Alibaba Cloud provides several payment methods. Most users can pay online using a bank card or PayPal. For eligible enterprise accounts with a credit limit, bank transfer is also available.
Use bank cards and PayPal for online payments
Both individual and enterprise accounts can use bank cards and PayPal for payments.
Refer to the following table to see the available payment methods based on the region where your account is registered. indicates that a method is supported. indicates that it is not supported.
Payment method | United States | EU member states | European countries (non-EU) | Malaysia | Other countries/regions | |
Bank card | Visa | |||||
Mastercard | ||||||
American Express | ||||||
JCB | ||||||
PayPal | ||||||
Other countries/regions includes but is not limited to Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Hong Kong (China), Taiwan (China), and Macao (China).
The following payment methods and scenarios are not supported:
Cards with only a UnionPay logo: Your bank card must have a logo from an international card network, such as Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, or JCB.
Prepaid, virtual, or gift cards: These types of cards cannot pass the pre-authorization verification.
PayPal accounts registered in the Chinese mainland: You must use a PayPal account registered outside the Chinese mainland.
Third-party payment methods within China: Methods such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are not supported.
Link a bank card or PayPal account
Before you link a payment method, note the following limits:
Each bank card or PayPal account can be linked to only one Alibaba Cloud account.
If a bank card or PayPal account is already linked to another account (including a deactivated account in its silent period), you must first unlink it from the original account before you can link it again.
Link a bank card
Before you link a bank card, make sure the following conditions are met:
The card is enabled for online payments and international transactions.
The card has a sufficient balance or credit limit to cover a USD 1.00 pre-authorization verification.
The card is enabled for 3D Secure (3DS) authentication. In some countries or regions, such as Malaysia and EU member states, you must complete 3DS authentication when you link a card due to local regulations.
You can link a bank card when you create an account. For more information, see Add payment information.
You can also link a card after you create an account but before you purchase resources. Use the Expenses and Costs console:
Log on to the Billing Account page. In the Third-Party Payment Method section, click Add Payment Method.
NoteIf you are using the legacy console, click Payment Methods and select Add Payment Method.
On the Bank Card tab, enter the following information.
Field | Notes | |
Card Number | None | |
Expiration Date | Use MM/YY format. You cannot add a card that expires in the current month. | |
CVV | The 3- or 4-digit security code on the back of the card. | |
Cardholder Name | Enter the cardholder name exactly as it appears on the bank card. | |
Company name on card | This field is optional if you are using a corporate bank card. | |
Billing address | Include the full street address, city, postal code, and other details. | |
Click Submit. To verify your card, we will place a temporary hold of USD 1.00 on it. The transaction will appear on your bank statement as ALIBABACLOUD.COM and is usually released by your card issuer within 1 to 5 business days.
The first bank card you link is automatically set as the Default External Payment Method. You can use it after its Payment Method Status changes to "Active".
Alibaba Cloud does not charge a service fee for bank card payments. If your card's settlement currency differs from the transaction currency, your card issuer might charge a foreign currency conversion fee. Contact your card issuer for details.
3D Secure authentication
3D Secure (3DS) is an online payment security protocol. The system may trigger this verification step if it detects a potential security risk when you link a bank card or place an order to purchase, upgrade, or renew an instance.
When verification is triggered, you are automatically redirected to your card issuer's verification page. Follow the prompts to complete the identity verification, such as entering a dynamic verification code or password.
Keep the Alibaba Cloud page open during the verification process. Do not close the original window. If your browser blocks pop-ups, configure it to allow them. After successful verification, you are automatically redirected back to Alibaba Cloud to complete the operation.
Link a PayPal account
Log on to the Billing Account page in Expenses and Costs. In the Third-Party Payment Method section, click Add Payment Method.
On the PayPal tab, click Next. You are redirected to the PayPal website.
Log on to your PayPal account and confirm the PayPal agreement. The system automatically adds PayPal as your Alibaba Cloud payment method and initiates a USD 1.00 pre-authorization.
If your PayPal account does not have a bank card or other funding source, PayPal may require you to add one immediately. For questions about adding a funding source, contact PayPal customer service.
If the PayPal authorization is successful but Alibaba Cloud does not show that the account is linked, the PayPal billing agreement may not have been approved. Contact PayPal customer service to confirm.
How to pay
After you link a bank card or PayPal account, you can use it to pay for resources:
Subscription resources: For subscription resources, such as subscription ECS instances, payment is processed when you place the order.
Pay-as-you-go resources: For pay-as-you-go resources, such as pay-as-you-go ECS instances, your payment method is charged automatically after your usage costs reach a specific amount. The default deduction threshold for bank cards is USD 1,000 (before tax). The threshold for PayPal ranges from USD 8 to 500 and varies by account. Additionally, after your monthly bill is generated, the system makes a single deduction for any pay-as-you-go charges that did not meet the threshold during the month.
If your default payment method is PayPal, the system performs a pre-authorization on the PayPal account when you enable a pay-as-you-go product and incur charges.
Switch payment methods
When you need to delete a payment method, consider its status and the number of payment methods you have:
First, make sure you have added another payment method with an Active status to your account.
In the list of payment methods, find the method you want to use and set it as the Default External Payment Method.
Delete or unlink a payment method
When you need to delete a payment method, consider its status and the number of payment methods on your account:
If you have multiple payment methods linked to your account, you can directly delete any method that is Expired or is not the Default External Payment Method. You cannot delete the default payment method.
You cannot delete your only Active payment method if your account has running resources, outstanding bills, or overdue payments.
Use bank transfer
Bank transfer is only available for credit-approved users. To use this method, contact your account manager. You can use your credit limit to purchase resources. After your monthly bill is generated, make a payment by bank transfer before the due date on the invoice.
