How does online bidding work?
Online bidding lets buyers take part in an auction without being physically present in the saleroom. Through Christie’s LIVE™, a buyer can bid online during a live auction from wherever they are in the world. Christie’s also runs online-only auctions, where bidding stays open for several days, giving a buyer more time to consider lots and place their bids.
Why would someone choose to bid online?
The convenience of online bidding has led to its growing popularity — in the second half of 2025, 81% of bids at Christie's were placed online.
Online-only auctions offer even more flexibility as these sales are open for bidding over an extended period — usually 14 to 21 days — on christies.com. A buyer can browse lots, research individual artworks and place and monitor bids at their own convenience. Those new to the art market often find online bidding particularly beneficial, with online sales accounting for 63% of new bidders and buyers to Christie’s in the first half of 2026.
How do I bid online?
For Christie’s LIVE™
To bid in a live auction through Christie’s LIVE™, sign in to your account and register on the auction page. We recommend registering at least 24 hours before the start of any live auction.
For online-only auctions
Sign in to your account, go to the auction page and click ‘Register’. You’ll be asked to confirm some account details, such as your preferred shipping address. You can register any time during the auction.
Once registered, find the lot you’re interested in and click ‘Place bid’. You can place a quick or a max bid:
- Quick bid: Allows you to place the next sequential bid on a lot in real time
- Max bid: Sets the highest bid you are willing to place on a lot and continues to bid on your behalf until that bid is exceeded
The cost calculator on a lot page can offer a quick estimate of what the total cost of a lot would be based on your bid as well as the buyer’s premium and any additional fees. Learn more about auction fees.
In summary
Whether you are bidding live through Christie’s LIVE™ online bidding platform or taking part in an online-only sale, online bidding gives you the flexibility to bid from anywhere in the world.