HOW TO PAY ON ALIEXPRESS WITHOUT A CARD

Not everyone has access to a credit or debit card, and even if you do, you might be looking for alternative ways to pay on AliExpress.

Luckily, the platform supports several card-free payment methods. In this blog post, we will explore these options and guide you through the process.

POPULAR ALTERNATIVE PAYMENT METHODS ON ALIEXPRESS

AliExpress recognizes that not everyone wants to use a credit or debit card.

Here is a breakdown of the most popular card-free options:

• Virtual Dollar Cards
• AliPay
• PayPal
• Google Pay
• Apple Pay
• Cash On Delivery (COD)
• WebMoney
• Boleto Bancario
• iDEAL
• Klarna
• Western Union
• Bank Transfer
• QIWI

Virtual Dollar Cards

• Virtual dollar cards are digital, prepaid cards denominated in US dollars. They function like traditional debit cards for online purchases, offering an extra layer of security compared to your main bank card.
• Advantages of virtual dollar cards:
  • No need for a physical card: Perfect if you don’t own one or prefer not to use your primary card online.
  • Security: Reduced risk since they’re not directly linked to your bank account.
  • Budgeting: Load the card with a specific amount to better control spending.

E-Wallets (Alipay, PayPal, etc.)

• • E-wallets are secure digital platforms where you can store funds, link your bank accounts or cards, and make online payments. Many people are already familiar with services like PayPal, making them a convenient option for AliExpress.
  • Alipay: As part of the Alibaba Group, Alipay is seamlessly integrated with AliExpress, often offering streamlined payments and buyer protection.
  • PayPal: A widely recognized e-wallet with a long history of secure online transactions; commonly accepted by AliExpress sellers.
  • Other E-wallets: Depending on your region, options like WebMoney, QIWI, or Skrill might also be supported by AliExpress.
• Pros of using e-wallets:
  • Convenience: Often a faster checkout process since your payment details are stored.
  • Security: E-wallets add a layer of protection between your bank information and the merchant.
  • Buyer protection: Many e-wallets offer purchase protection programs.
• Cons to consider:
  • Transaction fees: Some e-wallets might charge fees for loading funds or making payments.
  • Regional availability: Not every e-wallet operates in all countries.

Cash on Delivery (COD)

• • With Cash on Delivery (COD), you pay for your AliExpress order in cash upon receiving your package. This eliminates the need for any card or online payment processing.
  • Availability: COD is typically offered in specific countries or regions, so be sure to check if it is an option for your location. Countries where COD has been available includes Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Pakistan, and Russia.
  • Considerations:
    • Order limits: COD may have a maximum order amount.
    • Fees: There might be an additional fee for using COD.
    • Potential delays: Processing COD orders can sometimes take slightly longer.

Important Note: Exercise caution with COD. Ensure the seller is reputable before placing a COD order, especially for higher-value items.

Country-Specific Alternative Payment Methods

AliExpress recognizes its global customer base and often supports popular local payment methods in different regions.

Here are a few examples:

Latin America Alternative Payment Methods on AliExpress

While credit and debit cards are gaining traction in Latin America, many people still prefer alternative payment methods. Luckily, AliExpress offers several options tailored to this region:

Boleto Bancario (Brazil):

• This is a widely used paper payment slip generated during checkout on AliExpress.
• You can pay for the Boleto at any bank branch, lottery outlet, ATM, or online banking platform.
• Processing times can be a few business days, so expect a slight delay in your order shipment.

Mercado Pago:

• A popular digital wallet and online payment platform widely used in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Uruguay, and Peru.
• If you have a Mercado Pago account, you can link it to your AliExpress account for a faster and more convenient checkout process.
• Mercado Pago offers buyer protection programs and may even provide purchase installments for certain items.

OXXO (Mexico):

• A convenience store chain with thousands of locations across Mexico.
• During checkout on AliExpress, you can generate a barcode representing your order.
• Take the barcode to a participating OXXO store and pay in cash to complete your purchase.
• Similar to Boleto Bancario, processing times might be slightly longer than with credit card payments.

Local Mobile Wallets:

• Several Latin American countries have their own popular mobile wallet services.
• Depending on your location, you might find options like:
  • Todo Pago (Argentina)
  • RappiPay (Colombia, Mexico, Peru)
  • Pagar.me (Brazil)
• These mobile wallets often operate similarly to Mercado Pago, allowing for quick and secure in-app payments for AliExpress purchases.

Europe Alternative Payment Methods on AliExpress

iDEAL (Netherlands):

• iDEAL is a highly popular direct online payment method that allows you to pay straight from your Dutch bank account.
• It’s a trusted and secure method widely accepted by AliExpress sellers.
• Payments are processed instantly, allowing for faster order confirmation.

Sofort Banking / Klarna (Germany and other countries):

• Sofort Banking (also rebranded as Klarna in some countries) is another direct online banking method popular in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, and several other European nations.
• It offers a secure and convenient way to pay directly from your bank account without sharing sensitive financial details with merchants.

Przelewy24 (Poland):

• Przelewy24 is a popular Polish payment system supporting various payment options, including direct bank transfers, BLIK payments (mobile payments), and cards.
• It’s a secure and commonly accepted payment method for Polish AliExpress shoppers.

