About OfferUp Verified Checkout

Verified Checkout is available in the OfferUp mobile app (not on OfferUp.com). Follow these steps to get started.

Buyers:

1. From the For Sale feed, find a vehicle you want to buy from a private seller. 
2. Open the listing page and tap Ask to send the seller a message.
3. In the message thread, tap the Verified Checkout banner at the top to start the checkout process.

Sellers:

1. Go to your Inbox and open a message from an interested buyer.
2. Tap the Verified Checkout banner at the top of the thread to start the checkout process.

Note: If the banner isn’t available, the seller may already be involved in a transaction with another buyer.

Yes. While OfferUp doesn’t charge a fee, our partner Caramel charges flexible fees depending on the services you select. For more information on fees, visit the Caramel Help Center.

There’s no set timeline—it depends on how quickly each party completes their tasks. Caramel will send reminders about next steps to keep you moving forward. The sooner each step is completed, the faster the sale will be finalized.

You can track the sale’s progress in the OfferUp app. Just go to your Inbox and open your message thread with the buyer or seller. At the top of the message, you’ll see progress bars for both parties and the number of steps they’ve completed.

You can message the seller to arrange an in-person inspection or test drive. Be sure to meet in a public place where you feel safe, such as a Community MeetUp Spot. If you decide to buy the vehicle, you can complete the sale in person or use Verified Checkout in the OfferUp app.

In order to keep sales secure, Caramel uses multiple layers of identity verification technology. This means that you may be asked to provide sensitive information to verify your identity, such as your driver’s license number, birthdate, or Social Security Number (SSN).

Additionally, you may be required to provide the following:

• Address
• Photo ID or selfie
• Proof of insurance
• Bank account information
• Other personal or financial information

To learn how Caramel protects your sensitive information with advanced data encryption, visit the Caramel Help Center.

As the buyer, you will be charged when you sign your documents during the signature step of Verified Checkout. At that time, you must pay the full amount using a linked bank account or wire transfer.

Note: You can cancel the sale anytime before the vehicle is picked up to receive a full refund.

As the seller, you’ll receive your payment in two stages. If there’s no loan on the vehicle, you’ll receive 50% of the payment when the vehicle is handed over to the buyer or when proof of delivery is provided. The remaining balance will be paid once you mail the title to Caramel.

Yes, but fees may apply. If you’re the buyer, you may cancel at any time before you or the transport company picks up the car. If you’re the seller, you may cancel the sale before the car is picked up, but fees may apply if the buyer has already signed their paperwork. To learn more about cancellations, visit the Caramel Help Center.

To cancel a pending sale:

1. Open the OfferUp app and log in to your account.
2. On the Home page, tap Inbox.
3. Tap the message thread with the buyer or seller to open it.
4. Tap the Verified Checkout banner to access your Dashboard.
5. On the Vehicle Checkout page, select Cancel.

If you don’t see the Cancel button on the Vehicle Checkout page, please email Caramel Support for help at support@drivecaramel.com.

Yes. If you’re the buyer and you cancel before the car is picked up, a full refund will be provided. Depending on your bank, refunds can take 7 - 10 business days. To learn more about refunds, visit the Caramel Help Center.

Caramel provides a secure buying and selling experience through identity verification, vehicle authentication, and traceable digital payments. To learn more, visit the Caramel Help Center.