Buy or sell your vehicle with confidence.No assumptions.
SafeTrade is AutoScout24's secure way to pay for a vehicle transaction. The buyer's payment is held safely by a neutral third party and only released to the seller once both sides have confirmed the vehicle handover.
A safer way to buy or sell, for both sides
AutoScout24 SafeTrade reduces the biggest risk in a private used vehicle transaction:the payment.
This creates the fair, secure, and transparent transaction experience you expect from AutoScout24 when buying or selling a used vehicle privately.
How SafeTrade works
A simple step by step process designed to protect both private parties.
Buyer and seller agree on the used vehicle, the price, and to use SafeTrade
The seller initiates SafeTrade from their AutoScout24 account
The buyer receives an SMS invitation from AutoScout24 SafeTrade and joins the transaction
The buyer transfers the payment to the secure SafeTrade account
The seller hands over the vehicle once the payment is secured
Both seller and buyer confirms the handover and the payment is released to the seller
Designed to protect, reduce risk, and signal seriousness for both sides
Protection for buyers
SafeTrade reduces payment risk so you can focus on finding the right vehicle.
- Payment is held securely until you receive the vehicle
- Seller can't access the money before handover
- Full refund if the transaction is cancelled
- Show sellers you're a serious buyer
Security for sellers
SafeTrade secures the payment before you meet the buyer.
- Full amount is secured before handover
- Know the buyer is serious
- Payment released after buyer confirmation
- Show you offer a safe, transparent deal
Pricing
AutoScout24 charges a small fee to provide both buyer and seller with added security and protection in private vehicle transactions.
The fee is paid by the buyer by default, but the seller can choose to cover it or split it during negotiation.
Ready to trade with confidence?
Whether you're buying or selling a used vehicle privately on AutoScout24, SafeTrade protects both sides.
Important to know (FAQ)
Getting Started
What types of vehicles and transactions are supported?
SafeTrade is available only for used vehicle transactions between private individuals. It cannot be used for new vehicles or business vehicle sales at this time.
Who can use SafeTrade?
Only vehicles listed on AutoScout24 by private sellers can be processed through SafeTrade. Both buyer and seller must be residents of a country within the EU or European Economic Area (EEA).
How do I start a SafeTrade transaction?
The seller initiates SafeTrade from their AutoScout24 listing. The buyer then receives an official SMS invitation from AutoScout24 SafeTrade to join the transaction.
Can I communicate with the other party through SafeTrade?
No. SafeTrade handles the secure payment process only. Buyer and seller communicate directly with each other, just as in any other private transaction on AutoScout24. However, both parties can upload pictures and documents important to the transaction.
Payment and transactions
How much does SafeTrade cost?
SafeTrade charges 0.5% of the final sale price, with a minimum fee of €10 and a maximum of €100. The fee is paid by the buyer by default. The seller can choose to cover or split the fee during negotiation.
When is the payment released?
The payment is released only after the seller and buyer confirms successful vehicle handover.
What happens if the transaction is cancelled?
If a transaction is cancelled, the buyer's payment is refunded.
How long does the payment process take?
Payment processing times depend on your bank. Transfers can arrive within seconds or take up to three business days. Higher transaction amounts may trigger additional checks by your bank, which can add processing time. This applies to the buyer's deposit into the SafeTrade account, any refund if the transaction is cancelled, and the seller's payout after confirmation.
What happens if there is a dispute or one party does not fulfill their part?
The payment remains securely held until both sides confirm the handover. SafeTrade does not mediate disputes — buyer and seller must resolve the situation directly with each other. If no agreement can be reached, a legally binding court order is required to determine how the funds are released or refunded.
Can I use SafeTrade for cross-border transactions?
Yes. SafeTrade works across borders, making it ideal for buying or selling a used vehicle in another country. The buyer can transfer the payment into the SafeTrade account before traveling, and the seller can see that the funds are secured before reserving the vehicle. This gives both sides certainty, even when the transaction involves travel and coordination across countries.
Your account and data
Can I access SafeTrade later?
Yes. Users can access the SafeTrade Portal anytime after account creation.
Is my personal data safe?
Yes. All personal data is processed and stored in full compliance with GDPR. SafeTrade only collects the information necessary to verify your identity, complete the transaction securely, and comply with anti-money laundering directives.
How can I delete my SafeTrade account?
At the moment, SafeTrade account deletion is handled through AutoScout24 support.Please contact supportif you would like your SafeTrade account to be deleted. A self-service account deletion option will be added in the future.
SafeTrade by AutoScout24 is powered by PayProff A/S, a Danish payment institution licensed by the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority (DFSA). PayProff provides the regulated payment infrastructure behind SafeTrade and acts as an independent party in the transaction.
Do you need help? Contact us.
We are here for you during our working hours
Telephone:+49 894 44561666
Email:info@safetrade-autoscout24.de
Working hours:
Mon-Thu: 09:00 – 16:00
Fri: 09:00 – 15:00
Central European Time
¹ By using SafeTrade, you agree to theTerms & ConditionsandPrivacy Policyof PayProff A/S, the regulated payment partner operating the SafeTrade Portal on behalf of AutoScout24.
² SafeTrade is currently available on the AutoScout24 marketplaces in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Spain. Both buyer and seller must be residents of the EU or European Economic Area (EEA).