Yes, you can pay on AliExpress without a credit or debit card. Available alternatives include: PayPal linked to your bank account, digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) funded by bank accounts, local payment methods like iDEAL or Boleto, direct bank transfers, cash payment systems, and prepaid cards. Availability depends on your country. The easiest universal option is PayPal connected to your bank account, which works in most countries where AliExpress operates.
Why You Might Need Cardless Payment
Common reasons people look for card alternatives:
You don’t have a credit card: Not everyone qualifies for credit cards or chooses to use them.
You don’t want to use your card online: Security concerns about entering card details on international sites.
Your card doesn’t work internationally: Some banks restrict international or online transactions.
You’re under 18: Many people can’t get credit cards but still want to shop online.
Bank account only: You have banking access but no card linked to it.
Privacy concerns: You want payment methods that don’t directly expose your card information.
Previous bad experience: Had fraud or disputes and now avoid using cards online.
Whatever your reason, AliExpress offers multiple cardless payment options. Let’s cover each one.
Option 1: PayPal Linked to Bank Account (Best Universal Option)
How it works: PayPal can pull money directly from your bank account without needing a card. You link your bank account to PayPal, then use PayPal to pay on AliExpress.
Setup requirements:
- Bank account in your name
- PayPal account (free to create)
- Ability to verify your bank account with PayPal
Step-by-step setup:
Step 1: Create PayPal account
- Go to paypal.com
- Click “Sign Up”
- Choose account type (Personal)
- Enter email, create password
- Provide personal information
Step 2: Link your bank account
- Log into PayPal
- Go to “Wallet” section
- Click “Link a bank account”
- Select your bank from the list (or enter manually)
- Enter account number and routing number
- Confirm your bank account
Step 3: Verify bank account PayPal will make two small deposits (under $1 each) to your account within 2-3 days.
- Check your bank statement for these amounts
- Log into PayPal
- Enter the two deposit amounts to verify
- Your bank account is now verified and ready to use
How to use on AliExpress:
Step 1: Add items to cart and go to checkout
Step 2: Select PayPal as payment method Look for the PayPal option in payment methods.
Step 3: Log into PayPal You’ll be redirected to PayPal to confirm payment.
Step 4: Select bank account as funding source In PayPal, choose your bank account instead of a card.
Step 5: Confirm payment PayPal withdraws money from your bank and pays AliExpress.
Processing time: Bank transfers through PayPal can take 3-5 business days to process, so sellers may wait to ship until payment clears.
Advantages:
- Works in most countries where PayPal operates
- No card needed
- PayPal buyer protection included
- Widely accepted on AliExpress
Disadvantages:
- Requires bank account access
- Verification takes several days
- Not available in all countries
- Slower than card payments
Countries where this works: Most countries where both PayPal and AliExpress operate, including: US, UK, Canada, Australia, most of Europe, parts of Asia and Latin America.
Option 2: Digital Wallets Funded by Bank (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
How it works: Apple Pay and Google Pay can be linked directly to bank accounts in some countries, allowing you to pay without a card.
Important limitation: This feature is only available in select countries. In many regions, Apple Pay and Google Pay require a debit/credit card and cannot be linked directly to bank accounts.
Where bank linking works:
- United States (limited banks)
- Germany (some banks)
- Select other countries (check Apple/Google Pay supported features in your region)
If available in your country:
For Apple Pay:
- Open Wallet app on iPhone
- Tap “+” to add account
- Select “Bank Account” if available
- Choose your bank
- Log in and verify
- Use Apple Pay at AliExpress checkout
For Google Pay:
- Open Google Pay app
- Tap “Payment methods”
- Select “Add bank account”
- Choose your bank
- Log in and verify
- Use Google Pay at AliExpress checkout
Reality check: Most users will find that Apple Pay and Google Pay require a card, not just a bank account. This option only works in specific countries with specific banks. If it’s not available for you, use PayPal instead.
Option 3: Local Payment Methods (Country-Specific)
Many countries have regional payment systems that work without cards. Availability at AliExpress checkout depends on your location.
