boatsales shifts into high gear with new online payment solutions

Australians reported more than 108,000 scams and $174 million in losses in the first half of 2025 alone, according to an ACCC media release. Fake online listings, ads and social platforms remain key channels for fraudsters. It’s no surprise, then, that payment is still one of the most stressful parts of buying or selling a vehicle online — and why safer, simpler payment solutions are becoming increasingly important.

Recognising this, boatsales, part of carsales, recently launched an industry first solution for users to pay through boatsales. And since the October 2024 release of the feature on carsales, Aussies are already sharing how it’s made their journey quicker, easier and less stressful.

Latest research from boatsales, found that two-thirds of respondents preferred using bank transfers when buying a boat from a private seller; however, an overwhelming majority encountered issues that led them to contact their banks for assistance.

Additionally, concerns about scams are on the rise, with both buyers and sellers expressing growing distrust in the process, often worried about potential fraud.

Designed to alleviate the anxiety that comes with online vehicle transactions, paying through boatsales streamlines the process and mitigates the uncertainties typically associated with bank transfers, cheques, and cash exchanges. With features like verified IDs, secure customer-controlled funds, and faster payments with no additional fees, boatsales is raising the bar for both safety and convenience in boat transactions.

Now, buyers can also include a fully refundable deposit with their offer, a feature designed to show serious intent and help reserve the boat they want. Only verified users can send a deposit, and funds are securely held by boatsales until key handover, adding even more confidence to the transaction for both parties. Buyers can add funds to their boatsales wallet using PayTo, PayID or bank transfer. Once the funds are added, they stay safely in their wallet until key handover.

Craig Fraser, carsales Managing Director, shares: "In today’s fast-moving digital landscape, it’s important we match the pace with innovative solutions to ensure our consumers feel at ease. People are comfortable paying online for everything from groceries to furniture – and it’s time they feel the same trust and confidence when paying for boats. We’re giving Australians the first secure way to buy and sell private second-hand vehicles online.

"With growing concerns surrounding scams, paying through boatsales offers a simpler and smarter transaction experience. Our goal is to revolutionise how payments are handled in boat transactions, giving our customers greater transparency and peace of mind by helping to ensure their funds are secure and their transactions are legitimate."

With the payment solution already helping thousands of Aussies feel safer when buying and selling on carsales, it has now been extended to boatsales.

Debbie, a South Australian customer, shared her positive carsales experience: "Paying through carsales made the selling experience safe. It's brilliant that the buyer can release the funds to me, and I receive it straight away. By paying through carsales, you know it’s safe, legitimate, and you’ll get your money."

Another customer shared: "Most definitely would use again – just seamless. Gives both seller and buyer confidence when doing the transaction. No gotcha’s."

Key features of boatsales payment solution include:

To learn more about how to pay through boatsales for your next car purchase check out our info page.