Best AliExpress Payment Methods For Dropshippers – Which one to Choose In 2026?

Paying your supplier shouldn’t feel like a gamble.

But in 2026, with so many AliExpress payment methods, one wrong move can mean delays, hidden fees — or worse, a frozen order.

This isn’t about picking what’s popular. It’s about picking what works for dropshippers.

Whether you’re scaling fast or just getting started, the right payment method can protect your margins, speed up fulfillment, and keep your store running without hiccups.

Let’s break it down — no fluff, no guesswork. Just what works best right now.

What are the best AliExpress payment methods for dropshipping in 2026?

The best AliExpress payment methods for dropshippers in 2026 are:

• Alipay
• Credit and debit cards
• Wise (formerly TransferWise)
• PayPal (through third-party tools like Sell The Trend)
• Bank transfer (wire transfer)
• Virtual cards (like Revolut)

These options give you fast payments, lower fees, and fewer issues with holds or rejections. Some even support multi-currency payments, which is useful if you’re buying from international suppliers.

Let’s break them down:

1. AliPay

AliPay is the official payment system of AliExpress. It’s owned by Alibaba Group and works like PayPal — but is designed mainly for Chinese users. You can link your card to AliPay and pay through it at checkout.

For domestic Chinese users, it’s a great tool. But for most international dropshippers, AliPay has limited access. Setting it up can be hard without a Chinese ID or phone number, and some versions require identity verification.

Still, it’s safe, fast, and widely used within the Alibaba ecosystem. Some international users manage to set it up using workarounds or through Chinese business agents.

Unless you’re operating from China or working with local suppliers, AliPay may not be worth the effort.

Pros:

• Fast and secure inside the AliExpress ecosystem
• Trusted by Chinese suppliers
• Instant payment processing
• Works well for domestic orders in China

Cons:

• Limited access for international users
• Setup can be complex
• Requires a Chinese ID or verification in some cases
• Not beginner-friendly

2. Credit and Debit Cards

Credit and debit cards are the most common and reliable ways to pay on AliExpress. Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro are accepted by almost all sellers. Payments go through instantly, making them perfect for fast fulfillment. Most dropshippers start with credit cards because they’re easy to use and offer strong buyer protection.

Business credit cards are even better — they often include rewards like cashback or points. That adds up if you’re placing many orders every day.

However, using one card for too many orders can sometimes trigger fraud alerts from your bank. If this happens, your card may be blocked or paused. It’s smart to have a backup or use virtual cards for safety.

Pros:

• Instant processing
• Accepted by all sellers
• Chargeback protection (Visa/Mastercard)
• Easy to use and track
• Business cards can earn cashback

Cons:

• May get blocked with high-volume use
• Not ideal for managing multiple stores or suppliers
• No built-in spending limits or controls

3. Wise (Formerly TransferWise)

Wise is one of the best tools for handling international payments. It offers real exchange rates, low transfer fees, and supports multiple currencies — all helpful when working with global suppliers.

You can send money in your supplier’s local currency, which avoids extra conversion charges. You also get a Wise debit card that works with many online platforms.

While not every AliExpress seller accepts Wise directly, it’s still useful when working with agents or private suppliers, or when paying for bulk orders.

Wise is especially helpful if you’re dropshipping from countries with high currency fees. You can save more and move money faster.

Pros:

• Real exchange rates
• Very low international fees
• Multi-currency support
• Works with suppliers outside AliExpress
• Ideal for global scaling

Cons:

• Not accepted directly by all sellers on AliExpress
• Requires setup and verification
• No chargeback option like cards

4. PayPal (Via Tools Like Sell The Trend)

PayPal is safe, popular, and easy to use — but not all AliExpress sellers accept it. That’s why dropshippers often use tools like Sell The Trend to connect with suppliers who do.

This setup gives you PayPal’s buyer protection, even when AliExpress doesn’t offer it directly. It’s great for beginners or store owners who want extra safety.

You can also use a PayPal Business account to separate personal and business spending. Managing refunds or disputes is easy, and transaction history is clear.

But PayPal comes with some downsides: fees are higher than most methods, and accounts can get frozen if your activity looks risky.

Pros:

• Strong buyer protection
• Trusted worldwide
• Works with dropshipping tools
• Easy refunds and dispute system
• No need to enter card info

Cons:

• Not accepted directly on AliExpress
• Higher transaction fees
• Risk of account holds or limits
• Needs third-party tools to work well

5. Bank Transfer (Wire Transfer)

Bank transfers are still accepted on AliExpress, but they’re mostly used by bulk buyers, B2B transactions, or those making large payments directly to suppliers. For dropshippers, this method isn’t usually the best option — but in some cases, like custom orders or long-term partnerships, it’s used.

The process is slower. Bank transfers can take 2–5 business days, and there’s no instant confirmation like with cards or PayPal. You’ll also need to double-check the account details of the supplier to avoid mistakes.

