To sell on eBay you need to register to become an eBay member and become a seller. Becoming a seller is free. During this one-time process you need to provide information to verify your identity and select how you will pay your seller fees.

To become a seller, you need to:

Step 1. Verify Your Identity

To help provide a safe environment for the eBay community, you need to provide a credit or debit card to create a seller's account. In some cases, you'll also need to provide your checking account information. Your personal information is protected by eBay's Privacy Policy and encrypted by the industry standard SSL technology.

If you don't have a credit card or don't want to place your card on file, you can establish your proof of identity with ID Verify. There is a charge for verification and it is valid until your name, home address, or phone number change. You'll be charged only when you complete the process.

Verify your identity by providing your credit card information

Your card will not be charged unless you authorize eBay to use it to pay your seller fees, which are charged only when you list or sell items.

If your card is not accepted, try the following:

• Make sure that your card number is correct.

• Check your address - it must match the billing address on your monthly statement.

• Verify your account has been activated.

• Make sure your credit or debit card account is in good standing.

• Make sure your account does not have an Internet or phone order block.

• For debit cards, only use those with Visa or MasterCard logos.

Contact your card issuer if none of the above helps.

Verify your identity by providing your checking account information

Your account information will be used for identification purposes only. eBay does not deduct any fees from your account unless you authorize eBay to use it to pay your seller fees.

If you are having trouble putting your checking account on file, try the following:

• Make sure that your routing number is correct. You will find your routing number on the bottom of your checks, usually between the symbols. Routing numbers are 9 digits long. If you do not have a check available, your bank will also be able to provide this information to you.

• Make sure that your checking account number is correct. You will find your checking account number on the bottom of your checks, usually before the symbol.

• If you are still having trouble, contact your bank for assistance.

Step 2. Select Your Payment Method

When becoming a seller, you need to select how you pay your seller fees.

You can pay your seller fees using any of the following payment methods:

• PayPal (monthly and one-time payments)

• Credit Card (monthly and one-time payments)

• Direct Pay from your checking account (monthly and one-time payments)

• Check (business only)

For more details, see Paying Seller Fees

Note: If you want to use PayPal to accept credit card and electronic check payments online, eBay recommends signing up before you list your first item for sale. Sign up for PayPal.

Ready to start? Become a seller

Step 3. Offer PayPal or a Merchant Account Credit Card as a Payment Method

To keep eBay a safe place for both buyers and sellers, sellers who register after January 17, 2007 are required to offer either PayPal or a merchant account credit card as an accepted payment method for their items. PayPal allows you to accept credit card and electronic check payments online from your buyers. You can sign up for PayPal before you list your first item for sale, or you can sign up when you list your first item.