You can sell on Depop without a bank account, but you cannot withdraw your earnings without one

Depop lets you list items and receive payment from buyers even if you have no bank account. The platform accepts payments through Depop's own payment system, and buyers can pay you through debit cards, credit cards, or their own Depop balance. The catch: when you want to cash out your earnings, Depop requires a bank account or a linked payment service to transfer the money to you. You can hold a balance in your Depop account indefinitely, but that balance is only useful if you spend it on other items within the app.

If you do not have a traditional bank account, you have two realistic paths forward. The first is to open a basic bank account—many banks and credit unions offer accounts with no minimum balance and low or no monthly fees. The second is to use a prepaid debit card that has a routing number and account number, which Depop treats the same way it treats a bank account for payout purposes. Some prepaid cards charge monthly fees or per-transaction fees, so compare costs before you choose one.

Key Takeaways

  • Depop does not require a bank account to list items or receive payments from buyers, but you cannot withdraw your balance without one.
  • Your Depop balance can sit in your account unused, but the money is trapped there unless you spend it on other Depop purchases.
  • A prepaid debit card with a routing number and account number works for Depop payouts the same way a bank account does.
  • Opening a basic checking account at a credit union or online bank usually costs nothing and takes a few days to a week.

How Depop payments and payouts actually work

When someone buys an item from you on Depop, the money goes into your Depop account balance, not directly to a bank account. Depop holds that balance until you request a payout. At that point, Depop transfers the money to whatever bank account or prepaid card you have linked to your profile. If you have no linked account, your balance straightforward stays in Depop and you cannot move it anywhere else.

Depop does not charge you a fee to receive payment from a buyer. However, Depop does take a 10% commission from each sale you make. If you sell an item for $100, Depop keeps $10 and your balance increases by $90. When you request a payout of that $90, the transfer itself is free, but it can take one to three business days to appear in your linked account.

Opening a bank account if you do not have one

A basic checking account is the most straightforward option. Credit unions and online banks often have the lowest barriers to entry. You will need a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and sometimes a small opening deposit—though many banks waive this requirement. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes online or 20 to 30 minutes in person at a branch.

If you have a history of overdrafts or unpaid accounts, some banks may decline you. In that case, look for second-chance checking accounts, which are designed for people with banking problems in their past. These accounts may have higher fees or lower limits, but they are easier to open. ChexSystems and Early Warning Services are the two main banking history databases; you can request a free report from either to see what is on your record before you explore.

Online banks like Chime, LendingClub, or Ally typically have no monthly fees and no minimum balance. Credit unions often have similar terms and may be more willing to work with you if you have had banking problems. Ask whether the account comes with a debit card, since you will need one to verify your identity on Depop.

Using a prepaid debit card instead

A prepaid debit card is not a bank account, but it functions like one for Depop's purposes. The card has a routing number and account number, which is what Depop needs to process a payout. You load money onto the card by transferring it from another account, depositing cash at a retail location, or having direct deposits sent to it. Some prepaid cards let you receive direct deposits with no fee, while others charge per transaction.

Common prepaid card options include Netspend, Green Dot, and Walmart MoneyCard. Fees vary widely: some charge $5 to $10 per month, others charge per transaction, and some charge for customer service calls. Read the fee schedule carefully before you choose one, because the fees can add up if you make frequent payouts. A card that costs $5 per month but has no transaction fees might be cheaper than one with no monthly fee but a $2 fee per payout if you cash out twice a month.

One advantage of a prepaid card is that you do not need a credit history or a banking history to get one. The main disadvantage is that prepaid cards offer less fraud protection than bank accounts do. If someone steals your card number, you may have a harder time getting your money back, and the process can take longer.

What happens if you never request a payout

If you sell items on Depop but never link a bank account or prepaid card, your balance will accumulate in your Depop account. You can spend that balance on other items within Depop—buying clothes, shoes, or other goods from other sellers. This is actually a common pattern for people who use Depop as both a buying and selling platform. You sell things you no longer wear, and the money goes straight back into buying other things.

However, if your goal is to convert your sales into cash you can use outside Depop, you will eventually need a way to withdraw. Depop does not offer any other payout method: no PayPal, no cash pickup, no gift cards. Bank account or prepaid card are your only options.

Timing and what to expect when you request a payout

Once you have linked a bank account or prepaid card to Depop, requesting a payout takes about two minutes. You go to your account settings, select "Payments," and choose how much of your balance you want to transfer. Depop processes the request when ready, but the money takes one to three business days to show up in your linked account. Weekends and holidays can add extra time.

There is no minimum payout amount, so you can withdraw $5 if you want to. However, some prepaid cards charge a fee for each deposit, so small frequent payouts might cost you more in fees than one larger payout would. If your prepaid card charges $2 per deposit, withdrawing $10 five times costs you $10 in fees, while withdrawing $50 once costs you $2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use PayPal or Venmo to get my Depop money?

No. Depop only transfers money to a bank account or a prepaid debit card with a routing number and account number. PayPal and Venmo are not linked to Depop's payout system. If you want to move money from Depop to PayPal, you would have to withdraw to your bank account first, then transfer from your bank to PayPal separately.

What if I sell something but the buyer disputes the charge?

Depop holds disputed payments in your account until the dispute is resolved, which usually takes 10 to 30 days. If the buyer wins the dispute, Depop removes the money from your balance. If you have already requested a payout and the money left your Depop account, Depop will deduct the disputed amount from your next payout or ask you to repay it.

Do I need a bank account to list items, or only to cash out?

You only need a bank account to cash out. You can list items, receive payments, and hold a balance in Depop without one. The bank account or prepaid card only becomes necessary when you want to move money out of Depop and into your own account.

How long does it take to open a bank account?

Online banks usually approve you and open an account within minutes to a few hours. You can start using the account when ready, though the debit card may take 5 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. In-person at a branch, the process takes 20 to 30 minutes and you usually get a debit card the same day or within a few days.

Can I use someone else's bank account to withdraw my Depop earnings?

Technically yes, but Depop may flag it as suspicious activity. Depop's terms say the account must belong to you or be a joint account you have access to. If you use someone else's account without permission, you risk having your Depop account suspended. If you need to use a family member's account, tell Depop first and make sure both names are on the account.