One of the most important things a player can do before joining an online poker site is make sure that there are adequate deposit options available. Players should also be aware of any fees associated with those deposits, as well as any restrictions regarding which financial institutions can transfer money to an online poker room.
The good news is that many different deposit methods are not only widely accepted but come with no extra charges or hidden fees. Even better, more ways to deposit at online card rooms seem to become available every year.
Here is a list of some of the most common online poker deposit methods, along with a bit of information about each one. This guide will cover how to deposit online using these methods and other essential details you need to know.
Visa/MasterCard
By far the easiest way to get money onto an online poker site is with a Visa or MasterCard. Most poker rooms (perhaps all of them) accept both credit and debit cards from these two industry leaders. Prepaid cards are also an option but won’t work for withdrawals.
A few things to keep in mind when funding a poker account with a Visa or MasterCard are that not all banks/credit unions allow transfers to online gaming sites. It’s always a good idea to call or log into internet banking to make sure that the transfer will go through smoothly. A successful deposit could mean a swift call to the financial institution to reverse the transaction.
Some cards might also require personal identification numbers (PINs) during the deposit process, while others may use only the CVV security number. It just depends on how the card is set up. Finally, it’s good to note that some poker sites will assess a fee for making a credit card deposit. Usually, it’s just $5-$10, but it’s still an additional charge.
Pros:
- Easy and convenient
- Funds available immediately
- Rewards points possibly earned
Cons:
- Withdrawals by card not possible
- Some banks don't allow transfers
- Some poker sites charge a fee
How to Deposit Using a Credit or Debit Card:
Every poker site has slightly different instructions for getting money onto its site, but most follow this general format.
- Create an account at your chosen card room.
- Log in to your new account and click on “Cashier.”
- Click on “Visa/MasterCard” or “Credit/Debit Card.”
- Enter the necessary card information, including number, expiration date, billing amount (usually three digits), and security code (usually a four to six-digit number on the front or back of the card).
- Enter the deposit amount and any promotional codes.
- Immediately confirm that all information is correct and submit the request.
- Money should appear in the player’s account almost instantly.
Wire Transfers
Wire transfers have been around since the days of the ancient Greeks, who used a system known as “ostrakism,” in which people voted by breaking off a piece of a pottery shard (ostrum, in Greek) and dropping it into a jar labeled with a particular candidate’s name.
These days, wire transfers are faster and more efficient, although not necessarily more exciting than ancient Greece’s direct democracy. Modern wires can take several days to complete, unlike credit card deposits, which happen almost instantaneously. But they are secure once all the paperwork is finalized.
Most online poker sites charge a fee for wire transfers, usually between $40 and $100. Additionally, players’ banking institutions will likely charge a fee for initiating the transfer. On the plus side, though, there’s no limit to how much money can be transferred in this manner. And unlike many other deposit modes, both the depositor’s and recipient’s bank accounts are required for the completion of the transaction.
ZotaBet Casino Review 2023 – Approved Site for UK PlayersPros:
- Simple process once set up
- No limits on amounts
- Very secure
Cons:
- Takes several days
- High fees charged by poker sites and banks
- Time consuming to set up
Setting Up a Wire Transfer:
Wire transfers must be arranged through the player support departments of poker sites. The process for doing so is similar on most platforms:
- Obtain a wire transfer form from the card room’s support staff.
- Fill out the top portion of the form and submit it.
- The poker site will complete the bottom portion of the form and send it back.
- Player must provide his or her banking information to the poker site.
- Wait several days for the transfer to go through.
- Use player account management tools to track the progress of the transfer.
- Once completed, the funds will be available in the player’s account.
eWallets (Skrill, Neteller)
Many online poker players rely on eWallet services like Skrill and Neteller to move their funds around cyberspace. These companies offer various services, including storing money in an electronic account, sending payments to other eWallet users, and paying bills automatically. Many major retailers now accept eWallet payments, making it easy to shop online without sharing sensitive financial data with merchants.
Using an eWallet to fund an online poker account is relatively straightforward. First, the player needs an existing eWallet account, which can be established quickly and easily through the company websites. After logging into an online poker site, players typically access the cashier function and select the proper eWallet icon. They will then be directed to enter their eWallet login information and specific deposit instructions. Money should appear in the poker account almost immediately.
Pros:
Penny Slots with Highest Payout % - Get Your Big Win Now!- Fast transactions
- Secure method of payment
- Can receive payments also
Cons:
- Some poker sites charge fees
- Fees assessed by eWallet companies
- Not accepted at all poker sites
Opening an eWallet Account:
Setting up an eWallet account is simple, although specific instructions vary among companies. Here are the basics:
- Go to the website for the desired eWallet service.
- Locate and click on the “Sign Up” button.
- Complete the required fields, which generally include name, mailing address, email address, password selection, and agreement to the terms and conditions of the eWallet firm.
- Provide financial information, such as bank account and routing numbers or credit card information.
- Wait for approval of the application. This shouldn’t take long unless the eWallet people suspect fraud, which would be a pretty good hint that someone has stolen your identity.
- Once approved, begin moving money into the new eWallet account.
Bank Transfers
Bank transfers are simply moving money electronically from a personal or business banking account to an online merchant, such as an internet poker site. While many card rooms accept bank transfers, players should be aware that some poker sites apply fees to these transactions, often ranging from $10 to $50. Also, bank transfers can take several days to complete, longer than credit card approvals but quicker than wire transfers.
