How Depop handles money between buyers and sellers
Depop is a mobile marketplace where people buy and sell used clothing and items. When you buy something, you pay Depop directly through the app—not the seller. Depop then holds that money and sends it to the seller after the buyer confirms the item arrived in good condition. This system protects both sides: the buyer knows they won't lose money if something goes wrong, and the seller knows payment is waiting once the transaction completes.
The process is simpler than it sounds. You choose a payment method (a debit card, credit card, or PayPal account linked to the app), complete the purchase in the app, and Depop takes a small cut before paying out the rest to the seller. The seller receives their money in their chosen payout method—usually a bank account or PayPal—within a few business days after the buyer marks the item as received.
Key Takeaways
- Depop holds your payment after you buy something and releases it to the seller only after you confirm the item arrived.
- You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or PayPal account connected to your Depop profile.
- Depop charges the seller a 10% fee on the sale price, which comes out before they receive their payout.
- Sellers receive their money in their bank account or PayPal within two to three business days after you mark the purchase complete.
- If a dispute happens—the item doesn't match the listing or doesn't arrive—Depop can refund you while the seller's payout is held.
What payment methods Depop accepts
Depop accepts three main ways to pay: a debit card, a credit card, or a PayPal account. You add your card or PayPal details to your Depop profile once, and then you can use that method for every purchase without re-entering the information each time. Depop does not accept direct bank transfers, wire transfers, or cash payments through the app.
If you use a credit card, the charge appears on your statement as coming from Depop, not from the individual seller. The same is true for debit cards and PayPal. This matters if you are tracking purchases or if you need to dispute a charge later—you contact Depop's payment processor, not the seller directly.
The Depop fee and what the seller receives
Depop charges sellers a 10% fee on the final sale price. This fee is taken from the seller's payout, not added to what you pay as a buyer. If you buy an item for $50, the seller receives $45 (after Depop's 10% cut). The seller may also pay a separate payment processing fee depending on their payout method, though this varies.
The seller sets the price you see in the listing. They know about the 10% fee and price their items with that in mind. You pay what is shown; nothing hidden is added at checkout. Depop also does not charge buyers a fee to purchase items.
How long it takes for money to reach the seller
The timeline has two parts: when Depop releases the money, and when your bank or PayPal account shows it. Depop releases the seller's payout two to three business days after you mark the item as received in the app. Once released, the money goes to the seller's chosen payout method—usually their bank account or PayPal—and arrives within another one to three business days depending on the bank.
This means a seller might wait up to a week from the time you receive the item before the money is fully in their account. If a seller is asking you to mark the item received before you actually have it, that is a red flag. The system is designed so you have time to inspect what arrived before the seller gets paid.
What happens if there is a problem with your purchase
If the item does not match the listing—wrong size, wrong color, damaged, or missing—you can open a dispute in the app within a set window (usually 180 days from purchase, though Depop's policy can change). You explain the problem and may be asked to send photos. Depop reviews the case and decides whether to refund you or ask the seller to fix it.
If Depop sides with you, your money is returned to your original payment method. The seller's payout is held during this time. If the seller has already received the money and you win a dispute, Depop may recover it from the seller's next sale or ask the seller to repay it. This is why marking items as received only after you have inspected them matters—it gives you the window to dispute before the seller's money is final.
Seller payouts and where the money goes
Sellers choose how they want to receive their money: direct deposit to a bank account or transfer to a PayPal account. To set this up, they go to their Depop profile, add their bank details or PayPal account, and choose which method Depop should use for future payouts. Depop does not send checks or hold money in a Depop wallet—it goes directly to the seller's chosen account.
If a seller has not set up a payout method, Depop may hold their earnings until they do. Sellers can also request a manual payout if they want their money sooner, though this may have different timing or fees depending on Depop's current policy. New sellers sometimes wait longer for their first payout while Depop verifies their account.
Security and protecting your payment information
Depop does not store your full card number or bank details on its servers. When you add a payment method, Depop uses encrypted connections and third-party payment processors (companies that specialize in handling card and bank information safely) to keep your data find. You should never share your card number, PIN, or bank password with a seller or anyone else on the app.
If you notice a charge you did not make or a payment that went wrong, contact Depop's support team through the app. They can see the transaction history and help you dispute it. Do not send money directly to a seller outside the app—that bypasses Depop's protection system and leaves you with no recourse if something goes wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay with a gift card or store credit?
No. Depop only accepts debit cards, credit cards, and PayPal. If you have a gift card, you would need to use it to load money onto a debit card or PayPal account first, then use that to pay on Depop.
What if the seller never receives my payment?
Depop's system confirms payment before the seller sees the item as sold. If you completed the purchase in the app and received a confirmation, the payment went through. If you are worried, check your payment method's statement to confirm the charge. If the charge is there but the seller says they did not receive it, contact Depop support.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind after buying?
Depop does not have a "change your mind" return policy. You can only get a refund if the item does not match the listing or does not arrive. If you bought something by mistake, you would need to contact the seller directly and ask if they will cancel the order before it ships.
Do I have to use the same payment method every time?
No. You can add multiple cards or PayPal accounts to your Depop profile and choose which one to use for each purchase. You can also remove old payment methods and add new ones anytime through your account settings.
What if a seller asks me to pay outside the app?
Do not do it. Paying outside the app means Depop cannot protect you if something goes wrong. If a seller asks you to send money through a different service or directly to their account, that is a scam or a violation of Depop's rules. Report it to Depop and do not complete the transaction.