What is a 'Maximum Bid'? A maximum bid can be placed in the pre-bidding stages of the auction or during the auction itself. Establishing a maximum bid allows you to establish the most you are willing to bid for a specific item. It ensures that you will continue to be the highest bidder at the lowest qualifying bid until another user either outbids your maximum or establishes a higher maximum bid than you have. If the auction closes before your maximum bid is reached, then you will have won the item for less than you maximum bid.