If you’re dropshipping on AliExpress, understanding its payment methods is the ABC of your business. Because if payments don’t go through, neither do your orders. With so many payment options available, it’s easy to wonder which ones are safe and reliable.
That’s exactly what we’ll cover in this guide. We’ll break down the most popular AliExpress payment methods in 2025, highlight the ones dropshippers trust the most, look at region-specific options, and share tips to avoid common payment issues.
Plus, we’ll show how dropshipping tools and automation can make the whole process easier. For example, AutoDS takes care of payments, order tracking, and even returns, automating the entire workflow.
AliExpress offers multiple secure payment methods, from cards and PayPal to region-specific options like iDeal, Boleto Bancário, and Mercado Pago.
The best methods for dropshippers are credit/debit cards, PayPal, and AliPay, thanks to their speed, reliability, and compatibility with automation.
Automation with AutoDS simplifies payment and order fulfillment, saving time, reducing errors, and keeping your dropshipping business running on its own.
Is It Safe to Run an AliExpress Dropshipping Business?
Yes, AliExpress dropshipping is 100% safe. First, it has a Buyer Protection program that keeps your money safe until the order is completed with your end customer.
Let’s see how it works: whenever you (the dropshipper) place an order, your payment isn’t sent directly to the supplier right away. Instead, it’s held in escrow until the end customer confirms delivery. This way, dropshippers are protected if there are any issues.
But there’s more. AliExpress also uses modern security protocols like SSL encryption and fraud monitoring to keep transactions safe. The result? First, your card details and payment information stay private. Second, suspicious activity is flagged before it becomes a problem.
So, worried about security? No need to be. AliExpress is totally safe for dropshipping, protecting both buyers and dropshippers.
Want to add extra layers of protection? Keep payments even more secure with AutoDS’s order automation 👉Start your AutoDS trial for just $1
AliExpress Payment Methods (2025 List)
In 2025, AliExpress keeps expanding the ways you can pay. This makes it easy for dropshippers around the world to place orders quickly and safely. So, what are the most recommended AliExpress payment methods for dropshippers? Let’s break them down.
Credit And Debit Cards: Fast, Secure, And Widely Accepted
Still the most common choice. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted on AliExpress. Visa, MasterCard, and Maestro work just fine, and most dropshippers prefer them because they’re fast, familiar, and usually come with their own fraud protection.
Digital Wallets: Mobile-Friendly Payments
Digital wallets are becoming more and more popular, especially among digital nomads, freelancers, and dropshippers. Some of the most popular ones are PayPal, WebMoney, AliPay, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.
The best thing about these? Because they are exclusively made for the digital space, most of them have extra layers of security. Think two-factor authentication, real-time purchase confirmation on your phone, and even biometric logins.
On top of that, they simplify checkout, as you don’t need to type in card details every time. For dropshippers juggling multiple orders a day, that mix of speed and security is hard to beat.
Bank Transfers: Reliable But Slower
AliExpress supports a range of local bank services that are great for dropshippers outside the US and Europe. Options like iDeal (Netherlands), Sofort (Germany), and Boleto Bancário (Brazil) make it easy to pay directly from your bank account.
The catch? Bank transfers usually take longer to process than cards or wallets. It can take a couple of business days for the payment to go through, which means suppliers won’t start shipping until then. That delay might not matter for casual buyers. But if you’re running a busy online store, it can slow down dropshipping fulfillment.
Western Union: Regional Backup Option For Dropshipping
Western Union is available on AliExpress, but it’s rarely used for dropshipping. It’s mostly meant for buyers in countries where credit cards and digital wallets aren’t really accessible. Payments are manual and can require visiting a local Western Union store. This doesn’t really fit the fast-paced dropshipping model.
Still, it’s there as a last resort if no other payment method works in your region (or the region where you’re selling).
AliPay: AliExpress’s Own Wallet System
AliPay gets a special mention because it’s more than just another digital wallet. Since it’s built into AliExpress, it’s optimized for smoother, safer transactions. Funds go through instantly, which helps with faster supplier processing.
AliPay also offers a centralized way to manage multiple transactions. This is a big plus for dropshippers managing dozens of orders daily. If you’re scaling your store on AliExpress, this is definitely one of the most efficient choices.
AliExpress Payment Methods Comparison Table
| Payment method | Availability | Speed | Security Features | Fees | Best For | Automation-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit/debit card | Global | Instant | Bank fraud protection, escrow, SSL | Low/none | Most dropshippers with high-volume orders | ✅ Yes |
| PayPal | Region-dependent | Instant | Buyer protection, 2FA, escrow | Moderate (transaction fees) | Buyers who want extra protection | ⚠️ Limited |
| AliPay | Global (China-based) | Instant | Built-in with AliExpress, escrow, 2FA | Low/none | Frequent dropshippers | ✅ Yes |
| Other digital wallets | Region-dependent | Instant | Biometric logins, 2FA, SSL | Low | Mobile users, fast checkout | ⚠️ Limited |
| Bank transfer | Region-specific | 1-3 business days | Bank-level encryption, escrow | Low | Dropshippers preferring local payments | ❌ No |
| Western Union | Select countries | 1-5 business days | Manual verification, escrow | Moderate | Regions with no other options | ❌ No |
Best Payment Methods for Dropshippers
While AliExpress gives you plenty of options, some payment methods stand out as better fits for dropshipping. Here are the top picks in 2025:
- Credit and debit cards. The fastest and most widely accepted method. Works well with automation tools (like AutoDS), so you don’t have to approve every single order manually.
