When you're shopping on AliExpress, you will probably want to use the payment method that is the most convenient.
However, there are lots of different payment methods for AliExpress, so it can be tricky to decide which one to use.
In this article, we will discuss all payment methods on AliExpress and help you decide which one is the best for you!
What are the available payment methods on AliExpress?
There are a number of payment methods available on AliExpress. The most popular payment methods are:
- Alipay
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
- PayPal
Let's take a closer look at each payment method:
1. Alipay
Alipay is a payment method that is particularly popular in China. It is an online payment platform launched in 2004 by Alibaba Group. Alipay allows customers to pay for goods and services using their mobile phones.
To use Alipay, you will need to create an account and link your bank account or credit card. Once your payment method is set up, you can make purchases on AliExpress using Alipay.
Pros
- Widely used in China
- Allows you to pay with a credit card or bank account
- No foreign exchange fees
Cons
- Not as widely accepted as PayPal
- No PayPal-like buyer protection
2. Debit card
When buying from AliExpress, one of the most popular payment options is the debit card.
It’s a very convenient payment method because it allows you to pay with your bank account, and it’s also very safe.
So, if you’re looking for a fast and safe way to pay for your products on AliExpress, the debit card is a payment method you should definitely consider.
Pros
- Widely accepted
- It can be used anywhere credit cards are accepted
Cons
- Limited protection against fraud
- They can result in overdraft costs
3. Credit card
When it comes to payment methods, credit cards are one of the most popular options. They’re convenient and widely accepted, making them a great choice for online shopping.
AliExpress accepts all major credit cards, so you can be sure that your card will work with our site.
Plus, by using a credit card on AliExpress, you can take advantage of their buyer protection program.
This program covers your purchase in case there are any problems with the seller or the product.
Pros
- Great to build a credit history
- Globally used
- Allows you to dispute charges if there is a problem with your purchase
Cons
- Credit cards can result in high fees if you're not careful with your spending
- Credit cards can have a significant interest rate
4. WebMoney
WebMoney is an online payment system that allows users to transfer money and make payments using their WebMoney accounts.
To use WebMoney, you will need to create an account and deposit money into your account. Once you have money in your account, you can make purchases on AliExpress.
WebMoney is a great payment method for buyers who want to keep their personal information private.
Your personal information is not shared with the seller when you use WebMoney. This payment method is also great for buyers who want to have cheap transaction fees.
If you are looking for a private payment method and have cheap transaction fees, WebMoney is a great choice.
Pros
- You can create an account without a bank card
- You can top up your account with cash at any bank or payment terminal
- Convenient and user-friendly website and payment system
Cons
- The payment system is not available in all countries
- You need to have a WebMoney account to make a payment
- The payment process is not as simple as with other payment methods (e.g PayPal)
5. Western Union
Western Union is another payment method that we recommend on AliExpress. It's a convenient way to pay, and it's also very safe.
In order to send money through Western Union, you will need to fill up a form and then insert the following information:
- Receiver's first name
- Receiver's last name
- Country
- City
Once you have provided this information, you will be able to send money through Western Union. The receiver will pick up the money from a Western Union location in their country.
When you send money through Western Union, the funds are transferred immediately to the receiver's account. This is a great payment method for buyers who want to send money quickly.
Pros
- Fast payment, often received on the same day as it's sent
- Wide global reach with a network in over 200 countries
- Reliable and secure payment method
Cons
- High fees
- Not available in all countries
6. Bank transfer
A bank transfer is a payment method that allows you to send money from your bank account to another person's bank account.
It's a secure way to pay because the payment goes through a banking network. However, it can take a few days to process the payment.
Pros
- Can be used to pay for large purchases
- Fees are usually low
Cons
- Takes longer for the payment to process
- You may need to provide additional information
7. PayPal
PayPal is a payment platform that allows you to send and receive money. It's a secure payment method and offers buyer protection.
PayPal on AliExpress is a popular payment method because it allows you to pay with a credit card or your bank account.
To use PayPal on AliExpress, first make a PayPal account and link it to your credit card or bank account. After that, you can pick PayPal when you pay at AliExpress.
Pros
- Very secure (its encryption technology allows you to keep your bank details safe)
- Buyer protection against fraud
Cons
- Transaction fees can be high depending on the payment method you choose
- Not available in all countries
Attention: The PayPal payment option can only be used when a merchant has set up a Paypal account for his store, so it won't always be available.
8. Yandex Money
Yandex Money is an online payment service that allows you to transfer funds to anyone in the world.
It's a safe and convenient way to make online payments if you are based in Russia or another country where the service is available.
Pros
- The service is available in Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Belarus, and supports a variety of payment methods
- The service offers a high level of security, as all payments are processed through Yandex Money's secure servers
Cons
- The service is not available in all countries
9. Carte Bleue
The Carte Bleue payment method is available to buyers in France. This payment method allows you to purchase items on AliExpress and pay for them later.
To use Carte Bleue, you will need to create an account and provide your personal information. Once your account is set up, you can make purchases on AliExpress using Carte Bleue.
