---
source_url: "https://www.ebay.com/help/terms-conditions/default/avoiding-payment-problems?id=4660&utm_source=openai"
title: "Avoiding payment problems for items you’ve sold | eBay"
mirrored_at: 2026-08-04T13:10:14.304Z
host: www.ebay.com
cited_in_42a: true
mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/www.ebay.com/help/terms-conditions/default/avoiding-payment-problems__q__id_4660__utm_source_openai"
---

> **Original source:** https://www.ebay.com/help/terms-conditions/default/avoiding-payment-problems?id=4660&utm_source=openai

Credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal are our recommended payment methods, but you can also offer buyers [other payment methods](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/listings/choosing-get-paid/accepting-other-payment-methods?id=4184). To help avoid issues with a transaction, we don’t recommend accepting cash unless the buyer is paying on [pickup](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/shipping-items/setting-shipping-options/local-pickup?id=4181).

## How to avoid payment issues

There are additional protections you can use to make sure transactions are completed smoothly and help avoid payment issues. For example:

-   eBay offers protection for items sold following the guidelines outlined in our [Seller Protection](https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/selling-policies/seller-protections?id=4345) article
-   If a credit card payment is being reversed or can’t be received, see our article on [handling payment disputes](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/getting-paid/handling-payment-disputes?id=4799) and chargebacks for more information
-   If you’re selling high-priced items, consider using an escrow service

**Tip**  
Ensure you’re paid swiftly by requiring immediate payment when buyers use the Buy It Now option.

## How to avoid scams and fraudulent payments

We want eBay to be a safe marketplace for all our members, so if you see something unusual or suspicious, please [let us know - opens in new window or tab](https://spd.ebay.com/RBASellerHub).

Observe the following:

-   If you believe that a buyer paid or is attempting to pay with fraudulent funds or a stolen credit card, you can [report it to us - opens in new window or tab](https://spd.ebay.com/RBASellerHub) and the [Federal Trade Commission (FTC) - opens in new window or tab](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/?orgcode=EBAY). You should also contact law enforcement in the buyer’s location. We’ll cooperate fully with all law enforcement inquiries
-   If a buyer sends a check or money order that can’t be cashed, [report them to us - opens in new window or tab](https://spd.ebay.com/RBASellerHub). These payment methods are permitted only for certain categories and for local pickup—you’ll find more information in our [accepted payments policy](https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/payment-policies/accepted-payments-policy?id=4269)
-   You should never accept overpayment from buyers, especially if the buyer asks you to repay the overpayment. Requests like this are often part of a cashier’s check scheme, which you can report to the [Federal Trade Commission (FTC) - opens in new window or tab](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/?orgcode=EBAY)

One of our top priorities is protecting our members, so sales that start on eBay can’t be completed off our site. Remember, if [a sale is completed off eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/payment-policies/offers-buy-sell-outside-ebay-policy?id=4272), neither buyers nor sellers are covered by our protection programs if something goes wrong, and you’ll still need to pay fees.

**Tip**  
If the buyer hasn't paid within 4 calendar days after the listing ended or from when they agreed to buy using Buy It Now, you can [cancel the order](https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/getting-paid/cancelling-transaction?id=4136).

Top Takeaway

### You’re covered by our seller protection policy when you accept payment through credit or debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Paypal.