> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.creatures.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Before you bid or buy: verification and payment

Before you bid or buy, read the listing, make sure you can receive account emails, and review the payment required. The listing tells you whether the seller requires an application first.

## Complete the checks you are shown

- Sign in to your existing account when you have one. If you begin bidding as a guest, follow the email or sign-in steps before placing the bid.
- For a guest offer, enter your name and email, then the six-digit code sent to that address. The offer is not sent until you confirm the email.
- If the seller requires approval, complete **Apply to Buy** or **Apply to Bid** first. Approval applies to that listing, not every seller.

![Fixed-price amount with Buy Now and Add to cart](https://cdn-test.creatures.com/98e/05e/0ef/e7ea4.png)

A notice that checkout is waiting for the seller's identity verification is about the seller. Verifying your own identity does not clear that restriction. Never send identity documents or payment details to a seller in a message.

## Review payment before you commit

At checkout, review the animal price, buyer fee, any services, and amount due. Card and eligible US bank payment choices appear when available. The summary shows whether Creatures Credit or Wallet funds apply to this checkout.

A bid requires a temporary hold on a payment method; it does not pay for the animal. If you win, you still need to complete checkout by the deadline shown.

## If a control is unavailable

Read the message beside the button. Complete the named step, such as obtaining seller approval or adding a payment method, then return to the listing. Contact support if you cannot tell whose action is needed.

### Related information

- [Finding animals: search, filters, and distance](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/finding-animals-search-filters-and-distance-swwmty/)
- [How buying works: payments, held funds, and protection](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/how-buying-works-payments-held-funds-and-protection-dnwy7i/)
- [Buyer applications: what they are and how to apply](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/buyer-applications-what-they-are-and-how-to-apply-1657ujc/)