Misleading and Discouraging Payments Policy

Sellers who state in their listing (in the “Payment Details” section) that they accept certain payment methods must not selectively offer those payment methods to buyers or discourage buyers from using those payment methods.

This means that sellers must always accept payment from buyers through the payment methods they have selected in their Payment Details section of their listing, and must not act in any way to discourage buyers from paying by these methods.

For example: Sellers cannot state in their listing that they accept bank deposit payments but later communicate to the buyers that they will only accept bank deposit payments if the payment is greater than $100.

Breaches of this policy may result in a range of actions, including:

Listing cancellation
Forfeit of eBay fees on cancelled listings
Limits on account privileges
Loss of PowerSeller status
Account suspension

PayPal may also take action against sellers, in accordance with its User Agreement and applicable policies.

Some Examples

You could say the following in your listings:

“I accept all forms of payment accepted by eBay"

You cannot say the following in your listings:

“I accept PayPal but do not accept credit card payments through PayPal”
“I only accept PayPal if the bid amount is greater than $15”
I only accept PayPal from international buyers
“I do not accept PayPal.” (When the seller has indicated in their payment options that they do accept PayPal.)

General correspondence with eBay buyers that is not allowed:

"I will not accept your bank deposit payment if it is for less than $10."

Additional Information

This policy is not only limited to communications made in listings, but also includes all correspondence between a seller and buyer that relates to an eBay transaction.

To find out what payment methods are acceptable on eBay please also read our Accepted Payments Policy.

Why does eBay have this policy?

To make sure that all eBay members can pay for items with certainty about the final payment method that will be accepted by the seller.

Related Help topics

Listing Policies for Sellers Overview

Contact Customer Support

Report listing violations or problems with another eBay member.

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