Trustly (various countries):

• Trustly is a pan-European online banking payment method with a strong presence in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and other countries.
• It facilitates secure and fast online payments directly from your bank account.

Other Country-Specific Options:

• Giropay (Germany): A direct online bank transfer method.
• Bancontact (Belgium): A popular Belgian debit card payment system.
• EPS (Austria): An online bank transfer method for Austrian shoppers.
• Multibanco (Portugal): A system generating references for payments via ATMs or online banking.

Asia Alternative Payment Methods on AliExpress

Alipay (China and Beyond):

• As part of the Alibaba Group, Alipay is seamlessly integrated into AliExpress, providing fast and secure payments.
• Offers strong buyer protection and is exceptionally convenient for Chinese shoppers or those with access to Alipay.
• Gaining increasing acceptance across parts of Southeast Asia.

Local E-Wallets:

• Many Asian countries have their own popular e-wallet services, providing a convenient way to pay on AliExpress. Examples include:
  • Paytm (India)
  • GCash (Philippines)
  • GoPay (Indonesia)
  • KakaoPay (South Korea)

Dragonpay (Philippines):

• Dragonpay is a popular payment gateway in the Philippines offering multiple payment options.
• It supports over-the-counter payments at banks and convenience stores, online bank transfers, and e-wallet payments, adding flexibility for Filipino shoppers.

Net Banking (India):

• Net banking allows for secure online transfers directly from your bank account. It’s a widely used payment option across India.
• AliExpress often supports major Indian banks for convenient net banking payments.

Mobile Payment Services:

• Mobile payment platforms are increasingly common in Asia, and many are accepted on AliExpress.
• Region-specific examples include:
  • WeChat Pay (China)
  • Line Pay (Japan, Taiwan, Thailand)
  • GrabPay (Southeast Asia)

Africa Alternative Payment Methods on AliExpress

Mobile Payment Services:

• Mobile money solutions are incredibly popular across Africa, offering a convenient and accessible way to make payments.
• M-Pesa (Kenya, Tanzania, and other East African countries) is a prime example and is often supported on AliExpress.
• Other regional mobile payment services may also be accepted, depending on your specific country.

Virtual Cards Issued by African Fintechs:

• Several African fintech companies offer virtual dollar cards specifically designed for online shopping.
• These cards provide increased security and flexibility for African shoppers without a physical credit/debit card.

International E-wallets:

• While less common than in other regions, some African shoppers might have access to international e-wallets.
• PayPal is gaining acceptance and could be an option in select countries.

Important Considerations:

• Regional Differences: The availability of specific payment methods varies significantly across countries. Always verify supported options for your location during AliExpress checkout.
• Seller Acceptance: Some sellers may have preferences for certain payment methods. Look for the relevant logos on product pages.
• Transaction Fees: While many methods are free to use, double-check for potential transaction fees with your chosen payment provider.

How to Pay on AliExpress Without a Card: A Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s break down the process of using an alternative payment method on AliExpress. For this example, we’ll assume you’ve chosen to use a virtual dollar card.

Choosing Your Payment Method

• Consider your options: Factor in your location, the size of your order, and your personal preference for a payment provider (e-wallet, virtual card, etc.).

Creating an Account with Your Chosen Service (if needed)

1. Selecting a provider: Research reputable providers in your region (e.g., Barter by Flutterwave, Eversend for virtual dollar cards).
2. Sign-up: Visit their website and follow the sign-up process. This typically involves providing personal information and verifying your identity.
3. Funding your account: Load funds onto your virtual card or e-wallet, usually via bank transfer, card, or other methods supported by the provider.

The AliExpress Checkout Process

1. Shop and add to cart: Browse AliExpress and add your desired items to your shopping cart as usual.
2. Proceed to checkout: When ready, begin the checkout process.
3. Select payment method: Instead of choosing credit/debit card, look for the option corresponding to your chosen method (e.g., “Virtual Card,” “PayPal,” “WebMoney,” etc.).
4. Input details: Carefully enter the payment information required by your provider. This might include your virtual card number, e-wallet login, or other relevant details.
5. Complete the order: Review your order and confirm payment.

Important Notes:

• Instructions may vary slightly based on your chosen payment method.
• If you encounter issues, consult the help section of your payment provider or AliExpress customer support.

Additional Tips & Considerations

Currency Conversion

• • If your payment provider uses a different currency than your local one, be aware of potential currency conversion fees.
  • Research your chosen provider’s exchange rates and fee structures beforehand.

Security

• • Prioritize reputable payment providers with a strong track record of security.
  • Avoid sharing your payment details with anyone outside of the secure payment platform.
  • Be cautious with less-known payment methods, especially if they seem too good to be true.

Troubleshooting

• • If your payment does not go through, double-check that you’ve entered the correct information.
  • Ensure your virtual card or e-wallet has sufficient funds.
  • Consult your payment provider’s help section or FAQ for common issues.
  • If needed, contact AliExpress customer support for further assistance.

Before You Go

Now that you know how to pay on AliExpress without a card, why not start exploring? Find the perfect alternative payment method for your needs, and discover the vast world of products AliExpress has to offer!