- PayPal. Adds an extra layer of buyer protection and is trusted worldwide. Just note it’s not available in every region, and fees can be a little higher.
- AliPay. Perfect if you’re placing frequent orders on AliExpress. You can top up your balance easily and pay suppliers instantly, which speeds up fulfillment.
Region-Specific Payment Options
AliExpress adapts its payment methods depending on where you’re ordering from. This is especially useful for dropshippers serving customers worldwide. Let’s zoom in on some specific regions.
In the European Union, AliExpress supports local services like iDeal in the Netherlands and Sofort in Germany. They make it easy to pay directly through your bank account without a credit card. Mostly, they are super useful for dropshippers who like keeping everything connected to their own bank accounts.
Then, there’s Latin America. There, AliExpress supports local payment methods like Boleto Bancário in Brazil and Mercado Pago across multiple countries. Both of these allow users to complete transactions without a traditional card. Their biggest perk? Everyone’s already using them. The fact that AliExpress accepts them makes dropshipping even more accessible in this region.
For Asia, AliExpress accepts a variety of local bank cards and e-wallets. This goes hand in hand with the region’s strong adoption of mobile payment systems over the last few years. This flexibility is key, since many dropshippers work with suppliers in China or have customers in countries where local wallets are easier to work with than international cards.
Finally, Africa, where options are more limited. In many regions, Visa and MasterCard are still the only available methods. This can be a bit limiting. But it just means dropshippers need to prioritize reliable card-based payments when sourcing from or selling to African markets. Other than that, it’s no big deal.
Tips for Safe AliExpress Payments: Automate With AutoDS
Even though AliExpress has strong security in place, a few smart habits never hurt anybody. Let’s see some best practices to keep your dropshipping processes on AliExpress safe and efficient.
- Use a dedicated card just for your dropshipping purchases. This keeps your dropshipping expenses separate from personal ones and makes it easier to spot any suspicious activity.
- Avoid paying over public WiFi networks. Free café or airport WiFi might be convenient, sure. But it’s not secure, and payment details are the last thing you want exposed. Always stick to a trusted connection when placing orders.
- Track transactions closely. Always keep an eye on your account. Small errors or unauthorized charges can snowball if you don’t catch them early.
- Automate orders with third-party tools. If you’re a dropshipper, this is the smartest move. For example, AutoDS, the all-in-one dropshipping platform, steps in to automate the entire workflow, keeping each step running smoothly and securely.
Instead of manually typing in card details for every single purchase, AutoDS processes payments securely in the background. That way, you reduce errors, save time, and keep your operation running while lowering the risk of payment mistakes.
Common Payment Issues & Fixes
Well, even with multiple secure payment methods, things happen. Here are some of the most common issues sellers run into when dropshipping on AliExpress, and mostly, how to handle them:
- Card declined 👉 If your card gets rejected, the first thing to check is whether international payments are enabled. This happens because many banks block cross-border transactions by default. But no worries. A quick call to your bank usually solves the problem.
💡Pro Tip: Always set up a secondary payment method on AliExpress. This way, if your primary card fails or a bank blocks an international charge, your orders keep flowing without delays. This is especially useful so order automation doesn’t stop.
- Payment verification 👉Sometimes AliExpress will ask for extra verification, like an ID. This happens especially on new accounts or larger orders. It’s part of their fraud prevention system. Yes, it might feel like a burden. But good news? Once verified, your account will run even better.
- Refund delays 👉 Refunds on AliExpress aren’t instant. Depending on your payment method, they can take anywhere from 3 to 20 business days to show up in your account. If you don’t see the money after that timeframe, it’s worth following up with both AliExpress support and your payment provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AliExpress accept PayPal?
Yes, AliExpress accepts PayPal. That said, availability depends on the region. Some countries have full PayPal support, while others may not. Always check during checkout to see if it’s an option for you.
Can I pay with cash on AliExpress?
No, you can’t pay with cash on AliExpress. You will need to use an available online payment method like Alipay, PayPal, a bank transfer, or local solutions to complete your purchase.
Which payment method is best for dropshipping on AliExpress?
The best payment methods for dropshipping on AliExpress are credit/debit cards and AliPay. They’re fast, reliable, and work well with automation tools like AutoDS. PayPal and digital wallets are also good choices if they’re available in your region, though they may come with extra fees.
How do refunds work on AliExpress?
When a refund is issued on AliExpress, the money goes back to your original payment method. Processing times vary. It usually takes between 3-20 business days, depending on the provider.
Can I connect my AliExpress payments with AutoDS?
Yes, AutoDS integrates directly with AliExpress. This means you can automate orders and payments without manually entering details each time. All in all, this is more efficient and secure for managing payments.
Does AutoDS store my AliExpress payment details?
No, AutoDS does not store your AliExpress payment details. Instead, payments are processed securely through your AliExpress account. This keeps your financial information safe.
Automate With AutoDS To Simplify AliExpress Payment Methods
Managing payments on AliExpress doesn’t have to be stressful. The key? Being informed and understanding available methods. This way, you can keep transactions secure, avoid delays, and run your dropshipping business like a breeze.
But if you’re placing multiple orders every day, doing it manually can take forever and, even worse, lead to potential errors. That’s where automation comes in. AutoDS removes the repetitive work, reduces errors, and keeps everything running on autopilot by automating your AliExpress payments and orders.
No more manually typing in your credit card info or your customer’s delivery information. You stay focused on scaling your business, while AutoDS handles the behind-the-scenes details.
If you’re looking to simplify your AliExpress payments, try automation today and see how much smoother dropshipping can be 👉 Start your AutoDS trial for just $1
