AliExpress Payment Methods: What Works Best for Dropshipping and Print-on-Demand

When I first started dropshipping, one of the things I didn’t expect to matter so much was how I pay for products.

I figured I’d just use a card or PayPal and be done with it.

But as my store grew, and especially when I started mixing in print-on-demand orders, things got more complicated.

Fees started adding up, payments would randomly fail, and I had to deal with refund delays that held up fulfillment.

So in this guide, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about AliExpress payment methods—the good, the bad, and what actually works best if you’re running a store.

What Payment Methods Does AliExpress Accept?

AliExpress accepts a wide range of payment options, depending on where you’re located.

But as a dropshipper or print-on-demand seller, you’re probably using a few core ones that can handle frequent international transactions.

Main Global Payment Methods on AliExpress

Here are the most common ones used by dropshippers:

Depending on your country, you might also see local payment methods like iDeal (Netherlands), Klarna (Germany), MercadoPago (Latin America), and others.

But if you’re dropshipping internationally, it’s best to stick with the top three to four that offer speed, security, and low fees.

The Most Reliable Payment Method for Dropshippers

After years of trial and error, I’ve narrowed down the two most reliable payment methods when you’re using AliExpress for dropshipping and print-on-demand.

1. Credit and Debit Cards

These are by far the most common.

I use a business credit card with no foreign transaction fees. It lets me:

• Process payments instantly
• Earn rewards or cashback
• Track expenses easily
• Resolve disputes directly with the card provider if needed

The key is using a card that won’t charge you 2–3% on every international transaction. That can kill your margins fast.

2. AliPay

AliPay is owned by Alibaba and is built into the AliExpress ecosystem.

It’s a digital wallet, kind of like PayPal, but optimized for Chinese platforms. Some of the biggest benefits I’ve seen:

• No delays in order processing
• Lower transaction fees
• Less chance of orders being flagged or held
• Smooth refund handling inside AliExpress

The only downside is that it can be tricky to set up at first if you’re outside of China.

But once it’s up and running, it’s probably the best option for scaling smoothly.

Is PayPal Still an Option?

PayPal used to be a go-to method on AliExpress, but these days, it’s more of a backup.

Not all sellers accept it, and it’s often restricted by:

• Product category
• Seller location
• Your buyer country

When to Use PayPal

I only use PayPal on AliExpress when:

• I’m ordering a sample from a new supplier and want extra buyer protection
• I’m working with a seller I know accepts PayPal without issues
• The order is under $50 and I’m okay paying a little more for peace of mind

Otherwise, the extra fees, potential holds, and slower processing make it a bad fit for consistent fulfillment.

How Payment Method Impacts Fulfillment Speed

This is one of those areas where payment method directly affects your delivery times and customer experience.

Here’s why:

• AliExpress doesn’t process the order until payment clears.
• Credit card and AliPay payments usually go through in minutes.
• Bank transfers and some wallets (like WebMoney) can take 1–3 days, slowing everything down.

If you’re using automated fulfillment tools like DSers or AutoDS, delayed payments also mean:

• Orders don’t get pushed to the supplier
• Tracking numbers aren’t uploaded on time
• Customers get impatient and request refunds

So whatever method you use, make sure it’s fast and reliable.

What I Use Personally (And Recommend)

If you’re building a real dropshipping or print-on-demand store, here’s what’s been working best for me:

Primary Method: Business Credit Card (via Wise or Revolut)

• No foreign fees
• Instant transaction speed
• Cashback and rewards
• Easy to track spending

Backup Method: AliPay

• Smooth inside AliExpress
• Works great for larger bulk orders
• Trusted by most Chinese suppliers

Use PayPal Only For:

• Samples
• New suppliers
• Small test orders

If you’re serious about dropshipping or POD, locking in the right payment flow from the start saves a lot of stress down the line.

Wise vs Revolut for Dropshippers

I use both, and they each have pros and cons. If you’re looking to save on fees, here’s a quick breakdown:

If you’re ordering products from multiple suppliers or in multiple currencies, Wise makes it really easy to manage.

But Revolut Business is excellent for automating purchases and getting spending limits per virtual card, which helps if you’re working with VAs or fulfillment teams.

How Payment Automation Helps You Scale

Manual payments work when you have 5–10 orders per day.

But once you hit 50+ daily orders, manually paying each supplier becomes a time drain.

That’s where automation comes in.

Tools that support AliExpress payment automation:

• DSers
  • Syncs with AliExpress
  • Lets you batch pay orders
  • Works with credit cards and AliPay
• AutoDS
  • Automates everything from order to tracking
  • Compatible with multiple payment options
  • Works with PayPal, cards, and AliPay
• Yakkyofy / Dropified
  • Good if you’re also running a hybrid POD + dropship store
  • Better suited for larger stores

Using automation with a reliable payment method means:

• No missed orders
• Faster shipping
• Fewer refund requests
• Less stress

If you’re aiming to scale, automation isn’t just a convenience—it’s a must. It keeps things moving while you focus on growing the business.

Risks and Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s talk about the mistakes I’ve made—so you don’t repeat them.

1. Using the Wrong Card

I used a personal card once with a 3% international fee. After a month, that was over $420 in lost profit.

Always use a business card with no foreign fees.

2. Waiting on Bank Transfers

I thought I’d save fees using wire transfers. But delays in processing led to:

• Late shipments
• Angry customers
• Refund requests

Not worth it.

3. Ignoring Automation

Processing 30+ orders manually daily drained my time. Once I integrated DSers and connected AliPay, my workload dropped by half.

4. Mixing Payment Methods Per Order

If you’re trying to scale, pick one or two consistent payment methods.

Randomly switching between PayPal, card, and bank transfers confuses suppliers, triggers fraud alerts, and leads to order holds.

Choosing the Right Method for Your Business Model

Not every payment method suits every dropshipping setup. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Final Tips for Smooth Payments on AliExpress

Here’s a checklist I follow to avoid payment problems:

• Use one consistent card or AliPay account
• Avoid weekend payments if using bank transfer (delays)
• Test your payment method with low-ticket items first
• Always use a verified seller with a good fulfillment record
• Keep backup funds in your AliPay wallet if scaling fast
• Monitor card limits and bank flags when scaling orders
• Consider using a local China agent if you’re doing high volume—they can process bulk payments faster and help with shipping

Payments might seem small in the grand scheme, but they can seriously slow you down if they’re not handled right.

Keep it simple, consistent, and prepared—especially as you scale.

Wrapping Up

Payment methods on AliExpress might seem like a boring backend detail—but for dropshipping and print-on-demand sellers, they’re a core part of the operation.

If you pick the right one, you’ll:

• Avoid unnecessary fees
• Speed up order processing
• Build better supplier relationships
• Make scaling way easier

If you pick the wrong one, you’ll run into delays, disputes, and margin leaks.

Personally, I recommend a combo of credit card + AliPay, plus automation tools like DSers or AutoDS to tie everything together.

That’s been the most consistent, reliable setup I’ve used—and it’s what I’d recommend for any serious store owner.