On the plus side, there are no card limits, and it’s a preferred method when ordering large quantities outside the AliExpress platform.

Pros:

• Good for bulk/wholesale orders
• No card limits or caps
• Useful for private supplier deals
• Direct and traceable

Cons:

• Slow processing time (2–5 days)
• Not ideal for small daily orders
• No buyer protection or chargebacks
• Risk of payment errors or wrong recipient

6. Virtual Cards (Like Revolut)

Virtual cards give you flexibility and control. With Revolut, you can create separate cards for different suppliers, stores, or team members — all from one app. This helps you manage spending, reduce risk, and stay organized.

You can lock or delete a card instantly if anything looks suspicious. That’s much faster than dealing with a stolen physical card.

Revolut also offers multi-currency support, spending alerts, and strong app control. Some dropshippers use it to test new suppliers safely without exposing their main card.

It’s especially useful if your main bank blocks too many AliExpress payments. Revolut helps you avoid flags by spreading out your orders.

Pros:

• Instant virtual cards
• Spending control and alerts
• Multi-currency and low fees
• Safer than using one physical card
• Easily manage supplier payments

Cons:

• Not accepted by all sellers
• No traditional chargeback system
• Needs a stable internet connection to manage cards
• Some learning curve if new to virtual banks

How Sell The Trend Makes Payments Easier

Managing payments manually can slow you down. Entering card details over and over increases the chance of mistakes. And payment errors can delay shipments or even freeze your account.

Sell The Trend solves this by automating the whole checkout process. Once your payment method is set up, it handles orders with one click — no retyping, no delays.

Here’s how it helps dropshippers:

• 1-click order automation – speeds up checkout and avoids manual work
• PayPal compatibility – lets you use PayPal through trusted suppliers, even if AliExpress doesn’t accept it directly
• Bulk order support – easily pay for multiple orders at once without repeated checkouts
• Fewer payment errors – reduces order issues and avoids triggering fraud checks
• Faster fulfillment – payments go through instantly, so suppliers can ship sooner

If you’re scaling your store, tools like Sell The Trend don’t just save time — they protect your payment flow and help you grow without stress.

Aliexpress Payment Methods: FAQs

1. What Is The Safest Way To Pay On AliExpress

If you want a secure payment method, stick with a credit card or a PayPal account (used through tools like Sell The Trend). These options give you buyer protection in case your purchase doesn’t arrive or the delivery is delayed.

AliExpress holds your funds until the order is marked complete, which adds a layer of security. Avoid using cash, bank transfers, or unverified sites, especially ones that take you off the platform. For extra peace of mind, use popular payment methods that offer chargebacks.

2. How To Pay on Aliexpress Without A Credit Card?

There are plenty of other payment methods you can use.
AliExpress supports Google Pay, PayPal, Wise, AliPay, and virtual cards like Revolut.
These give you safe and convenient ways to pay, depending on your location.

At checkout, you’ll see all available payment options. Just pick what suits you best, and follow the steps to complete your order.

These different payment methods work well if you don’t want to use a credit card.

3. Does Aliexpress Take Klarna or Afterpay?

Yes — but only in some regions.
AliExpress has launched support for Klarna and Afterpay in parts of Europe, including France and Germany.

These services let you split your payment into smaller parts, usually without interest.
If you don’t see them, it could be due to your location, or the shop may not support it.

In that case, you can use other payment methods like Wise or your PayPal account.

4. Does Aliexpress Do Pay In 4?

Yes, AliExpress does offer “Pay in 4” through Klarna, Afterpay, or AliPay in select countries.
You pay over several days, but your order ships after the first payment.

It’s a good option if you want to budget your funds, but it’s not available everywhere.
Check your checkout page for this solution — if it doesn’t appear, it may not be supported in your location or by that company.

5. What To Avoid Buying On Aliexpress?

Be careful with fake electronics, brand-name knockoffs, or digital services asking for payment outside the platform.
Never send cash or use off-platform sites that ask for payment up front.

Before you shop, read comments, check shipping details, and review the seller’s content.
Stick with sellers that have high ratings and clear contact information.

Using safe payment options helps, but choosing the right dropshipping products matters too.

6. Is Express Sketchy For Payment?

No, AliExpress itself is not sketchy — it’s a trusted platform used worldwide.
But just like on other sites, you need to be smart about how you pay.

Stick to secure payment methods, and don’t go through unknown third-party networks.
AliExpress holds your funds until the item is delivered, which helps protect your purchase.

For example, PayPal and Wise are great if you want extra safety.
Check for seller reviews, clear shipping policies, and any limitations listed in the article or store page before you buy.

Conclusion

AliExpress gives dropshippers access to various payment methods, each with its own pros and cons. Whether you’re paying in USD or selling in places like Brazil, the right choice depends on your store’s needs and region. Before you sign off on a payment, check the fees, limits, and additional information.

Make sure to log in, compare options, and choose what gives the most benefits to your workflow.