Is Aliexpress Safe to Use Debit Card or Credit Card?

Are you considering purchasing on AliExpress, but are worried about using your debit card or credit card? You're not alone! Lots of people are hesitant to use their cards online, for good reason.

But is AliExpress safe to use a debit card or credit card? In this post, we'll take a closer look at the safety of using cards on AliExpress and answer some of your most common questions.  

What is AliExpress?

Have you ever been scrolling through your Facebook feed, seen an ad for a product you like, and clicked on it only to be taken to an AliExpress page? In recent years, AliExpress has become one of the most popular online retailers, particularly among younger shoppers.

In fact, revenue for the fiscal year ended March 22 for the Alibaba group as a whole was $134.567billion, and in the March quarter of 2022 they served over 1 billion active customers in China alone.

One of the reasons for its popularity is the sheer number and variety of products that it sells. Although it is not as large as Amazon, there are distinct similarities between AliExpress and the US retail giant. It has online retailers that sell a wide range of products in different categories ranging from toys to electronics, to fashion, and a whole lot more.

Whether you're looking for clothes, shoes, jewellery, or home goods, you will probably find it on AliExpress.

Another reason for its popularity is its low prices. Thanks to its large volume of sales and relationship with suppliers, AliExpress can offer products at significantly lower prices than other retailers.

However, this bargain nature of AliExpress can also sow seeds of doubt in the minds of some consumers.

The main questions are whether the products are legit and if it is safe to shop on the platform.

Credit Card/Debit Card Payments and AliExpress

Credit and debit cards are a very common mode of payment when shopping online. It makes sense because it is convenient - you can browse through the items you want to buy, put your card details, and voila! The items will be checked out fast and easily.

However, this convenience can also come with risks, which makes people uncomfortable about using their credit cards online. They don’t want to put their hard-earned money at risk.

This notion does not exclude AliExpress. This online shopping website has tons of patrons, and so far, it is making a lot of improvements for them to feel secure and safe while on the platform.

Is it Safe to Shop at AliExpress?

When it comes to online shopping, there are always going to be risks involved. You might end up with a defective product, or you might not receive your order at all.

But when you're shopping on AliExpress, you are dealing with a credible, established company. Alibaba is a huge multi-national corporation that is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and has a market cap of around $310billion on June 30th 2022. They are behind AliExpress.

So, while it's not a 100% safe place to shop, it's more reliable than some of the other options out there. And if something does go wrong with your order, you'll have a lot more recourse than if you'd shopped somewhere else. All in all, shopping on AliExpress is generally considered to be safe.

To reinforce this claim, AliExpress has several policies in place to safeguard its customers. Known as is Basic Buyer Protection, it implements the following:

Aside from the built-in security features of online shopping platforms like AliExpress, you can also take it upon yourself to be extra cautious.

For example, check out the seller reviews. By reading the reviews before adding to the cart, you will find out if the customer has a bad experience with the seller. You should also pay attention if you are buying the real thing or not. Some retailers on the site are selling bootleg or counterfeit products.

Lastly, you must make sure that you are buying from a legit site.

Is It Safe to Use a Credit/Debit Card on AliExpress?

Alibaba is a big company. That doesn't mean AliExpress is 100% safe, but it's good to know there's a reputable company behind it. The most convenient payment method on AliExpress is a credit or debit card.

Many customers are worried about the security of AliExpress, but the website has taken some security measures over the years to make it safer to use credit or debit cards. 

Their payment system is similar to the Amazon payment system and other large online retail platforms.

Furthermore, AliExpress uses a 3D secure system that protects cardholders from potential fraud. It is a technology that most banks are using too. Therefore, when you are making a payment using a credit or debit card, you can confirm the transaction with a code sent to your SMS. This step provides the customer with a safe and pleasant online shopping experience.

In summary, here are the measures that AliExpress are implementing to make sure that their customers are safe and secure.

It is normal to feel that way about making payments online. On top of being vigilant about the sellers with their products and prices, you also must be careful when checking out the items.

Modes of Payment in AliExpress

AliExpress caters to customers worldwide, hence it supports a variety of payment options. You can find different ways to pay on the platform all geared toward giving its customers the ultimate shopping experience and the highest level of security. Here are some of the most common payment options on the website.

Credit and Debit Cards

The most used payment methods on online shopping platforms are credit and debit cards. It is the same for AliExpress. Banks with card products offer good terms when it comes to fees and money-back guarantees for purchases.

It supports Mastercard, Visa, Maestro, and American Express credit and debit cards. This payment method is the most convenient and hassle-free. You can use it to purchase wherever and whenever.

PayPal

You don’t need to connect your bank account directly to AliExpress when you use PayPal. Many buyers find it more comfortable because they don’t have to share their credit card information on the site.  Although there is no cause for concern as your credit card is safe with them.

The drawback with PayPal though is not all products available on the website accept it. You need to check with the seller first whether they accept PayPal or not.

Payoneer

Just like PayPal, Payoneer is an online payment service that works as a virtual bank. Users can avail of its card, which is open to account holders. If you want to make a payment on AliExpress with a Payoneer card because you don’t want to use your credit card, then Payoneer is the next option.

This payment service is a registered US Money Business Service, and claims to be certified as Level 1 PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards). This is the highest level and means it processes a large volume of transactions every year.

Western Union

Western Union is an international money transfer service provider and can be used for urgent money transfers. Therefore it is not a specialized payment service but it is good to know that you have it as an option.

It has offered payment on Aliexpress since 2011 and the minimum spend is over $20.

Bank Transfers

AliExpress also accepts bank transfers, which can be cumbersome and have a minimum spend.  You can check with each individual seller to see if this option is available, plus your bank might add extra processing fees.

Other Payment Options

Depending on the location and the sellers, there are also less common payment options available to AliExpress customers, including the following:

Some of the other payment methods are more focused on one country or region, please check if it is available in your region.

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