Pros
- Proves legal residency in France
- You can use it to pay for public transportation too
- Allows the holder to work in France
Cons
- You may need to provide proof of your legal status in France in order to obtain a Carte Bleue
- There is a limit on how much you can spend
10. COD (Saudi Arabia)
COD is an ideal payment method if you want to avoid using your credit card online. You can pay with cash upon delivery of your order.
This payment method is available for orders delivered to Saudi Arabia.
Pros
- No transaction fees
- Available in select countries, including Saudi Arabia
Cons
- There is often a delivery fee charged by the courier service
- The payment is only processed once the item has been delivered
11. Other regional methods
Other than Carte Bleue and Yandex Money, AliExpress also offers various regional payment methods, depending on the country you're shopping from.
Here are some key payment methods available in different regions:
- Boleto (Brazil)
- QIWI (Russia)
- Klarna (Europe, UK, Canada, Australia, and US)
- Doku (Indonesia)
- Mpesa (African countries)
- Giropay (Germany)
- PayU (Netherlands)
- Przelewy24 (Poland)
- Sofort Banking (Europe)
- Mercado Pago (Latin America)
- iDeal (Netherlands)
Pros
- Regional payment methods are useful in areas where options like Google Pay or PayPal aren't available, as they align with local banking habits and provide easy access in specific regions.
- These methods often allow payments in local currencies, which can save users from incurring additional currency conversion fees.
Cons
- The level of security and reliability can vary significantly between different regional payment methods.
Which currencies are accepted by AliExpress?
AliExpress accepts a wide range of world currencies. The default payment currency on AliExpress is the US Dollar (USD).
However, you can view prices and make payments in your local currency.
All you need to do is locate the ship-to country and currency settings on the top bar of the site and select your currency from a list.
Payment processing time
When choosing a payment method, one thing to keep in mind is the processing time. Some payment methods take longer than others to process.
For example, bank transfers can take up to several days to process, while credit and debit payments are processed immediately.
So, if you need your items quickly, you'll want to choose a payment method that has a quick processing time.
The level of buyer protection
When shopping on AliExpress, choosing a payment method that offers a high level of buyer protection is important.
- PayPal. Offers buyer protection for all types of orders
- Debit Card. Offers limited buyer protection
If you're not sure which payment method to choose, we recommend using PayPal as it offers the most protection for buyers. However, Alipay is also a good option if you're ordering from a Chinese seller.
Tips for using each payment method safely
When it comes to payment methods for AliExpress, there are a few different options to choose from.
Each payment method has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to understand which one will work best for you.
Here are some tips for using each payment method safely and effectively:
- Credit cards are a popular payment method for AliExpress, but they can also be one of the most dangerous. If you're going to use a credit card, be sure to keep an eye on your statement and report any suspicious activity immediately.
- PayPal is another popular payment method, and it's generally considered to be safer than using a credit card. However, PayPal does have a few drawbacks, for example, it can be more difficult to dispute payment if something goes wrong.
- Bank transfers. A bank transfer may take a little longer than other payment methods, but it's a convenient way to pay for your AliExpress purchases.
No matter which payment method you choose, be sure to take precautions to protect yourself from fraud and scams.
Follow these tips to stay safe when shopping on AliExpress:
- Only use reputable payment processors like PayPal and bank transfers.
- Don't share your payment information with anyone.
- Keep an eye on your statement for any suspicious activity.
- Report any fraud or scams to the payment processor immediately.
With so many payment options available, it can be difficult to know which one is best for you.
But by understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each payment method, you can make an informed decision that will help you stay safe when shopping on AliExpress.
Common AliExpress payment errors
Common AliExpress payment errors and their solutions include:
- Insufficient funds (Error Code: CSC_7200011). This occurs if your card or bank account doesn't have enough money.
- Rejected by bank (Error Code: CSC_7200015). This can happen if your card is not enabled for foreign payments, or the bank suspects fraudulent activity. Contact your bank to resolve this.
- Card not supported or incorrect information (Error Codes: CSC_7200022, CSC_7200051, CSC_7200001). Ensure you've entered the correct card information. If errors persist, try a different card.
- Security verification required (Error Code: CSC_7200026). AliExpress may require card verification for security reasons.
- Incomplete order information (Error Code: CSC_7200034). Verify that your shipping address, name, phone number, and payment information are correct.
- Incorrect expiry date (Error Code: CSC_7200012). Check and correct your card's expiration date.
- Card information error (Error Code: CSC_7200020). Confirm the cardholder’s name, card number, expiration date, and security code.
- Card restricted by bank (Error Code: CSC_7200040). Contact your bank if your card is restricted, sometimes due to security concerns.
- Unsupported currency (Error Code: CSC_7200006). Make sure you are using a supported currency, such as USD, for payments.
- Exceeding card or bank limit (Error Code: CSC_7200009). Adjust your card spending limit or use another payment method.
- Incorrect CVV Code (Error Code: CSC_7200021). Enter the correct CVV or CVC code.
To resolve these issues, you may need to switch payment methods, check your account balance, contact your bank, or ensure your card details are correct.
In some cases, using the AliExpress app or changing your browser can also help.
How do you receive refunds on AliExpress?
