MSE alert as new Amazon and eBay payment option 'could cost you'

MSE alert as new Amazon and eBay payment option 'could cost you'Specialists warned shoppers that this new feature might save time, but it all comes at a priceCommentsMoneyAndrew Nuttall U35 Lifestyle Writer12:39, 22 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesPaying this way online may cause issues if something goes wrong with the purchase (stock image)(Image: Getty)Shoppers are being urged to "think twice" before choosing a convenient option when making any big online purchases. Despite saving time, this payment feature could quietly strip shoppers of vital consumer protection rights should anything go wrong later.‌Pay by Bank has been offered on platforms such as Amazon and eBay, offering a faster checkout without reaching for a bank card. However, if issues arise later, shoppers may discover they don't have the same protections that are ordinarily a legal requirement.‌An MSE spokesperson said: "Don't use this new Pay by Bank option on Amazon, eBay, or elsewhere until you've watched this video. Pay by bank is a quicker, easier way to complete a normal bank transfer, but you lose vital purchase protections you normally get when paying on plastic.‌"These are Section 75 on credit cards and chargeback on credit and debit cards. Both of these give you an extra way to try getting your money back if something goes wrong and the retailer is not playing ball."The personal finance team advises that, for any "big important purchase", it would be "safest to stick with cards", reports the Express.Content cannot be displayed without consent‌What is 'Pay by Bank'?The Pay by Bank feature is essentially a much faster way to complete transactions when shopping online at certain retailers. The process is quicker because it does not require the shopper to enter any card or account details, operating entirely via a bank transfer.It's due to this 'transfer' rather than a transaction difference that customers may un...