Paying for items

We're aware of reports that some sellers are charging unfair or unreasonable prices for certain items on eBay. We encourage our community to report any listings they suspect of unfair pricing to us. See our page on Reporting price gouging on eBay for more information and details on how to start a report.

When you buy an item on eBay, whether you won an auction or used Buy It Now, you'll need to pay the seller. You need to pay for purchases within 2 days (or within 4 days for eBay Motors purchases), but the sooner the seller receives your payment, the sooner they'll send your item.

You'll find everything you’ve bought recently - and whether you've paid - in your Purchase History - opens in new window or tab.

Our guides below will help answer any questions you might have about how to pay for items on eBay.

Ways to pay

Learn how to link your eBay and PayPal accounts together, and what to do if you need help with a PayPal payment.

Discover how to pay for items with a credit or debit card, how to add or update the card saved to your account, and troubleshooting card payment problems.

Find out how to receive promotions and discounts from eBay, and how to use them to grab a bargain.

Help if you've made a mistake

Learn how and when you can cancel an order.

Find out how to retract a bid if you’ve made a mistake.

If there's an issue with a bid you made or an item you bought, your seller may be able to help.

When you buy an item, it's important to pay as quickly as possible. If you haven't paid in 2 days, a seller may open an unpaid item case against you. If a case is opened against you, find out when and how you can appeal it.

Other terms

Cheques, money orders, and bank wire transfers aren't allowed for most eBay purchases. However, you can use these payment methods to buy vehicles, capital and business equipment, real estate, and items you pick up in person. For more details, see our Payment methods policy.