Copart UK Fees 2026: The "Fee B" Guide
The rules have changed. Debit cards are banned, the "Gate Fee" is now the £50 "Lot Retrieval Fee," and the minimum penalty for non-payment has jumped to £600.
⚠️ MAJOR PAYMENT CHANGE (Jan 2026)
Debit cards are no longer accepted. As of 7th January 2026, Copart UK has removed the ability to pay by debit card. You must now pay via Bank Transfer (Faster Payments). If you turn up at the yard with a card, you will be turned away, likely incurring storage fees.
1. The "Fee B" Rate Card (Public & Small Trade)
Copart splits members into two tiers. If you buy fewer than 12 cars a year (which includes almost all public buyers and small flippers), you are on Fee B.
This fee is the buyer's premium added to your bid price. It is subject to VAT.
| Vehicle Sale Price | Fee B (Net) | Fee with VAT (Est) |
|---|---|---|
| £0.01 - £49.99 | £20.00 | £24.00 |
| £50.00 - £99.99 | £65.00 | £78.00 |
| £100.00 - £199.99 | £85.00 | £102.00 |
| £200.00 - £299.99 | £105.00 | £126.00 |
| £300.00 - £349.99 | £115.00 | £138.00 |
| £350.00 - £399.99 | £125.00 | £150.00 |
| £400.00 - £449.99 | £135.00 | £162.00 |
| £450.00 - £499.99 | £140.00 | £168.00 |
| £500.00 - £549.99 | £145.00 | £174.00 |
| £550.00 - £599.99 | £150.00 | £180.00 |
| £600.00 - £699.99 | £165.00 | £198.00 |
| £700.00 - £799.99 | £180.00 | £216.00 |
| £800.00 - £899.99 | £195.00 | £234.00 |
| £900.00 - £999.99 | £210.00 | £252.00 |
| £1,000.00 - £1,199.99 | £225.00 | £270.00 |
| £1,200.00 - £1,299.99 | £245.00 | £294.00 |
| £1,300.00 - £1,399.99 | £255.00 | £306.00 |
| £1,400.00 - £1,499.99 | £265.00 | £318.00 |
| £1,500.00 - £1,599.99 | £275.00 | £330.00 |
| £1,600.00 - £1,699.99 | £285.00 | £342.00 |
| £1,700.00 - £1,799.99 | £300.00 | £360.00 |
| £1,800.00 - £1,999.99 | £310.00 | £372.00 |
| £2,000.00 - £2,399.99 | £340.00 | £408.00 |
| £2,400.00 - £2,499.99 | £365.00 | £438.00 |
| £2,500.00 - £2,999.99 | £390.00 | £468.00 |
| £3,000.00 - £3,499.99 | £425.00 | £510.00 |
| £3,500.00 - £3,999.99 | £465.00 | £558.00 |
| £4,000.00 - £4,499.99 | £510.00 | £612.00 |
| £5,000.00 - £5,999.99 | £555.00 | £666.00 |
| £6,000.00 - £7,499.99 | £565.00 | £678.00 |
| £7,500.00 - £9,999.99 | £590.00 | £708.00 |
| £10,000.00+ | 6.5% of Sale Price | 7.8% (inc VAT) |
The "Danger Zone": Notice the jump at £50.00? If you bid £45.00, the fee is £20.00. If you bid £55.00, the fee triples to £65.00. Always check the brackets!
2. Internet Bid Fees (Preliminary vs Live)
Copart charges you for the privilege of bidding online. There are two different rates depending on when you place your bid.
A. Preliminary Bid Fee
This fee applies if you place your max bid before the live auction starts (the "pre-bid" phase). It is generally cheaper.
- £100 - £499: £25.00
- £500 - £999: £39.00
- £1,000 - £1,499: £59.00
- £2,000 - £3,999: £79.00
B. Online Live Bid Fee
This fee applies if you bid during the live virtual auction (the "green screen"). It is more expensive, effectively a tax on the excitement of live bidding.
- £100 - £499: £35.00 (vs £25 pre-bid)
- £500 - £999: £49.00 (vs £39 pre-bid)
- £1,000 - £1,499: £69.00 (vs £59 pre-bid)
- £2,000 - £3,999: £89.00 (vs £79 pre-bid)
Strategy: If you know your maximum limit, place it as a Preliminary Bid an hour before the auction. You will save £10-£15 in fees per car.
3. The £50 "Lot Retrieval Fee"
Formerly known as the Gate Fee or Loading Fee, this has been rebranded for 2026.
Cost: £50.00 + VAT (£60.00 Total).
This fee is mandatory. It covers the movement of the vehicle from the storage row to the loading area. Even if you are a recovery driver and could technically drive it out, Copart policy forbids this. You must pay the fee.
4. The "Punishment" Fees (Avoid These!)
Copart's profit margin relies heavily on people making mistakes. Here is how to avoid the fines.
⚠️ The £600 Relist Fee
This is the most dangerous fee in the Copart rulebook.
If you win a vehicle and fail to pay within 8 calendar days (or refuse to take it), Copart will cancel the sale.
The penalty is 10% of the final sale price, with a minimum of £600.
Example: You bid £200 on a scrap Ford Fiesta. You change your mind. Copart will charge you £600. Do not bid unless you are 100% committed.
Storage Fees (The Ticking Clock)
Once you win, you have very little time. Storage is charged including weekends and Bank Holidays.
| Day | Charge |
|---|---|
| Day 1 (Sale Day) | FREE |
| Day 2 | FREE |
| Day 3 | FREE |
| Day 4 | £5.00 |
| Day 5 | £10.00 |
| Day 6 | £15.00 |
| Day 7-8 | £20.00 |
| Day 10+ | £40.00 per day |
5. Membership & Joining Fees
You cannot just turn up and bid. You must register.
- Registration Fee: £100.00 (One-time, non-refundable).
- Annual Renewal: Starts at £75.00 (if auto-renewal is enabled).
Note: This only grants you access to bid. It does not include any free vehicle checks or history reports.
Hidden History Checks
Copart listings often hide the true story. A car listed as "Run & Drive" might have no oil. A "Minor Dent" might be a structural write-off. Always check the history.
6. VAT: Margin vs Qualifying
Finally, the most confusing part of the invoice.
- VAT on Fees: You ALWAYS pay 20% VAT on the Fee B, Internet Fee, and Lot Retrieval Fee.
- VAT on the Car:
- If the lot says "VAT Margin": No VAT is added to your bid price. (Good for private buyers).
- If the lot says "VAT Qualifying": 20% VAT is added to your bid price. (Expensive for private buyers).
Summary Checklist for 2026
- Set up Bank Transfer: Don't rely on your debit card.
- Bid Early: Use "Preliminary Bids" to save ~£10 per car.
- Calculate First: Use our tool to add the £50 Retrieval Fee + VAT.
- Collect Fast: You only have 3 free days (including sale day).
Popular Model Guides
Looking for fee estimates for a specific vehicle? Browse our detailed model guides below: