How to become a Verified Buyer

Some sellers require buyers to be verified before placing bids or entering giveaways during their show. 

If a seller has turned this on for their show, you may be asked to confirm your payment method before bidding, or complete buyer verification in advance.

This helps prevent fake bids and keeps auctions fair for everyone.

On this page: 

• How buyer verification works
• How to become a Verified Buyer
• About the $10 payment hold 
• Check your buyer verification status 

How buyer verification works

You can become a Verified Buyer in a couple ways:

• Automatically: If you’ve already made successful purchases on Whatnot, you may already be verified (no extra steps needed). 
• Asked to verify: If you’re new or haven’t been verified yet, you may be prompted to verify during a show or from your account settings.

Note: For some large shows, you may be asked to verify payment, even if you’ve verified before. This helps keep the show secure and makes sure your payment method is valid.

How to become a Verified Buyer

Verify during a show

If a seller requires buyer verification for their show, you’ll be asked to confirm your payment method before your first bid or when entering a giveaway.

If you don’t verify, you can still watch the show.  

To verify your payment information: 

1. Join the show
2. Swipe to bid (your bid won’t go through yet)
3. You’ll see a prompt to verify, then tap Get Verified 
4. (Optional) Update your payment method 
5. Tap Authorize to approve a temporary hold 
6. Once verified, close the prompt and place your bid! 

Verify from your account settings

You can also verify in advance by uploading your ID:

1. Open the Whatnot app.
2. Tap Account.
3. Scroll down and tap Verified Buyer.
4. Upload your ID and follow the steps to verify. 

About the temporary payment authorization

To confirm your payment method, Whatnot may place a small temporary authorization on your card during verification.

What to know:

• It’s not a charge. This may appear as a pending transaction, but it won’t be completed.
• The amount varies by region and currency. For example, in the United States, this is typically $10, but exact amount may differ depending on your location. You’ll see the amount before you approve the hold. 
• It’s usually released within 24 hours. Some banks or payment providers may take longer to update your statement.
• In rare cases, the authorization may be captured if a buyer places fake or misleading bids in violation of our Terms of Service and Community Guidelines.

This step helps keep shows fair and fun by reducing fake bids and making sure bidders are ready to complete their purchases.

Check your buyer verification status 

To check your status:

1. Open the Whatnot app
2. Tap Account
3. Tap Verified Buyer

You’ll see if you’re verified or be prompted to complete verification. 

Note: For large shows, you may need to re-confirm your payment method, even if you’ve verified in the past.