no you dont you can use other ways to pay like bidpay or the US mail. it all depends on what the seller asks for.

You don't need it as long as you buy from sellers who take other forms of payment. They will say if they take cheques or visa etc.

If the buyer doesn't accept credit cards individually then you will either have to pay with paypal, or mail them a check or money order. It isn't required but lots of sellers don't just take credit cards.

if your going to use your credit card to pay for goods on eBay why not set up a pay pal account, do you really want to give your credit card details to someone you have never meet, pay pal keeps all info safe and also offer buyer protection so if it does go wrong at least you'll got most of your money back. you can pay by check but its slow up to 2 weeks longer, collect in person bit hard if item is in china!!!! or some seller do us other services like pay pal( pay pal charge for sellers to receive money these other sites prob offer a lower charge)