Depop handles the money between buyer and seller, holding it until the item arrives
When you sell on Depop, the buyer pays Depop directly through their card, bank account, or digital wallet. Depop holds that money in an escrow account—meaning it sits there, untouched, until the buyer receives the item and confirms it arrived. Once confirmed, Depop releases the funds to you, minus their fee. The whole cycle usually takes 3 to 5 business days after delivery confirmation, though it can stretch longer if there's a dispute.
If you're buying, your payment goes to Depop first, not to the seller. This protects you: if the item never shows up or arrives damaged, you can open a case and get your money back. The seller doesn't see a dime until you confirm receipt. This is different from peer-to-peer apps like Venmo, where money moves directly between two people.
Key Takeaways
- Depop collects payment from the buyer and holds it until the item is delivered and confirmed, protecting both sides of the transaction.
- Depop takes a 10% fee on the sale price plus payment processing fees (usually 2.9% + $0.30 for card payments), which come out before you see your money.
- Payouts land in your bank account via direct deposit, which takes 2 to 5 business days after the buyer confirms delivery.
- If a buyer opens a dispute or claims the item didn't arrive, Depop freezes the payout and investigates before releasing funds to either party.
- You can only cash out to a bank account linked to your Depop profile; there is no option to receive funds to a PayPal account or digital wallet.
What fees Depop takes from your sale
Depop charges a flat 10% commission on the sale price. If you sell an item for $100, Depop takes $10. This happens automatically—you don't have to do anything to trigger it.
On top of that, there are payment processing fees. If the buyer pays with a debit or credit card, Depop charges 2.9% of the sale price plus $0.30. If they pay with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or PayPal, the rate is the same. These fees also come out of your payout. So on a $100 sale, you'd lose $10 (commission) + $3.20 (processing fee) = $13.20 total, leaving you $86.80.
Depop does not charge a fee for shipping labels you buy through their app. If you buy a label outside Depop and ship on your own, there's no extra charge, but you also don't get Depop's seller protection if something goes wrong in transit.
How to set up your bank account for payouts
Go to your Depop profile, tap Settings, then Payments. You'll see a section for "Payout Method" or "Bank Account." Tap it and enter your bank routing number and account number. Depop will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into it within 1 to 2 business days. Check your bank statement, then return to Depop and enter those amounts to confirm.
Once verified, any payout from a completed sale will land in that account automatically. You don't need to request it or approve each one. Depop deposits funds Monday through Friday; if a sale confirms on a weekend, the payout timer starts the next business day.
If you change your bank account, you'll need to verify the new one the same way. Depop will not send money to a different account than the one you've verified, so if your bank closes your account or you switch banks, update Depop before your next sale completes.
When the buyer confirms delivery and you get paid
The payout clock starts when the buyer taps "Confirm Arrival" in the Depop app. This is not automatic—the buyer has to actively confirm. Most buyers do this within a day or two of receiving the package, but some wait longer. Depop gives buyers up to 30 days to confirm arrival before the system auto-confirms and releases your money.
After confirmation, Depop processes the payout. This usually takes 2 to 5 business days, depending on your bank. Some banks deposit funds the next business day; others take the full 5 days. You'll see the money pending in your bank account during this window, then it becomes available to spend.
If the buyer opens a dispute—claiming the item didn't arrive, arrived damaged, or doesn't match the description—Depop freezes the payout. You'll see a notification in the app. Depop will ask both of you for evidence: tracking info, photos, messages. This investigation can take 5 to 14 business days. If Depop rules in your favor, you get paid. If they rule for the buyer, the money goes back to them.
Payment methods buyers can use
Buyers can pay with a debit card, credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or PayPal. Depop does not accept bank transfers or ACH payments from buyers—only card-based methods and digital wallets. This is why the processing fee is the same across all methods: Depop treats them all as card transactions on the backend.
If a buyer's card is declined, they'll see an error in the app and can try a different card. Depop does not hold a pending charge; the transaction either goes through or it doesn't. If it fails, the buyer can retry immediately or wait and try again later.
Some buyers use Depop's "Buy Now, Pay Later" option through Klarna or Afterpay. From your perspective as a seller, this doesn't change anything—Depop still collects the full amount upfront and holds it until delivery. The buyer's payment plan with Klarna or Afterpay is between them and that company.
What happens if a buyer disputes the transaction
A dispute is different from a chargeback. A dispute happens inside Depop, through the app. The buyer opens a case saying the item didn't arrive, arrived damaged, or doesn't match the listing. You'll get a notification and can respond with photos, tracking info, or messages proving the item was shipped and described accurately.
Depop's resolution team reviews both sides and makes a decision. If you win, your payout goes through. If you lose, the buyer gets a refund and you don't get paid. Depop does not charge you a fee for a lost dispute, but you also don't recover the item or the shipping cost.
A chargeback is different: it happens at the buyer's bank, not through Depop. The buyer contacts their bank and claims they never authorized the charge or that fraud occurred. Depop will fight the chargeback on your behalf using tracking and delivery confirmation, but if the bank sides with the buyer, the money comes out of your account. Too many chargebacks can get your Depop account suspended.
To avoid disputes, ship promptly, provide tracking, and describe items accurately with clear photos. If a buyer messages you with concerns before opening a case, respond quickly—many disputes are resolved by talking it out.
Holds, freezes, and when Depop won't pay you
Depop can place a hold on your payout if they suspect fraud or policy violations. This might happen if you receive multiple disputes, if a buyer reports an item as counterfeit, or if Depop's system flags unusual activity. A hold can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks while Depop investigates.
If Depop determines you violated their terms—selling prohibited items, misrepresenting condition, or running a scam—they can freeze your account and forfeit pending payouts. This is rare for honest sellers, but it does happen. You'll receive a notification explaining why.
Depop also reserves the right to withhold funds if there's a legal claim against you or if law enforcement requests it. This is uncommon but possible in cases involving counterfeit goods or stolen items.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get paid after I ship the item?
It depends on the buyer. Once they confirm arrival in the app, Depop releases your payout within 2 to 5 business days. But the buyer can take up to 30 days to confirm. Most confirm within 1 to 3 days, so expect payment 3 to 8 business days after you ship in typical cases.
Can I get paid to PayPal instead of my bank account?
No. Depop only pays out to a verified bank account. You cannot receive funds to PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, or any digital wallet. You must link a checking or savings account and verify it before any payout can go through.
What if the buyer never confirms delivery?
Depop auto-confirms after 30 days. If the buyer doesn't tap the button themselves, the system will confirm for them and release your payout. You'll still get paid, just potentially after a longer wait.
Do I pay Depop's fees if the sale falls through?
No. Fees only come out when money actually changes hands. If a buyer's payment fails, or if you cancel the sale before the buyer pays, there are no fees. You only lose money if the transaction completes and then gets reversed in a dispute.
Can I see my payout before it hits my bank account?
Yes. In your Depop profile under Payments or Wallet, you can see pending payouts and their expected arrival date. The amount shown already has fees deducted. Once it's marked as "completed," it should appear in your bank account within 1 to 2 business days.