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eBay has posted updated Payments Terms of Use, and they take effect for most US sellers on November 4, 2026. The same day, eBay starts rolling out eBay balance, the account where your earnings sit until you use them or withdraw them to your bank. If you sell on eBay in the US, this changes how you get paid, so it is worth a few minutes before your Q4 sales pick up.
Here is what eBay’s own pages say and what to check in your account.
The key dates
The updated Payments Terms of Use list two effective dates:
- October 21, 2026 for sellers who accepted the terms during new seller registration, or otherwise on or after that date.
- November 4, 2026 for all other sellers.
eBay balance itself does not switch on for everyone at once. According to eBay’s help page on getting paid for items you’ve sold, starting November 4, 2026, eBay is gradually introducing eBay balance to eligible US-based private sellers and sole proprietors selling on eBay.com. eBay says it will notify you when eBay balance is enabled on your account.
What eBay balance means for US sellers
If you already use spendable funds, eBay says spendable funds will become eBay balance. Your earnings go into your eBay balance, where you can use them on eBay or withdraw them.
The terms also add a rule about identity verification. If you are a US seller eligible for eBay balance and you do not complete or pass identity verification, eBay says your eBay balance enrollment will be suspended and you will not be able to receive payouts for Managed Payments transactions until verification is done. If eBay asks you to verify your identity, do it right away so your money does not get stuck.
How payouts work with eBay balance
The biggest change is the default. eBay says payouts will be on-demand by default, meaning your earnings stay in your balance until you use or withdraw them.
You can still choose automatic payouts on a monthly, biweekly, weekly or daily schedule. If you want your money to keep going to your bank on its own, you need to pick that schedule in your settings.
A few other details from eBay:
- If there is no activity for 330 days, eBay automatically pays out your balance to your bank account.
- Sales proceeds are generally available for payout within one to two business days after the buyer’s payment is confirmed, unless there is a hold.
- Once a payout starts, it typically reaches your bank within one to three business days, depending on your bank.
What to check once eBay balance is enabled
Here is a simple checklist:
- Watch for eBay’s notice. eBay says it will notify you when eBay balance is enabled on your account.
- Check your Payout Settings. Once it is enabled, go to Seller Hub, open the Payments tab, and select Payout Settings. If you want automatic payouts, choose a monthly, biweekly, weekly or daily schedule there.
- Finish identity verification. Complete any verification eBay asks for so your eBay balance enrollment and payouts are not suspended.
- Confirm your linked bank account. Payouts go to your linked bank account, so make sure it is current.
If you do not agree to the updated Payments Terms of Use, the terms say you can end them at no cost before the effective date.
Frequently asked questions
When does eBay balance start?
eBay starts gradually introducing eBay balance on November 4, 2026 to eligible US-based private sellers and sole proprietors selling on eBay.com. eBay says it will notify you when it is enabled on your account.
What happens to spendable funds?
For sellers currently using spendable funds, eBay says spendable funds will become eBay balance.
Can I still get paid automatically?
Yes. Payouts are on-demand by default with eBay balance, but you can choose automatic payouts on a monthly, biweekly, weekly or daily schedule in Payout Settings under the Payments tab in Seller Hub.
What if I never withdraw my eBay balance?
eBay says that after 330 days of no activity, your balance is automatically paid out to your bank account.
Crosslist to eBay before Q4
Q4 is when eBay buyers show up in force, and getting your inventory listed there now gives every item more time in front of shoppers. If you already sell on another marketplace, you do not have to rebuild each listing by hand.
With Sidekick Tools Basic 3 Months, you get 150 crosslists over 3 months (50 a month), enough to move a solid batch of your best items onto eBay before the holiday rush.
