Gumtree Pay FAQ

Got questions about Gumtree Pay? This guide is here to help you get started. Whether you're selling your first item or just want to understand how the new system works, you'll find everything you need to know right here.

What is Gumtree Pay?
Why does Gumtree use Adyen?
How is this different from our previous PayPal integration?
Setting up Gumtree Pay
Using PayPal to pay on Gumtree
Fees & Payouts
Receiving Payment
Verifying your identity
Verifying your bank details
Troubleshooting common issues
Payment Cancellations & Refunds
Staying Safe

What is Gumtree Pay?

Gumtree Pay is our new integrated payment system, designed to make buying and selling on Gumtree easier, safer, and more convenient.

With Gumtree Pay, you can securely accept and process payments directly through our platform. 

Transactions are backed by robust identification and verification, and handled through our trusted payments partner, Adyen, ensuring a smooth and secure experience for both buyers and sellers. You can learn more about Adyen here.

Buyers can use their preferred local payment methods. There’s no more need to carry cash when completing a purchase in person. Once the buyer has inspected the item and agreed to proceed, they can pay seamlessly via Gumtree Pay.

Learn more how to set up Gumtree Pay here.

Why does Gumtree use Adyen?

We partnered with Adyen, a world-renowned payment provider, to give you a fast, secure, and professional payment experience.

Adyen handles payments for companies like Uber, eBay, and Spotify. They’re licensed and regulated in Australia and globally, and use advanced encryption and compliance systems to keep your data safe.

Using Adyen means:

- Your payments are professionally processed and protected

- Your personal info is never shared with buyers or sellers

- You benefit from a payments infrastructure trusted by leading platforms worldwide

How is this different from our previous PayPal integration?

Gumtree Pay lets buyers easily pay for items through our secure payment platform using payment methods including PayPal. This new integration is different from our previous PayPal setup:

• Previously, buyers and sellers linked their PayPal accounts directly, and payments went straight between PayPal accounts.

• Now, buyers simply select PayPal as their payment method. The payment will go through Gumtree Pay and then to the seller’s verified bank account.

Old PayPal Flow vs New Gumtree Pay

Important: Even if a buyer uses PayPal, the seller must still verify their ID and bank to receive the payment. You do NOT need a PayPal account as a seller.

Setting Up Gumtree Pay

To begin using Gumtree Pay:

As a Seller

1. In your Gumtree chat with a buyer, tap “Request Payment”  
    

2. Fill in your name and agree to your payment service provider Adyen’s Terms & Conditions.

3. Set up two-factor authentication via your mobile phone as an added layer of security.

4. Enter the agreed amount and send the request.
    

5. Buyer completes the payment.

6. Follow the prompts to verify your account. (This is a one-time process that is only required during your first payment)

7. You’ll receive a notification confirming completed payment. Your money will be sent to the nominated bank account within 3-5 business days.

As a Buyer

1. Let the seller know you’d like to pay via Gumtree Pay

2. Click on “Pay Seller” to accept the request for payment
    

3. Double-check the request is as discussed, then click on “Continue to Pay”
    

4. Select your preferred payment method.

• AMEX

• VISA

• Mastercard

• Apple Pay

• Google Pay

• PayPal

5. Complete payment
    

Using PayPal to pay on Gumtree

While different from our previous integration, buyers can still use PayPal as a payment method when paying via Gumtree Pay.

     What is PayPal?

PayPal is a secure online payment method that allows you to pay quickly and easily using your PayPal balance, linked bank account, or card.
It is available on both desktop and mobile.

     Is PayPal secure?

Yes. PayPal uses industry-standard encryption to keep your personal and financial information safe. When you pay using PayPal, your payment details are never shared with the seller.

In addition:

• You’ll receive an email confirmation directly from PayPal once the payment is processed

• You can manage the payment or raise any concerns via your PayPal account

     If my order isn’t as described, does PayPal Buyer Protection apply?

If you paid using PayPal, and the item you received is significantly different from what was described in the listing, you may be eligible for a refund under PayPal’s Buyer Protection program.

Eligibility is determined by PayPal and subject to their terms and conditions. You can find more information on this here. 

Note: Gumtree itself does not currently offer buyer protection through Gumtree Pay. We always recommend inspecting items in person before making a payment. 

     Are there additional fees for using PayPal?

In most cases, there are no additional fees for using PayPal to make a purchase in Australian dollars. However, PayPal may charge a currency conversion fee if you're paying from a non-AUD account or using a card issued overseas. You can find more information here. 

That being said, note that Gumtree Pay itself does have its own separate service fee. This applies regardless of the payment method used (whether PayPal or any other payment method). More information can be found here.

