Sellers may also block buyers from bidding on their listings. This helps us encourage responsible buying and allows sellers to choose who they do business with.

What are buying limits?

Buying limits are account blocks that limit your ability to purchase items on the site. They can be placed by sellers and by eBay.

Buying limits placed by sellers

Sellers can make their listings unavailable to a specific list of bidders. They can block buyers with low feedback scores or buyers they no longer wish to do business with.

Buying limits placed by eBay

If we place a buying limit on your account, we'll send you a message with the next steps to restore your ability to purchase items or make bids. We may limit your ability to bid on auctions or make a Best Offer if:

You are bidding on an expensive item
We need to verify your identity
You need to add a payment method - opens in new window or tab to your account
You have a history of cancelled orders for not paying on time
You've suddenly and significantly increased your bidding and buying activity
You have several items awaiting payment

Tip
The best way to avoid buying limits is to pay for your items quickly.

Removing buying limits

If a seller blocked you from bidding on their listings, you'll receive a notification when you try to place a bid. You also won't be able to bid on that seller's items using another account.

If we've limited your buying activities, you'll receive a message providing the next steps. For example, you may need to:

Pay for items you've already committed to buy
Add a payment method to your account
Verify your identity

What are buying restrictions?

A buying restriction means you won't be able to make any purchases on eBay. It is usually placed on an account due to a policy violation.

If you have a buying restriction on your account, you won't be able to buy items or bid on auctions until the issue is resolved.

Why are buying restrictions applied?

Generally, restrictions are applied when it appears you might be violating our site policies. Buying restrictions can be applied to your account if:

You have multiple accounts, and one or more has a buying restriction already placed on it
You are violating our Abusive buyer policy
Your account is under review for other policy violations

Removing buying restrictions

If you receive a restriction, you'll receive an email as well as a message in My eBay - opens in new window or tab explaining why it was applied, and what you need to do to have it removed.

Avoiding buying limits and restrictions

To avoid buying limits and restrictions, you can:

Only bid on or buy items you plan to pay for
Pay for items as soon as possible
Improve your feedback profile by leaving feedback for sellers
Add a payment method to your account
Establish a buying history by purchasing items that require immediate payment

If we apply limits or restrictions to one account, then similar limits or restrictions may also be applied to your other linked accounts. See our Multiple accounts policy for more information.