According to Grant, credit cards offer protection to both buyers and sellers. For buyers, using a credit card extends the right to dispute a transaction if the item is not as described or damaged. For the seller, accepting credit cards means faster payment because there is no waiting for a check to clear, and no risk of bad checks. Not many auction sites offer their own escrow services, most have links to third parties. Grant said some auction sites offer insurance, but she urged consumers to use vigilance before choosing this option.
Some auction sites offer insurance, some do so through third parties.
Investigate carefully, because the insurance may not cover the full amount and there is usually a deductible.