Alibaba Cloud provides two types of bank transfer accounts: dedicated remittance accounts (exclusive to a user, with automatic crediting) and non-dedicated remittance accounts (shared accounts, requiring manual claims).
Comparison | Dedicated remittance account (recommended) | Non-dedicated remittance account |
Description | A unique remittance account assigned to each Alibaba Cloud account. | A bank account for remittances specified in your contract or agreed upon with your Alibaba Cloud account manager. |
Top-up method and timeline | Funds are automatically credited to your Alibaba Cloud account balance after the bank transfer is complete. No manual operation is required. | Funds are not automatically credited to your account balance. You must contact your account manager to claim the payment and top up your account. |
Procedure | Obtain dedicated remittance account → Make bank transfer → Funds are automatically credited. | Obtain non-dedicated remittance account → Make bank transfer → Query transaction record → Initiate claim → Wait for approval → Funds are credited. |
Depending on your country/region and remitting bank, it takes about 2 to 4 days for a transfer to be processed by Alibaba Cloud. The actual time of crediting depends on when the bank processes the transfer.
The following sections describe how to use both types of bank transfers.
Method 1: Make a transfer to a dedicated account
New console
On the Billinging Account page in Expenses and Costs, click Top-up/Remittance.
On the Top-up/Remittance page, select the account you want to top up, click Corporate Remittance, and view the dedicated remittance account.
If you need a document as proof of the dedicated account, click Download Payment Request Form.
The supported corporate bank account information varies by country. The information displayed in the console prevails.
The dedicated Alibaba Cloud bank account for your account cannot be used for other Alibaba Cloud accounts. Verify the account information before you make a transfer.
Use your bank account to transfer the required amount to the dedicated account. You can use online banking, a mobile banking client, an ATM, or a bank counter.
The transferred amount is automatically credited to your account balance. Check your balance to confirm.
Legacy console
On the Account Balance page, click Top-up.
On the Top-up/Remittance page, view your dedicated remittance account.
The supported corporate bank account information varies by country. The information displayed in the console prevails.
The dedicated Alibaba Cloud bank account for your account cannot be used for other Alibaba Cloud accounts. Verify the account information before you make a transfer.
Use your bank account to transfer the required amount to the dedicated account. You can use online banking, a mobile banking client, an ATM, or a bank counter.
The transferred amount is automatically credited to your account balance. Check your balance to confirm.
Method 2: Make a transfer to a non-dedicated account
Use your bank account to transfer the required amount to Alibaba Cloud's receiving bank account via online banking, mobile banking, ATM, or a bank counter.
After the transfer, contact your Alibaba Cloud account manager to claim the payment. The funds can then be credited to your account balance.
The Automatic Bill Settlement or Automatic Monthly Bill Payment feature is enabled by default. After funds are credited to your account, bills are automatically paid in chronological order.
In the new console, manage this on the Billing Account page.
In the legacy console, manage this in the Available Credit section on the Account Overview page.
If these features are disabled, you must pay your bills manually. After you receive an invoice, transfer the payment promptly according to the due date.
If you are a credit-approved user and have also linked a bank card, the bank card is not used for automatic payments.
FAQ
What should I do if I can't add my bank card?
This issue usually stems from card type restrictions, bank-side declines, or account limitations. Here's how to troubleshoot it:
Check for supported card types. We only accept credit or debit cards with a Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, or JCB logo that are enabled for international payments. We do not support prepaid cards, virtual cards, gift cards, or cards that only have a UnionPay logo.
Ensure the card is not linked to another account. Each bank card can only be linked to one Alibaba Cloud account at a time. If your card is already associated with another account (including one in its 15-day post-closure silent period), you must first remove it from that account.
Contact your issuing bank. Your bank may decline the transaction if it does not support international payments or due to its internal risk control policies. Contact your bank to authorize the transaction or try a different card.
Verify sufficient funds for pre-authorization. To verify your card, we initiate a USD 1.00 (or local currency equivalent) pre-authorization. This can fail due to insufficient funds or if your bank blocks the transaction. Ensure your card has adequate funds and is authorized for this type of charge.
Rule out browser or network issues. Ad-blocking plugins, browser cache, or network instability can interfere with the process. Try again using Chrome's incognito mode, clearing your cache, or on a different device.
What should I do if a payment fails?
Start by checking the following common causes for payment failure:
Complete KYC identity verification: If you see an error message requiring KYC verification, you must submit the required documents. Ensure the identity information you submit matches the information used to register your Alibaba Cloud account. Failures often occur due to inconsistent information or blurry/expired documents.
Complete the 3D Secure (3DS) verification process: Many payment failures occur because the 3DS step was not completed. When paying, ensure you are not closing the redirection page from your bank. You can also find a verification link in your internal messages or email to complete the process and then retry the payment.
Check bank card status and functionality: If your payment fails without a 3DS prompt, contact your issuing bank to confirm that your card is enabled for international and online transactions, that 3DS is active, and that there are sufficient funds and no blocks on your account.
Use a supported payment method: The Alibaba Cloud international site does not support credit cards issued in the Chinese mainland, prepaid cards, gift cards, or virtual cards. PayPal accounts registered in the Chinese mainland are also not supported.
Rule out browser or network issues: Clear your browser cache, try a different browser like Chrome, or switch to another device. An unstable network or a browser plugin could be blocking the 3DS page from loading.
How do I determine my account region?
Log on to the Alibaba Cloud Management Console. Go to Account Center > Basic Information to view the country/region and registration time that you entered during registration.
Can I use an unverified credit card?
No. For security purposes, your credit card must be successfully verified before it can be used for payments.
Will the credit card verification charge be refunded?
Yes. We initiate a refund for the verification charge within 24 hours.
The refund may take up to 30 days to appear in your account, depending on your issuing bank's processing time.