How to Pay on AliExpress: All Payment Methods

Do you often order on AliExpress, or is this your first time? Either way, the question comes up quickly: what's the best way to pay?

AliExpress offers a wide range of options: bank card, PayPal, Apple Pay, installment payments… but not all are created equal. Some are super convenient, others can quickly become a headache if there's an issue with your order.

In this article, I give you a clear, up-to-date, no-nonsense breakdown of the available payment methods — along with my personal opinion on each. So you’ll know what to choose based on your situation (budget, security, personal preference…).

1. Bank Card (Visa, Mastercard, CB…)

This is the most basic option, but also the most widely used on AliExpress. You can pay with your Visa, Mastercard, CB, or even American Express card.

Why choose this option?

• Instant payment
• Secure system with 3D Secure code
• Easy to save for future orders

In case of a dispute, the refund may take a bit longer compared to PayPal.

2. PayPal (and 4X PayPal)

AliExpress offers standard PayPal payment, as well as 4-interest-free installments via PayPal if you're eligible.

What we like:

• Very good buyer protection
• Easy to open disputes if the product is not as described or not received
• 4-interest-free installments (ideal for smoothing out a big purchase)

My advice: if you're unsure about trusting a seller, use PayPal — it’s the most reassuring option.

3. Apple Pay / Google Pay

If you're on iPhone, Apple Pay is available on AliExpress. And sometimes, Google Pay is too if you're using Chrome or an Android device.

Advantages:

• Ultra-fast payment
• Card data never shared thanks to tokenization
• Secure validation (Face ID, fingerprint…)

Perfect if you're looking for a simple, fast, and reliable payment method.

4. Pay After Delivery

Yes, AliExpress offers the option to pay only after receiving your order. This option appears at the payment confirmation step but is not available on all products or in all countries.

Why it’s great:

• You only pay if you actually receive the product
• Zero risk of scams or “lost” packages

Make sure to check if the option appears at checkout. It depends on the seller.

5. Payment in Installments

AliExpress also allows you to pay in 3 or 6 installments, interest-free (if eligible). You’ll see the monthly payments displayed, like: €97.23 = 6 x €16.20

I recommend this deferred payment option:

• If you're making a slightly expensive purchase (electronics, bulk clothing…)
• If you prefer to spread out the cost interest-free

Note: you need a credit card (not an immediate debit card) for it to work.

6. Klarna

Another split payment option: Klarna, which offers 3 interest-free payments.

What we like:

• Very simple to set up
• Alternative to PayPal if you don’t have an account

Klarna is a reliable company used by many e-commerce sites. Handy if you're looking for a “pay in installments” option without going through PayPal.

7. Bank Transfer (Wire Transfer)

A rarer but still available option: international bank transfer.

To avoid unless:

• You’re ordering in large volume (wholesaler, business)
• You’re comfortable with SWIFT/IBAN transfers in USD

Timeframe: 5 to 7 business days for the payment to process. It’s slow and not very practical for regular purchases.

My Personal Advice

If I had to recommend 2 options:

• PayPal for the security and the option to pay in 4 installments
• Pay After Delivery, when available: zero stress, zero surprises

But honestly, standard bank cards or Apple Pay are also very safe today. It all depends on your need: speed, budget, or maximum security.