Payment Safety
Introduction
The transaction is the most critical moment. Make sure your money is safe until ownership is officially transferred.
Core Terminology
| Term | Meaning |
| Manager's Cheque | A cheque guaranteed by the bank. The safest method for large amounts. |
| Escrow | A neutral third party holding funds. AUTO.AE currently does not offer native escrow. |
| Crypto | Some sellers accept cryptocurrency. Ensure the transfer is confirmed before signing transfer papers. |
Step-by-Step Guide
- Agree: Settle on price and payment method (Cash / Card / Crypto) beforehand. Note: There is NO in-app payment system.
- RTA: Go to the RTA / Tasjeel centre.
- Pay: Hand over payment ONLY when the RTA officer asks the seller to sign the transfer papers.
Visual Example
Figure 1: Agree on the price in the chat, then meet at RTA.
Helpful Tips
- No online transfers: Do not wire money to a bank account before meeting. Reversing such transfers is extremely difficult.
Pitfalls to Avoid
- Paying blindly: A deposit is acceptable IF you have verified the seller — check reviews, ask for a video walk-around in the chat, and ensure they are reputable. If they have zero reviews and refuse to video chat, do not pay.