Europe:
iDEAL (Netherlands)
- Direct bank payment system
- No card needed, uses online banking
- How to use: Select iDEAL at checkout, choose your bank, log into online banking, confirm payment
- Instant confirmation
Giropay (Germany)
- Bank transfer system
- How to use: Select Giropay, enter bank details, authorize transfer through online banking
- Instant payment
Sofort/Klarna (Multiple European countries)
- Instant bank transfer
- How to use: Select Sofort, choose bank, log in to online banking, confirm
- Works across several European countries
Latin America:
Boleto Bancário (Brazil)
- Cash payment voucher system
- How to use: Select Boleto at checkout, receive voucher code, pay at bank, lottery shop, or online banking within expiration date (usually 3 days)
- Payment confirmation takes 1-2 days
OXXO (Mexico)
- Cash payment at OXXO convenience stores
- How to use: Generate payment code at checkout, take code to any OXXO store, pay in cash
- Confirmation within 24 hours
Asia:
Alipay
- Digital wallet, can be funded without cards in some regions
- Requires Alipay account setup
- Available in China and expanding to other countries
GCash (Philippines)
- Mobile wallet
- Can be funded through bank transfer, remittance centers, or cash-in locations
- Use at AliExpress if available in payment options
Convenience store payments (Japan, Southeast Asia)
- Some countries offer codes you can pay at convenience stores
- Check AliExpress checkout for availability
Russia/CIS:
QIWI Wallet
- Can be funded without cards through terminals and other methods
WebMoney
- Digital currency system with multiple funding options
How to find what’s available for you:
- Add items to cart
- Go to checkout
- Enter your shipping address
- Look at available payment methods
- Local options appear automatically if available in your country
Option 4: Direct Bank Transfer
How it works: Some countries allow direct bank transfers from your account to AliExpress.
Availability: Limited. Mainly available in Europe (SEPA transfers) and select other regions.
How to use (if available):
Step 1: Select bank transfer at checkout
Step 2: AliExpress provides payment details
- Account number
- Bank name
- Reference number (important – links payment to your order)
Step 3: Initiate transfer from your bank
- Log into your online banking
- Create new transfer
- Enter AliExpress’s bank details exactly
- Include reference number in transfer notes
- Confirm and send
Step 4: Wait for confirmation
- Transfers take 1-5 business days
- AliExpress confirms receipt
- Order processing begins
Disadvantages:
- Slow (several days)
- No chargeback rights
- Risk if payment details are entered incorrectly
- Limited buyer protection
Not recommended unless: You have absolutely no other options.
Option 5: Prepaid Cards and Virtual Cards
How it works: You can buy prepaid Visa or Mastercard cards with cash, then use them like regular cards on AliExpress.
Types of prepaid cards:
Physical prepaid cards:
- Available at grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores
- Load with cash at purchase
- Use online like a regular debit card
Virtual prepaid cards:
- Digital cards you can create online
- Fund through bank transfer or other methods
- Get card number, expiration, CVV for online use
Popular prepaid card options by region:
United States:
- Vanilla Visa prepaid
- Green Dot prepaid cards
- Netspend
- Privacy.com (virtual cards)
Europe:
- Paysafecard (available in many countries)
- VIABUY prepaid Mastercard
- TransferWise (Wise) debit card (technically a card, but funded from balance)
UK:
- Revolut (virtual and physical cards)
- Monzo
- Cash Plus
How to use:
Step 1: Get a prepaid card Purchase at store or sign up online.
Step 2: Load money onto card Pay cash in-store or transfer from bank account.
Step 3: Use like a regular card on AliExpress Enter card number, expiration, CVV at checkout.
Advantages:
- No bank account needed (for cash-loaded cards)
- Limits spending to loaded amount
- Works like any other card on AliExpress
Disadvantages:
- Purchase fees (usually $3-$6 per card)
- Monthly maintenance fees on some cards
- May have limits on international use
- Some cards don’t work on international sites
Tip: Check card terms before buying to ensure it works for international online purchases.
Option 6: Ask Someone Else to Pay (Workaround)
How it works: If you can’t pay directly, have someone with a card pay on your behalf, then reimburse them in cash or bank transfer.
Methods:
Use a friend/family member’s account:
- Give them cash or transfer money to their account
- They log into AliExpress with their account
- They place the order using their card
- Ship to your address
Use someone else’s card on your account:
- Log into your AliExpress account
- Add their card as payment method at checkout
- They authorize the charge
- You reimburse them
Use a trusted payment service: Some people offer to buy items for others and charge a small fee. Be extremely careful with this – only use trusted friends or family, never strangers.
Security considerations:
- Only do this with people you trust completely
- Never share your AliExpress account login with strangers
- Be aware that if there are issues with the order, the cardholder will need to handle disputes
Option 7: Cryptocurrency (Emerging Option)
Current status: AliExpress does not officially accept cryptocurrency directly. However, some workarounds exist:
Crypto-to-gift-card services:
- Use cryptocurrency to buy gift cards
- Some services let you buy prepaid Visa/Mastercard cards with crypto
- Use those cards on AliExpress
Crypto debit cards:
- Coinbase Card
- Crypto.com Visa Card
- BitPay Card These cards let you spend cryptocurrency as regular card payments.
Important: This is an indirect method and requires understanding cryptocurrency. Not recommended unless you’re already familiar with crypto.
