. Every seller is unique and could accept different payment methods. You should carefully read the item description before you bid to find out what methods the seller accepts. Most sellers accept PayPal because it transfers funds immediately and they do not have to wait for funds to clear before shipping your item. Compare different payment methods.

Find specific information about paying with PayPal.

All sellers appreciate quick payment, and we suggest that you pay for the item as soon as you win an auction or buy a fixed price item. Some sellers may also include information in the item description about when they expect payment to be made. However, please understand that all sellers do have the option to file an Unpaid Item dispute if they have not received payment after at least 7 days from the date the listing ended. If you have any questions about your payment, contact your seller.

Regardless of which payment method you are using, clicking the Pay Now button is the fastest way to pay on eBay. After you have won an auction listing or have clicked the Buy It Now button, you can see the Pay Now button in the following locations:

  • On the item page.

  • In My eBay, in the Items I've Won section.

  • In the confirmation email that you receive from eBay.

  • On the invoice email that you receive from eBay on behalf of the seller.

To pay for an item:

  1. Click the Pay Now button.

  2. Check your shipping information. If any information is incorrect, click the "Change shipping address" link to update it.

  3. Review your purchase, including shipping, insurance, and taxes. Select the check box next to the items that you want to purchase. Then, click the Continue button. Note: If you're missing total cost information or have questions about the total price, click the "Request total from seller" link. The seller will respond to your email.

  4. Select your method of payment. Log in to pay by PayPal. If you do not already have a PayPal account, you can sign up for an account. If you are paying by other accepted payment methods, you can access the seller's address on the next page.

  5. Confirm your payment. Make sure that your shipping details, payment method, and order details are correct. Then click the Confirm Your Payment button to complete your purchase. If you are paying by check or money order, you need to send the payment through the mail, based on the seller's instructions. Upon receipt of the payment, the seller typically sends you a confirmation email. You can always contact the seller for the shipping status.

Note: These steps assume that the seller is using eBay's Checkout system. Sellers have the option to use other checkout systems. If your seller does not use eBay Checkout, he or she will send you an invoice or other payment instructions to help you complete your purchase.

Tip: On a search results page, you can select the search option to show only those listings that accept the payment methods you want to use, for example, PayPal payments.

You are only obligated to pay the seller using one of the payment methods specified in the eBay listing. If the seller wants to change payment methods after the listing has ended, you may insist on paying with the method(s) stated in the listing. If you have questions about your payment, you should contact your seller.

To request your seller's contact information:

  1. Click the "Advanced Search" link at the top of most eBay pages.

  2. Click the "Find Contact Information" link under Members on the left side of the page.

  3. Enter the seller's User ID and the Item number.


Contact Customer Support

If you're looking for more help or have a question to ask, please contact us.
Need more answers to your questions? 


About eBay | Announcements | Security Center | eBay Toolbar | Policies | Government Relations | Site Map | Help
Copyright © 1995-2008 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the eBay User Agreement and Privacy Policy.
eBay official time