When you request a refund on AliExpress, the process depends on the situation of your order and the reason for the refund.
Here's a general overview:
- Before shipping. If you cancel your order before it's shipped, you can ask for a cancellation and refund directly.
- After shipping. If the order is shipped but you haven't received it on time, or it's not as described, you can open a dispute with AliExpress for a refund.
- Refunds without returning items. If your item doesn't arrive or isn't as described, like the wrong color or size, you can ask for a full or partial refund without sending it back.
- Returning items for refund. If you send back the item, you can get a refund. Remember, you might have to pay for the return shipping.
- Refund time. Once your refund is approved, it can take between three to 20 business days to get the money, depending on your bank.
- Expired bank card. If your card has expired, AliExpress still processes the refund to it. Talk to your bank to get the money.
You should also know that there's a timeframe for raising a return request as well as returning items from your order. For example, you have 15 days after delivery to open a refund dispute.
And last but not the least, the refund amount might be less than you paid because of bank fees or changes in exchange rates.
FAQs about payment methods for AliExpress
What are the best payment methods to use on AliExpress?
Credit cards. This is probably the most common payment method used on AliExpress. You can use most major credit cards like Visa or Mastercard. They come with buyer protection programs from the card companies, which adds an extra layer of security to your purchases.
PayPal. PayPal is a very popular payment method online, and it's no different on AliExpress. It's a secure payment system that offers buyer protection, and it's easy to use.
Can you pay by PayPal on AliExpress?
Yes, you can use PayPal as a payment method on AliExpress. It's a quick and easy way to pay for your purchases, and it's also secure.
Is it safe to pay on AliExpress?
Yes, paying on AliExpress is generally safe. The platform prioritizes payment security, which is a key concern for online shoppers.
However, you can rest assured that AliExpress takes payment security seriously. Yes, you can trust AliExpress with your credit card details.In fact, they offer a number of different payment methods to choose from, so you can find the one that best suits your needs.
Can I trust AliExpress with my credit card details?
Yes, you can trust AliExpress with your credit card details.
While it's understandable to be cautious about online transactions, AliExpress employs advanced security measures to protect your payment information.
Which payment methods on AliExpress do we recommend?
We recommend PayPal and Alipay payment methods on AliExpress. PayPal is very popular and allows you to pay with a credit card or your bank account.
Similarly, many people use Alipay in China. It allows safe and easy transactions.
Summary
Before we go, we've created a quick summary of this article for you, so you can easily remember it:
- AliExpress offers various payment methods to cater to its global customer base.
- The most common payment options are credit and debit cards, Alipay, PayPal, bank transfer, and Western Union.
- Depending on the region, AliExpress supports various local payment methods like Boleto, PayU, and Doku.
- If you're not sure which payment method to choose, we recommend using PayPal as it offers the most protection for buyers.
- Different payment methods on AliExpress have varying processing times. While credit and debit card payments are usually processed instantly, bank transfers can take a few days to complete.
- We have compiled a list of common AliExpress payment errors and their solutions in the article. Don't forget to check out!
Conclusion
As you can see, Alipay and PayPal are the best payment methods for AliExpress if you're looking for buyer protection.
However, if you're paying with a credit or debit card, you'll only be protected if the order is canceled or not delivered.
What are your thoughts on payment methods for AliExpress? Have you had any experiences, good or bad, with using different payment methods?
Share your stories in the comments below!
Want to learn more about AliExpress?
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Plus, don't forget to check out our in-depth guide on how AliExpress works here.
4 Comments
habe eine union pay credit card von bank of communications pacific card wird aber nicht von aliexpress akzeptiert warum
Hi Peter,
Thank you for your comment! It seems like AliExpress doesn’t accept UnionPay yet indeed (there are more people wondering about this).
Good luck with everything!
– Richard
Really, bank transfer is the safest payment?
I would never do a bank transfer. Yes, giving your credit card info out to shop brings up concerns with card info being stolen however it is still the better/best option.
Everyone should closely monitor their credit cards, and have alert set for each card and utilise all available features available from the card issuer. CC issuers are getting better and track better such as card is being used at a different location (country/city) you live in or etc. Example my Chase or Amex CC send me an immediate text to me to verify that I am making a purchase when I am in a different city.
If I am travelling to a different country, i would put in a notice to my card so they know. I set up push notice on the card issuer app so that I would not miss text mssg when travelling and using a different sim card.
Not to mention, those who use credit card and able to not carry a balance is important and have additional layer of protection on purchases, extended warranty, cashback, and etc. Also not giving them access to your banking info is huge matter. Cc should be process by Ali express and not by the seller. So little cc info should be available to merchants however always triple check. Be extra vigilant .
There are way too much info on this matter to write here but all the necessary info is available online for anyone to learn on how to protect your info.
I came to read this article bez it would be a red flag to me on what is being written here.
Hi Philip,
You’re right, I also think bank transfer isn’t the ‘safest’ payment method with regards to being sure that the products you’re buying will actually arrive/are sufficient quality. In that case, credit card or PayPal is indeed usually better. I’ve edited the article now to correct this mistake!
Have a great rest of your day!
– Patryk