This policy was updated on 9 July 2026 with some minor amendments for clarity, and is effective as of that date.
If the buyer doesn't pay within this timeframe, the seller can cancel the order and an unpaid cancellation will be recorded on the buyer's account.
For eBay Live auctions, immediate payment is required. If the buyer's payment is unsuccessful, the seller may cancel the order immediately.
What is the policy?
When a buyer commits to buy something on eBay – by winning an auction, agreeing to an offer with a seller, or selecting Buy It Now in a listing – they are obliged to complete the purchase by paying for the item.
Before they commit to buy, buyers should note:
- All the terms that the seller has included in the listing, including postage and handling costs and the seller's return policy
- Auction bids are binding, and bids can only be retracted under exceptional circumstances
A seller may cancel an unpaid order if the buyer doesn't pay or contact them within 4 calendar days.
Not paying for items also goes against our Abusive buyer policy.
When a seller cancels an order because the buyer hasn't paid, the unpaid cancellation is recorded on the buyer's account. In some circumstances, buyers can appeal an unpaid cancellation recorded on their account. Buyers who have excessive unpaid item cancellations may have buying limits or restrictions imposed on their account and any other linked accounts. If you believe we've linked your account in error, please contact us to appeal.
Managing unpaid orders
- Sellers can cancel an order if the buyer hasn't paid after 4 calendar days and up to 30 days after the order is placed. Learn more in our Order cancellation policy
- Sellers shouldn't use the reason "Buyer hasn't paid" to cancel an order when the buyer has paid, or they may:
- Have all credits reversed for the time period in question
- Lose eligibility for fee credits
- Be subject to suspension
- eBay will automatically remove any Feedback left by a buyer who didn't pay for an order when:
- The seller cancelled the order because the buyer didn't pay
- The buyer is suspended
Activity on eBay is required to follow this policy, the eBay User Agreement and all applicable laws, as well as respect the rights of third parties. If it doesn't, eBay may take action consistent with applicable laws and the eBay User Agreement, and may even be legally required to do so. Such actions may include, as an example only: Removing the listing or other content, issuing a warning, restricting activity or account suspension.
Why does eBay have this policy?
This policy helps buyers understand our rules on purchasing items, which protects sellers while maintaining a fair and safe marketplace.