Country-Specific Guides
If you’re in the United States: Best options:
- PayPal linked to bank account
- Prepaid Visa/Mastercard cards (widely available)
- Apple Pay or Google Pay (if bank linking is supported)
If you’re in Europe: Best options:
- PayPal linked to bank account
- iDEAL (Netherlands)
- Giropay (Germany)
- Sofort (multiple countries)
- Prepaid cards available in most countries
If you’re in UK: Best options:
- PayPal linked to bank account
- Revolut or Monzo virtual cards
- Prepaid cards from retailers
If you’re in Brazil: Best options:
- Boleto Bancário (pay cash at bank or online)
- PayPal linked to bank account
- Local payment methods through online banking
If you’re in Philippines: Best options:
- GCash (if accepted at checkout)
- PayPal linked to bank account
- Convenience store payment methods (if available)
If you’re in Nigeria: Best options:
- PayPal (limited functionality – check current status)
- Virtual dollar cards from local fintech (Chipper Cash, Barter, etc.)
- Check for local payment methods at checkout
If you’re in other countries:
- Check for local payment methods at AliExpress checkout
- PayPal is usually the most reliable universal option
- Look into prepaid international cards available in your region
Troubleshooting: When Cardless Options Don’t Appear
Problem: PayPal isn’t showing at checkout
Possible causes:
- Seller doesn’t accept PayPal
- Your country has PayPal restrictions
- Order amount is outside PayPal limits
Solutions:
- Try different sellers
- Split large orders into smaller purchases
- Check PayPal availability in your country
Problem: No local payment methods appear
Possible causes:
- Your shipping address doesn’t match regions where local methods are offered
- Seller restrictions
- Order value outside acceptable range
Solutions:
- Verify your address is entered correctly
- Try different sellers
- Use PayPal as fallback
Problem: Bank transfer option not available
Reality: Bank transfers are rarely offered to individual buyers on AliExpress. This option is mainly for bulk/business purchases.
Solution: Use PayPal linked to bank account instead.
Problem: All options require a card
If you’re seeing only card options:
- Your country may have limited alternative payment methods
- Try PayPal setup (works in most countries)
- Consider prepaid cards as last resort
- Check if you entered wrong country/address
Security Considerations for Cardless Payments
PayPal security:
- Two-factor authentication recommended
- Strong password essential
- Monitor transactions regularly
- Disputes work same as with cards
Prepaid card security:
- Only load amount you plan to spend
- Don’t share card details
- Monitor for unauthorized use
- Limited loss if compromised (only loaded amount at risk)
Bank transfer security:
- Verify bank details carefully
- Use secure internet connection
- Keep reference numbers
- Screenshot everything
Cash payment systems security:
- Pay before expiration dates
- Keep payment receipts
- Verify payment confirmation before assuming order is processed
Fees for Cardless Methods
PayPal:
- No fee to link bank account
- No fee to pay on AliExpress
- Currency conversion fees apply (3-4% markup if PayPal converts)
Prepaid cards:
- Purchase fee: $3-$6 typically
- Monthly maintenance: $0-$5 depending on card
- Reload fees may apply
- International transaction fees possible
Local payment methods:
- Usually no extra fees
- Some cash payment systems charge small processing fee
Bank transfers:
- Your bank may charge transfer fees
- International transfer fees can be significant
- Currency conversion fees apply
Which Cardless Method Should You Use?
For most people: PayPal linked to bank account is the best option. It’s widely available, secure, offers buyer protection, and works on nearly all AliExpress listings.
If PayPal isn’t available in your country: Look for local payment methods at checkout (iDEAL, Boleto, etc.). These are designed for your region and usually work well.
If you’re under 18: Prepaid cards are your best option. Buy with cash at stores, use online like regular cards.
If you want maximum privacy: Prepaid cards loaded with cash provide the most anonymity.
If you have security concerns: PayPal keeps your bank details hidden from AliExpress and adds an extra protection layer.
If you need the simplest solution: Ask a trusted friend/family member to pay with their card, reimburse them in cash.
Quick Decision Tree
Do you have a bank account? → Yes: Use PayPal linked to bank account → No: Use prepaid card purchased with cash
Is PayPal available in your country? → Yes: Set up PayPal with bank account → No: Check for local payment methods at checkout
Are you under 18 or can’t get PayPal? → Use prepaid Visa/Mastercard from stores
Do local payment methods appear at checkout? → Yes: Use them (they’re designed for your region) → No: PayPal or prepaid card
None of the above work? → Have trusted friend/family pay, reimburse them
Takeaway
You can definitely pay on AliExpress without a card. PayPal linked to your bank account works in most countries and is the easiest universal solution. If that’s not available, local payment methods, prepaid cards, or cash payment systems provide alternatives depending on where you live. Check what’s available at AliExpress checkout for your specific location – the platform automatically shows payment methods that work in your country.