AliExpress boasts millions of buyers worldwide, offering low prices and a vast selection of goods.
So, is AliExpress safe?
This guide will detail how AliExpress works, the risks to be aware of, and how to shop more safely on AliExpress.
Is AliExpress Safe in the US?
Yes, AliExpress is generally safe for shoppers in the United States.
As a global online shopping site under the Alibaba Group, it provides secure payment processing and a buyer protection system that helps U.S. customers get refunds for items that don’t arrive or aren’t as described.
However, since most products are sold by third-party sellers, delivery times can be long, and product quality can vary. Some items may also face customs clearance delays or additional import fees for US buyers.
To determine whether AliExpress is safe and right for you, it’s important to understand how AliExpress works and the real sources of risk.
How Does AliExpress Actually Work?
AliExpress is a marketplace platform connecting buyers and independent sellers. The security of your shopping largely depends on how these systems operate in the background.
1. AliExpress Marketplace Model
AliExpress does not manufacture or stock most of the products sold on its website. Instead, it acts as an intermediary between buyers and third-party sellers, many of whom are manufacturers or wholesalers located in China.
The marketplace model works as follows: Sellers create product listings → Buyers place orders through AliExpress → AliExpress processes payments → Sellers ship goods → AliExpress only releases funds to the seller after the order is completed.
This model provides only payment infrastructure and dispute-resolution mechanisms; it does not conduct a full review of each product listing.
2. Escrow Payment System
One of the main reasons AliExpress is considered relatively secure is its escrow system.
AliExpress does not directly pay sellers but holds the funds in escrow. If the goods are not delivered or do not match the description, you can initiate a dispute before the buyer protection period ends.
This escrow transaction mechanism is safer for buyers paying by credit card because the seller cannot see your payment details and will not receive the funds immediately.
3. Shipping System: Cainiao vs. Premium Express
Most standard logistics options are handled by Cainiao, Alibaba Group’s logistics network. Cainiao consolidates packages and partners with your country’s local postal service.
Standard shipping characteristics:
- Lower cost
- Slower delivery speed (2-8 weeks or longer)
- Limited tracking accuracy
Premium shipping options (DHL, FedEx, UPS):
- Faster delivery
- More reliable tracking
- Higher cost
4. Dispute Process Timeline
The dispute resolution process will determine AliExpress’s reliability in case of problems. Here is a typical timeline:
- Order shipped → Buyer Protection countdown begins (usually 60-75 days).
- If the goods are not delivered or do not match the description, you can initiate a dispute.
- You can negotiate with the seller (refund, partial refund, or exchange).
- If the two parties cannot reach an agreement, AliExpress will intervene.
- AliExpress reviews the evidence and makes a ruling.
- The refund will be returned to your original payment account, typically arriving within a few business days of approval.
This is where AliExpress differs from Amazon. While Amazon usually offers instant refunds, AliExpress relies more on a structured dispute resolution system.
5 Real Risks on AliExpress
When you search “Is AliExpress safe?”, you might see news reports of scams or stolen credit card information. However, most problems on AliExpress aren’t actually that serious.
To clarify, the following lists the actual risks, sorted by probability and potential impact.
Risk 1: Low-Quality Products
Because AliExpress is a platform that brings together numerous manufacturers and wholesalers, quality control varies greatly between different sellers. Products may look great in photos, but the actual product may feel cheaper, thinner, or less durable.
This doesn’t mean AliExpress is unsafe. It means that buyers are sacrificing quality for a lower price.
Risk 2: Counterfeit Goods
If you’re wondering, “Are branded goods on AliExpress reliable?”, then frankly, the risk is here. The following products are often marketed as “cheap” or “factory direct” to lure users into ordering counterfeit goods, such as:
- Luxury fashion brands
- Popular electronics
- Trendy sneakers
- Designer accessories
Risk 3: Delivery Delays
If you’ve ever bought something on AliExpress, you’ve likely encountered slow shipping.
Most standard orders are shipped via Cainiao Network and the local postal system. Delivery times can take 2 to 8 weeks, sometimes even longer. However, this doesn’t mean AliExpress is unsafe.
Risk 4: Refund Manipulation Scams
Refund manipulation scams are more serious but less common.
When a seller asks you to settle a dispute early or offers a refund through an off-platform method, you’re likely to be scammed by a malicious seller.
Therefore, getting a refund on AliExpress is generally safe, but not necessarily outside the platform.
Risk 5: Brushing Scams
Sellers use stolen personal information to create fake orders and post positive reviews to boost their ratings.
If someone has your name and address, this could indicate a past data breach.
