Last Updated on September 27, 2022
There are undeniable benefits of shopping on AliExpress, and millions of people can vouch for that. To accommodate so many users, the platform integrates multiple payment options.
The answer is yes, you can use PayPal on AliExpress. But only if the suppliers accept PayPal as a payment method, buyers can use it on AliExpress.
PayPal is currently available on AliExpress for buyers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, and Italy. It is not available to buyers from countries that are not supported. Despite the fact that PayPal is not a direct payment option for most AliExpress products and suppliers, it does have a fairly robust Buyer and Seller Protection Policy.
It also has a robust fraud-prevention security system and policies in place. Although you may not find it convenient to use on AliExpress, it is a partner with some of the most competitive eCommerce websites, such as eBay. If you discover that the seller does not accept PayPal as a means of payment or that your country is not supported to use PayPal, contact the seller for a possible alternative.
With AliExpress being one of the most popular e-commerce stores and PayPal being one of the most popular online payment methods, it should be a perfect match. However, it’s not always that simple. In this guide, we’ll outline the main things you need to know when paying on AliExpress.
AliExpress Purchase Protection
AliExpress Buyer Protection is a set of policies that all users can count on. Why does that matter? When you’re shopping online, these guaranteed conditions give you the much-needed assurance that your shopping experience will be smooth.
Below are five types of protections that cover most situations.
1. Privacy Protection
AliExpress guarantees that your private data will be secure. For example, you can enter your bank details without worrying that it will be exposed. The company promises to protect personal information by reasonable security safeguards against loss or theft, unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, etc.
2. Payment Protection
The platform pays the seller only if you confirm it. After the payment is made you’ve paid, AliExpress retains it until the product gets delivered to the buyer in satisfactory condition. This is also known as escrow service – when a third party holds money while parties are in the process of completing a transaction.
3. Delivery Protection
If you didn’t receive the item within 60 days, you can request a full refund. There are several exceptions, though. For example, you won’t be offered a refund in exceptional circumstances outside the sellers’ control. Or the item wasn’t delivered due to factors within your control. Other cases are covered by this policy.
4. Guaranteed Genuine
The issue of counterfeit products is common with online purchases. Luckily, some products fall under the AliExpress Guaranteed Genuine program. If these items are found to be counterfeit, you will be compensated. The compensation can be up to two times the total order amount.
5. Refund Protection
You have the right to file a dispute if you’re unsatisfied with your purchase. You have a limited time before the purchase is considered confirmed. In some cases, the time may be extended, but you’ll have to check with AliExpress customer support.
AliPay vs. PayPal
Alipay is the most popular e-wallet service in Asia, with millions of daily transactions. It doesn’t differ from other similar services other than the countries it covers. Currently, the majority of its customer base is in China, but it’s fast gaining prominence all over the world.
Pros of Alipay:
- Pioneer of the mobile payment system in China
- Low transaction and service fees (can be as low as 0.1-0.6%)
- Supports all smartphones and desktops
- World-class payment security
- 100% reimbursement for unauthorized transactions
- 90-day payment protection
Cons of Alipay:
- Not fully translated into English
- Only 18 world currencies
- Not available in certain regions
Similarly, PayPal facilitates online payments and is widely used worldwide for online shopping. It’s used by small businesses and large corporations alike – at this point, it can be called a staple for online transactions.
Pros of PayPal:
- Trusted name
- Round-the-clock fraud monitoring, fraud protection, dispute resolution
- Over 200 countries with over 150 currencies
- Up to $20,000 purchase protection policy
- Auto-fill option
- Reward system
Cons of PayPal:
- Higher transaction fees (1.9 and 2.9 percent, plus an additional 30 cents per transaction on purchases
- Known to freeze users’ accounts
If you don’t know what to choose – Alipay or Paypal – don’t worry. If AliExpress seller offers both options, you can choose either of them. If you feel more comfortable using one of these services, feel free to choose it.
How to Pay with PayPal on AliExpress
Let’s say you’ve decided what to buy and are wondering how to pay with PayPal:
- Go to your cart.
- Click “All payment methods” to see all ones available in your country.
- Select PayPal if it is one of them.
- Enter your PayPal account information and click “Confirm”.
- You’re done!
How do you know when you can or can’t use PayPal? There are only two ways to know: see on the product page or ask the seller directly.
