How to Accept a Payment on eBay

Linking Your PayPal Account

Go to eBay in a web browser. You can use any web browser on your Windows or Mac computer. If you aren't signed in automatically, click "Sign in" in the top-left corner of the page and log into your eBay account, or click "Register" to create a new account.

Hover the mouse cursor over your name. Once logged in, your name is in the top-left corner of the webpage. This opens a drop-down menu with some account options.

Click Account Settings. It's just below your profile picture in the drop-down menu in the top-left corner.

Click Link My PayPal Account. It's the gray button on the right side of the page, just below the purple section that says "PayPal account information". This opens a new window for you to log into your PayPal account. eBay may prompt you for additional information before proceeding depending on the account information you've previously provided.

Enter your contact information if prompted. If you haven't done so earlier, eBay needs to know your mobile phone number, email, and physical address before you can accept payments. Enter the requested info and click "Continue" when you are finished. This redirects you to PayPal's website. Skip this step if you don't see this prompt.

Log into your PayPal account. After you are redirected to the PayPal website, type the email address and password associated with your PayPal account and click "Log In." If you don't have a PayPal account, click "Sign up" on the left side of the page and follow the prompts. Read How to Set Up a PayPal Account for more detailed information.

Click Return to eBay. This returns you to eBay with your PayPal account now linked. When users pay for items you sell on eBay, the payment will be added to your PayPal account automatically. If your PayPal is linked to your bank account, you can then send your PayPal balance to your bank account. Read How to Transfer Money from PayPal to a Bank Account to learn how to transfer money from PayPal to your bank account.

Accepting Credit and Debit Card Payments

Go to https://www.ebay.com in a web browser. You can use any web browser on your Windows or Mac computer. If you aren't signed in automatically, click "Sign in" in the top-left corner of the page and log into your eBay account, or click "Register" to create a new account.

Hover the mouse cursor over your name. Once logged in, your name is in the top-left corner of the webpage. This opens a drop-down menu with some account options.

Click Account Settings. It's just below your profile picture in the drop-down menu in the top-left corner.

Click Site preferences. It's in the sidebar to the left in the center.

Click Show next to "Payment from buyers". It's in the seller preferences section. The seller preferences section isn't available until after you list your first item and have created a Seller Account.

Click Edit. It's across from "Payment preferences".

Click the checkbox next to "Accept credit and debit card payments". It's near the bottom of the Payment Preferences page.

Click Save. It's at the bottom of the Payment Preferences page. This allows you to accept credit and debit cards to your merchant account.