Is It Safe to Use a Credit Card on AliExpress?
Having understood the potential risks of using AliExpress, you might also wonder if using a credit card on AliExpress is safe.
The answer is yes, but the level of security depends on the payment method you choose.
1. Paying directly with a credit or debit card
When you enter your bank card information directly on AliExpress, the transaction is processed through the platform’s secure payment system. Third-party sellers cannot see your card number.
However, unless you manually choose not to save it, your bank card information is still stored in AliExpress’s system.
2. Paying with Alipay
Alipay is Alibaba Group’s digital wallet system. You don’t need to enter your bank card information every time you shop; simply top up your Alipay account and then use your wallet balance to pay.
Alipay is widely used in China and internationally and complies with financial compliance regulations in many regions.
3. Paying with PayPal
AliExpress accepts PayPal payments in some regions and for some product listings. If your bank card is linked, you can still request a refund through your issuing bank.
Using PayPal provides triple protection: AliExpress Guaranteed Transaction → PayPal Protection → Bank Refund Rights.
Is AliExpress Legit or a Scam?
AliExpress is a subsidiary of Alibaba Group, one of the world’s largest technology and e-commerce companies. It has been operating since 2010, serving customers in over 200 countries and regions.
AliExpress is headquartered in China and is subject to Chinese e-commerce regulations. Over the past decade, China has continuously strengthened its consumer protection laws for the online market, including requirements for dispute resolution and payment security.
To operate globally, AliExpress must comply with international payment processing rules, data protection requirements in many regions, and cross-border trade regulations.
AliExpress’s architecture is secure, reliable, and legally compliant. The real risk comes from market volatility, not the platform itself.
Read more: 12 Popular Chinese Shopping Sites: Bookmark Now!
How to Use AliExpress Safely?
While AliExpress itself is safe, there are a few tips for shopping safely on AliExpress:
Way 1. Seller Ratings Above 95%
AliExpress displays seller ratings. Choosing sellers with a 95% or higher rating offers greater assurance.
A rating below 93% usually indicates recurring quality or shipping issues.
Way 2. Choose Products with Higher Sales Volume
Higher sales volume means greater popularity among users. Ideally, electronics or high-value items should have over 1000 orders.
Way 3. Avoid Products with “100% Five-Star Reviews.”
This might sound counterintuitive to the first tip. However, in the real market, 100% reviews could be obtained through seller manipulation or fake feedback.
A healthy product listing typically includes mostly five-star reviews, a few four-star reviews, and a few one-star reviews.
Way 4. Never Accept Refunds Outside the Platform
If a seller asks you to end a dispute early, accept a refund via PayPal or bank transfer, or cancel the dispute before the refund is received, do not agree.
This is one of the most common refund manipulation tactics. Once you close a dispute, you lose your negotiating leverage.
Ensuring all communication takes place within the AliExpress platform and never closing a dispute before refund confirmation effectively protects your assets.
Way 5. Use Credit Cards or PayPal, Not Debit Cards
For maximum payment protection, use PayPal or credit cards instead of debit cards.
If the seller and the platform cannot resolve the issue, credit cards allow you to initiate chargebacks.
Way 6. Use a Secure Network Environment
While most AliExpress risks are seller-related rather than hacker attacks, public Wi-Fi still poses risks.
If you frequently access AliExpress while traveling, using a suitable VPN for shopping adds an extra layer of protection.
LightningX VPN offers encrypted connections and a stable 2000+ servers, providing a stable and secure network environment to ensure online safety.
Way 7. Be Realistic About “Too Good to Be True” Deals
If a branded item worth $500 is listed for $39 with a vague or copied description, it’s likely counterfeit.
AliExpress is known for its low prices, but selling branded luxury goods at extremely low discounts also means higher risks.
FAQ about Is AliExpress Safe
1. Is AliExpress safer than Temu?
Generally speaking, AliExpress is safer than Temu. AliExpress has over ten years of global operating experience, establishing a comprehensive buyer protection mechanism, escrow transactions, and a mature dispute resolution system.
Temu, on the other hand, is a relatively new platform, and its seller verification and dispute resolution processes may not be as robust.
Read more: Is Temu Safe and Legal? You Need to Know!
2. Is AliExpress safe to buy electronics?
Yes. Electronics on AliExpress are affordable, but there are also some low-quality and counterfeit products.
Therefore, always check the seller’s ratings, reviews, and certifications before purchasing. Using a secure payment method provides additional protection.
3. Is AliExpress safe with Apple Pay?
Yes, it is safe to use Apple Pay on AliExpress. It protects your bank card information, hides information from sellers, and encrypts transactions.