Another consideration for using a bank transfer is that some financial institutions monitor customer activity and suspect fraud when they see electronic transfers to online gambling concerns. Such a suspicion could result in the account holder being unable to access his or her account either online or at a physical branch location until personal contact can be made to verify the legitimacy of the transfer.
Vegas Rush Casino Free Spins No Deposit Bonus + Top Games - Indivisible GamingPros:
- Direct transfer from bank account
- Large sums can be transferred
- Secure transaction
Cons:
- Poker sites may charge fees
- Delay of several days
- Banks may freeze accounts
Initiating a Bank Transfer:
As with most financial maneuvers on online poker sites, initiating a bank transfer requires going through the cashier section of the poker platform:
- Log in to the poker site.
- Access the Cashier page.
- Select the “Bank Transfer” icon.
- Fill in the amount of money to be transferred electronically.
- Confirm that all information displayed is accurate.
- Submit the request for the transfer to occur.
- Patiently wait the requisite number of days for the transfer to become reality.
Cashier's Checks / Certified Checks
Yet another way to get money onto an online poker site is with a cashier’s check or certified check. There is a difference between these two forms of payment, however. A cashier’s check is issued by a banking institution and therefore considered safer than a regular personal check because the bank guarantees that the account has sufficient funds to cover the check amount.
A regular personal check can be “certified” by the issuing bank, making it a more reliable instrument because the bank checks the account for sufficient resources and signs the face of the check to validate its authenticity. However, personally endorsed (i.e., signed) checks that have not been certified by the bank are the riskiest type of check to deposit at an online poker site, even if there is enough money in the account to cover the check.
Both cashier’s checks and certified personal checks are generally safe ways to fund an online poker account, but players should be aware that some card rooms charge fees for check deposits, and the entire process can take two weeks or more to complete.
Pros:
- Guaranteed funds
- Safer than personal check
- Poker sites are guaranteed funds
Cons:
- Poker sites may charge fees
- Long delay in processing
- Checks over $10,000 may be flagged by authorities
Depositing a Check:
Unlike credit cards, checking accounts are individual to each person, so procedures for changing that currency into play-money chips at an online poker site will differ from bank to bank. However, most certificate deposits at poker sites require the following steps:
- Obtain the proper mailing address from the poker site where certificates should be sent.
- Get the proper form from the poker site to accompany the certificate(s).
- Fill out the player information section of the form.
- Write the certificate amount on the certificate itself to match the amount on the form.
- Mail the certificate(s) and form to the poker site address.
- Wait patiently for two weeks or more for the process to run its course.
- Contact player services if the certificate does not clear within two weeks.
- Celebrate upon receiving chip confirmation into player account.
Tips for Making Online Gaming Deposits
Online poker players can enhance their deposit experiences by remembering these suggestions:
- Know the fees. Some deposit methods may charge additional costs to use their service, either to the player or to the banking account from which the transfer emanates.
- Check with the poker site. Each card room may have unique procedures for handling certain types of payment methods. Make sure to adhere to the rules of the individual site.
- Use personal checks sparingly. Although cashier’s checks and certified personal checks are safer than regular personal checks, they can take weeks to clear, and some poker sites refuse to honor checks drawn on personal accounts.
- Call your bank. Before trying a new method of getting money onto an online poker site, call the financial institution that will either send the money or receive it (or both) to ensure that the proposed transaction is permitted and will proceed smoothly.
- Save all confirmation pages and emails. Players may need proof of deposits to assist with withdrawal requests or for tax purposes.
Recent Online Gambling News By PokerListings
Is Gamifying Crypto Trading The Future Of Blockchain?
January 20th, 2022 | Adam Henderson
legal poker sites for us playersBitstrategy: The Next Generation Cryptocurrency Platform You Need To Know About!
November 19th, 2021 | Adam Henderson
Best Newborn Named Bitcoin, Miners Pivot to US & More – The SP20 Roundup
May 14th, 2021 | Anthony Yates
Binance Launchpad Tokens Soar, Facebook Ban Remains, And More – The SP20 Roundup
April 26th, 2019 | Tony Davis
Samsung Blockchain Wallet, Thailand ICO Approval, Ethereum 2.0 Testnet & More
October 14th, 2018 | Tony Davis
Bitcoin Gold Hard Fork, Korea’s Real ID for Crypto, EOS Burn & More
April 22nd, 2018 | Tony Davis
Sweden’s First Bitcoin ATM, Thai SEC ICO Approval, Taproot Soft Fork & More
January 28th, 2018 | Tony Davis
France Announces ICO Regulation, Segwit Activates, South Korean ICO Ban Delayed
November 27th, 2017 | Tony Davis
Lithuania ICO Approval, ICON Partnership with Dayliott, QuadrigaCX Lawsuit & More
October 22nd, 2017 | Tony Davis
Best Online Casinos in Europe - Top Casino Sites for EU PlayersSwitzerland Introduces Crypto Asset Framework, Vietnam ICO Ban, Bitfinex Ethfit & More
September 24th, 2017 | Tony Davis
Indonesia ICO Ban, Ethereum Casper, Kik Kin Token Deal & More
August 27th, 2017 | Tony Davis
China Initial Coin Offerings, Segwit2x Hard Fork, Bancor Hack & More
June 18th, 2017 | Tony Davis
Maltese Blockchain City, Litecoin Lightning Payments, Monero Hard Fork & More
March 27th, 2017 | Tony Davis
