How do you pay for something you win at a government auction?

You pay the platform or agency running the sale, through the payment method shown in your account on that site, usually by card or bank transfer. The deadline is short and starts from the award notice.

Terms on the main platforms: GSA Auctions wants payment within two business days, takes cards up to $24,999.99 per card per day and a wire above that, and does not accept personal checks. GovDeals takes bank transfer or card, and cards can carry a 2.5% to 3.5% surcharge; it has long required a wire for invoices of $5,000 or more. PropertyRoom takes card or PayPal up to $4,999.99 and a wire from $5,000, and vehicles must be paid within 72 hours. GovPlanet wants payment within three business days.

If you expect to win something large, set up the wire before the auction closes, because a bank can take a day to send a first wire. Never pay through new payment instructions sent by email or text; pay only through the auction site itself.