Payment options
Learn about the ways to pay or get paid. Payment options include Ping, Afterpay, or cash.
Trade Me offers secure ways to pay and get paid. Learn how to use payment methods like Ping, Afterpay, or cash to complete your trades.
Changes to our payment options
We’ve recently made some big changes to the way casual members trade on our Marketplace, including to our payment options.
Bank transfer removed as an option
We removed bank transfer as a payment option starting from 10 March 2026. While most fraudulent activities on Trade Me are resolved quickly, 90% of the scams that we couldn't help our members with last year involved bank transfers. Since we have zero visibility of those transactions, we can’t protect you or step in if something goes wrong. Learn more
Ping now on every listing
Ping, our built-in card payment system, is now the standard for all Marketplace listings. This means buyers can always choose a payment method that includes Buyer Protection.
To keep your money even safer, we’ve also doubled our Buyer Protection guarantee from $2,500 to $5,000. Learn more
After your listing closes, you can’t update or add new payment options.
Ping by Trade Me
Ping is our built-in card payment service available for items up to $25,000. It provides guaranteed, swift and secure payment for sellers and Buyer Protection.
- For sellers: You get paid instantly into your Ping balance (less a 2.19% transaction fee). You can transfer this money to your bank account at any time.
- For buyers: You can pay with your credit card, debit card, or Ping balance. Your purchase is protected up to $5,000 through Buyer Protection.
Learn more about using Ping.
'Shipping to be arranged' and using Ping
If shipping costs aren't in the listing, the buyer will need to pay for shipping via bank transfer. This is because you can't update a Ping payment after a listing closes. Alternatively, you can create a new listing for the buyer that includes the shipping cost. They can then pay the total amount via Ping. You can refund the original Ping payment if needed.
Afterpay
Afterpay lets buyers pay for items in instalments while the seller gets paid upfront.
- For sellers: You receive the full payment instantly (less a 4.95% transaction fee) into your Afterpay account and we automatically pay your NZ bank account every business day. You can send the item straightaway.
- For buyers: You can buy an item now and pay for it in four interest-free instalments. Your purchase is protected up to $5,000 through Buyer Protection.
Learn more about Afterpay payments.
Cash
Cash is still available for items picked up in person. Remember, cash payments are not covered by Buyer Protection.
- For sellers: You can accept cash at the door. Once you've been paid, remember to mark the item as sold.
- For buyers: You can pay the seller in person when you collect your item. Make sure you're happy with the item before you hand over the cash.