Creating a Seller’s Account

To sell on eBay you need to register to become an eBay member and become a seller. Becoming a seller is free.

To become a seller you'll 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 or verify your identity by phone. In some cases, you’ll also need to provide your bank account information. Your personal information is protected by eBay's Privacy Policy and encrypted by the industry standard SSL technology.

Verify your identity by phone

This option allows you to sell immediately on eBay. Enter your telephone number as indicated (land lines only) and select whether you want to receive the call now (you'll receive the call within 20 seconds) or in 2 minutes. You will get an automated call with a 4-digit verification number at the telephone number you specified. Enter the 4-digit verification number on eBay and continue your registration.

Verify your identity by providing your credit card information

Your card will not be charged unless you authorise 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 that your account has been activated.
Make sure your credit or debit card is in good standing

Verify the following:

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 authorise eBay to use it to pay your seller fees.

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

Make sure that your sort code is correct. You will find your sort code on the bottom of your cheques. Routing numbers are 6 digits long. bank account number is correct. You will find your bank account number on the bottom of your cheques.
If you are still having trouble, contact your bank for assistance.

Step 2) Select your payment method

When becoming a seller, you'll 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)
Direct Debit from your bank account (monthly and one-time payments)
Credit Card (monthly and one-time payments)
Cheque or postal order

For more details, see Paying Seller Fees

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

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 17th January, 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.

Ready to start? Create a seller’s account

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