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

To become a seller you'll need to:

Step 1) Select your payment method

When becoming a seller, you'll need to select how you pay your seller fees. You won't be charged anything to register as a seller. We'll only charge your account when you list or sell an item.

You can pay your seller fees using any of the following payment methods:

• PayPal (monthly and one-time payments)

• Credit or debit card

• Direct bank transfer

Make sure that you have your payment information available before you start listing your first item.

For more details, see Paying your 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 2) Confirm 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, Electron or Maestro logos

• Contact your card issuer if none of the above helps.

Verify your identity by providing your bank 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 3) Offer PayPal or credit / debit cards as a payment method.

Sellers who register after January 17, 2007 are required to offer buyers either PayPal or the ability to pay with a credit card using an internet merchant account. PayPal lets you accept credit card and electronic cheque payments online from your buyers.

You will be asked to select a payment method when you list an item. 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. If you don’t have an Internet merchant account, you can sign up for ProPay to accept credit cards.

For more information, see Selecting payment methods you'll accept.