The first one is easier. When browsing the product, add it to your cart. Then, open the cart and look for available payment methods. If you see the AliExpress PayPal icon, it means both the country you’re shopping from and the seller allow this option. Currently, depending on your delivery location, this option should be available automatically.
The other option – asking the seller – is for cases when there is no PayPal icon. You can contact the seller for any reason you want. We’ll be using payment methods as an example.
Add the product of interest to your cart, open the cart, and click “Contact seller”. This will open the chat window where you can ask whatever you need. In the context of this guide’s topic, ask whether you can send direct payment through PayPal.
Alternatively, you can visit the store page and find the information tab. Click “Contact Now” and communicate your issue.
Not all sellers are keen on using PayPal. The reason is that it is associated with high fees. Since AliExpress is known for very low prices, high fees aren’t desirable. AliExpress sellers don’t want to cover that cost, and most likely, neither the majority of buyers.
Bear in mind that you’ll be putting yourself under certain risks. The biggest drawback is that you won’t be able to count on AliExpress protection policies. You’ll have to be extra cautious about scammers. If you pay but don’t receive the product or receive something else, you’ll have to sort it out on your own.
Alternative Payment Options
You already know that AliExpress targets users all over the world. In this regard, it’s extremely useful that you can choose from a variety of payment options. If you’re not interested in using PayPal or it’s not available in your country, there are many other payment methods.
Here is what you can choose from:
- Credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, American Express)
- Bank transfer
- Western Union
- Webmoney
- DOKU
- Ideal
- Ticket
- Mercado Pago
- Giropay
- Boleto
- TEF
- Ideal
- Sofort Banking
There are several other ways to pay for goods. As we’ve mentioned in the “How to Pay with PayPal on AliExpress” section, you can see the full list by going to your cart.
Needless to say, credit cards are the most used and one of the most recommended payment methods. These days, most people have them (if not several), so there is no need to open third-party wallets. Another benefit is that there is a very low risk for the buyer.
There are pros and cons to each method. You may find that the most convenient way is not PayPal or a credit card, but something else. So, do your research to find out which one is most suitable for you.
FAQ About PayPal on AliExpress
Let’s clarify a few things that many about PayPal and AliExpress that many users want to know.
Does AliExpress Support PayPal?
Yes, but widely. There are certain sellers that offer this option, and it’s only available in certain countries (the USA, the UK, for example). You need to verify with your chosen seller or contact them directly and request payment via PayPal.
Why Is PayPal Listed as a Payment Option?
This means that you can pay for the product you’re interested in using PayPal. If you see the PayPal icon on the product page, then there shouldn’t be any problems.
How to Find Sellers That Accept Payments via PayPal?
Unfortunately, there is no way to filter out sellers that accept PayPal or view them in a separate category. You will need to check with individual sellers. Alternatively, there are online lists that community members have compiled with PayPal-friendly shops.
Is It Safe to Use PayPal on AliExpress?
Generally, yes. There haven’t been major cases of fraud or lost funds. PayPal is known to have robust security, and both sellers and buyers can rest assured that payment issues are unlikely. However, you have to make peace with the fact that no payment method is 100% risk-free.
Why Can’t I Pay with PayPal on AliExpress?
In 2011, PayPal was removed as a platform-wide payment option because of high transaction charges. There are selected stores that accept payments made through PayPal. If you’re not offered that option, you’ll have to select something else.
Is There Any Downside to Using PayPal?
If we’re talking about the service in general, there are a couple of drawbacks, such as high fees and frozen funds. In the context of AliExpress, the biggest downside is that it’s not available in all stores.
Can I Send Money from PayPal to Alipay?
No, unfortunately, you can’t. There is an option of sending funds from PayPal to your debit card and from the debit card to Alipay. Calculate the fees beforehand – double conversions can be expensive. If you have accounts in both services, you can use them to buy on AliExpress directly.
Alitools – Useful Tool to Buy on AliExpress
Whether you’re a frequent AliExpress buyer or just an occasional visitor, Alitools is a must-have browser extension. This solution helps you find the best prices, sellers’ reliability and rating, genuine reviews, and similar product offers. Here is how it works: install the extension, open the AliExpress product page, and get all the information you need. You can also enjoy the Alitools app while getting even bigger perks. Take your shopping experience to the next level!