     Can I use PayPal Pay in 4?

Yes. PayPal Pay in 4 is available for eligible purchases under $2,000. It allows you to split your payment into 4 interest-free installments. The first installment is due at the time of purchase, the remaining 3 are paid every 2 weeks.

You can find more information here.

     Don’t have a PayPal account?

Signing up is free. You can visit the PayPal Sign Up page to create an account.

Fees & Payouts

A small service fee is automatically added to payment requests. You can find more information about this here.

Once paid, your funds are transferred securely via Adyen and should arrive in 3–5 business days, depending on your bank.

Receiving Payment

To accept payments through Gumtree Pay, you must:

1. Perform a “Know Your Customer” (KYC) check to verify your identity with Gumtree Pay.

2. Link and verify your Australian bank account.

Once you've done this, all payments will be securely transferred into your bank account via Gumtree Pay, powered by our trusted payments provider Adyen.

Important: If you don’t verify your identity and bank account, you won’t receive your payouts. Completing verification ahead of time prevents delays.

Verifying your identity

To comply with legal obligations and protect you from fraud, your identity is verified securely through Adyen, a licensed financial technology provider that works with leading marketplaces and complies with strict global security and privacy standards.

You'll need to provide:

• Your full name (exactly as shown on your government ID)

• Residential address

• Date of birth

• Details from your valid Australian driver's licence or passport

If you have a non-Australian passport, then we strongly recommend using your Australian driver's licence for quicker processing. Foreign passports are accepted, but may result in verification delays or require additional proof of residence.

Tips for a successful identity check:

• Ensure names, dates, and numbers exactly match your government ID.

• Upload clear images if asked for documentation.

• Double-check your email spam folder regularly. Important verification messages from Gumtree Pay could be waiting there.
   

Verifying your bank details

To receive payments through Gumtree Pay, you’ll need to link and verify your Australian bank account. This is a one-time process, designed to make sure your funds are paid securely and to the correct person.

We understand that sharing banking information online can feel risky, but rest assured: 

• Your details are handled only by Adyen, our secure, globally trusted payments provider

• Adyen uses bank-grade encryption and fraud protection systems

• Gumtree and Adyen do not share your banking info with buyers or other users

• Your bank info is only used to deposit your payments, not to withdraw or access your funds

You'll need to provide

• Your bank account name (must exactly match your Gumtree Pay identity verification)

• Bank name

• BSB and account number

Ways to verify your bank account:

• Instant verification: Securely connect via your mobile banking app (recommended for speed).

• Manual verification: Upload a recent bank statement.

Manual verification can take 2–3 business days to complete. You’ll receive an email confirming when verification is successful or if additional information is needed. Remember to check your spam folder!

Important: Gumtree will never ask you to send your bank details through chat or to other users. All verification happens securely through Gumtree Pay.

Troubleshooting common issues

“I’m having an issue paying with PayPal”

• Log into your PayPal account and confirm that your payment details are saved correctly

• Try choosing a different payment method within PayPal

• If you’re using an older web browser, try updating and clearing your cache & cookies on your device

• If you are a seller, remember that payments will be received to the bank account you linked to Gumtree Pay (not PayPal), and that both your bank account and ID need to be verified first

“I haven’t received my payment”

• Have you verified BOTH your ID and bank? This is required to receive payments.

• Check your spam/junk folder for emails from Gumtree or Adyen with further instructions

• Payments typically arrive in 3–5 business days after buyer payment

“My verification failed”

• Make sure your name matches exactly on all documents

• If using a foreign passport, we recommend using your Australian driver’s licence to avoid delays

• Ensure your bank account is in your name and registered in Australia

“I’m trying to request payment for a car”

• Your vehicle listing must include the rego or VIN. 

  • If it is absent, go back to your listing, add it, and click Submit

  • Return to your chat and resend the payment request

• You can only sell up to two vehicles per year via Gumtree Pay

“I’m getting an error entering an amount”

• Make sure the amount is between $10 and $10,000

• Use only digits and a decimal, no commas or $ symbol (e.g. 250.00)

Payment Cancellations & Refunds

You can cancel a payment request before it’s paid using the Cancel Request button.

If the buyer has already paid, the payment cannot be cancelled.

Gumtree Pay does not currently provide buyer protection. We strongly recommend buyers inspect items in person prior to payment. If there’s a dispute, please contact the seller directly. Gumtree does not mediate transaction disputes.

Staying Safe

• Use Gumtree chat to keep records of all messages

• Never share personal banking info with buyers

• Confirm pickup and inspect items before confirming payment

Visit our Safety help page for more tips.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our Help Desk.