Making a Deposit at an Online Casino

The online casinos have become a main source of entertainment for many players all over the world. What makes them so appealing is the fact that they are secure, convenient and innovative. However, in order to manage to get the ultimate online gambling experience, it is essential to consider all aspects of the casino of your choice. One of the most important things which you should take into account is the available deposit methods it offers.

Despite the advancement of the technologies, many players still feel uncertain when it comes to making deposits at an online casino. They fail to get familiar with the available payment methods or with the stages the payment process consists of and as a result, they draw a conclusion that it is hard to make a deposit online. However, this is not the case as funding a casino account is just as easy and secure as shopping online, especially if you use your most trusted payment solution. This is the reason why it is best to always consider the available payment methods a particular online casino offers. Now, let’s have a look at the different types of available deposit methods and what it takes to fund a casino account.

Types of Deposit Methods for Online Casinos

If you are new to online casinos, you should know that most of them offer various types of deposit methods. Therefore, if you already have a payment solution that you prefer to use whenever you pay online, you can also use it to fund a casino account. If not, it is recommended to opt for a payment method that is popular in your country as it is highly likely to be reliable and convenient. It should be noted that the available payment solutions vary not only depending on the casino of your choice but also on the country you reside in.

Perhaps, one of the most popular payment methods of all time are debit cards. They are used all over the world by hundreds of players as depositing money with them is easy and convenient. While it is true that practically every online casino offers this payment solution, it should be noted that not all casino websites accept all types of cards. In some online casinos, it is possible to pay only with Visa and Mastercard, whereas in others you are also given the opportunity to make deposits by using some other types of cards such as American Express and Maestro. Usually, with this payment method, the processing time is instant, meaning that within a few minutes your account will be funded.

Another very preferred payment method by many players is the bank transfer as this solution can be a great alternative in some cases. For instance, if you would like to deposit a substantial amount in your casino account or if you are reluctant to fill out your sensitive financial information online. In most online casinos, you can use it to either make deposits or to withdraw money. However, one major drawback this payment solution has is that the processing time is not instant. It can take up to ten working days for your funds to be transferred.

One payment option which is gaining in popularity even more, ever since the online casinos have emerged, are the e-Wallets. For those of you who are not familiar with this method, it is a virtual wallet which highly resembles an online bank account. In general, it is extremely easy to create such an account and fund it. You can pay at any online casino or any online shop which accepts this payment solution easily and conveniently.

Whenever you make a deposit by using a type of e-wallet, your funds will be transferred instantly and securely. Furthermore, in most cases, you don’t have to pay any fee in order to take advantage of this payment solution. Usually, the processing time for withdrawals is 24 hours which is also a fairly fast way to receive your winnings. Some of the most popular payment solutions of this type are Neteller, Skrill, PayPal, Citadel and others.

Last but not least, you can make deposits by using a prepaid card or voucher. Prepaid cards or vouchers are suitable for the players who have neither e-Wallets nor online banking accounts. It is very easy to take advantage of this payment solution as all you need to do is to simply purchase a prepaid card or a voucher. These cards or vouchers have already been topped up with a certain amount which you can use to make deposits at the online casino of your choice. Some of the most popular virtual prepaid cards are Paysafecard, AstroPay, EcoVirtualCard and others.

Top 10 Deposit Methods for UK Players

Brits looking to play online casino games for real money face no shortage of reliable deposit methods. The banking options range from debit cards and virtual wallets to online banking processors and standard bank transfers. Most methods facilitate instant deposits, allowing you to top up your balance and start enjoying your favourite casino games in a matter of seconds.

The sheer number of available options makes it difficult to find the payment solution that best corresponds to your needs. Casino Guardian has singled out the best casino deposit methods to help you make the right pick so have a scroll to check our recommendations. To further simplify the decision-making process for you, we also suggest UK-licenced casinos where you can deposit with each featured payment method.

Debit Cards

Debit cards rank highly in terms of popularity as they facilitate secure, convenient, and timely transactions. Various brands are accepted including Mastercard, Visa, Maestro, Diners Club International, and JCB. Deposits are generally instant with this method and most online casinos apply no extra charges for using it. Debit cards allow you to top up your account in a matter of seconds. All you have to do is select the method from the list of available options in the casino’s cashier, enter your card details, specify your preferred deposit amount, and confirm the transaction.

One thing to keep in mind is that players can transact only with debit cards registered in their name. All newly registered customers must undergo obligatory verification before they can deposit to confirm their identity, age, and debit card ownership. The verification process involves sending a colour copy of the front and back of the debit card. The eight middle digits of the card’s number must be obscured but the card owner’s name and signature should be clearly visible.

Debit cards are also accepted for withdrawals from your real-money balance, which is another benefit of using them for online gambling transactions. The withdrawal timeframes are brand-specific but it usually takes no longer than 3 business days for the casino to release the requested funds. As for credit cards, do not bother attempting any deposits with them. The UKGC prohibits gambling businesses from allowing local customers to transact with credit cards.

PayPal

PayPal is the digital wallet of choice for many online casino players from the UK as it facilitates instant deposits and quick withdrawals that come at no extra cost for the end user. PayPal customers can transact without revealing their debit card or bank account details. Considering these advantages, it is anything but shocking the company has over 400 million active customers as of 2022.

Being a digital wallet, PayPal requires you to set up an account and top it up before you can start using it for casino deposits. The registration is relatively hassle-free but you must link your newly created account to your debit card or bank account. Once you transfer funds to your balance, you can start transacting to and from your online casino account with PayPal.

PayPal supports both deposits and withdrawals. It gives players the flexibility to transact on their mobile devices through dedicated apps for iOS and Android. Mobile users who install the app can add an extra layer of protection by setting up biometric authentication via Touch ID. Transacting with PayPal is very cost-effective as fees are imposed only for inactivity and linking your card/account to the wallet. Newly registered players can only send and receive small amounts per transaction but the limits are lifted once you verify your PayPal account.

MuchBetter

Launched in 2016, MuchBetter is an award-winning payment method that operates on a similar principle as PayPal. This is a digital wallet customers from more than 180 countries can store their funds in. The company providing the wallet service is based in the UK and falls under the regulatory scope of the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). MuchBetter won in the Innovation in Payment Solutions category at the 2021 EGR B2B Awards, which speaks volumes about the quality and flexibility it ensures for customers.

Casino players from the UK must sign up for MuchBetter before they can use it for deposits and withdrawals. It is our understanding the method is available on mobile devices only. You must first install the dedicated MuchBetter app on your iPhone or Android-based smartphone and follow the instructions to complete the registration. Once you verify your newly created account, you can fund its balance via a variety of methods, including debit cards and bank transfers.

Being an innovative e-wallet, MuchBetter can also be funded through a cryptocurrency wallet. It supports various cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Bitcoin, Tether, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ripple, and Dai. MuchBetter is also renowned for the high levels of security it offers to players. Users can protect their MuchBetter accounts with biometric authentication and only legitimate transactions go through.

Players can also request a MuchBetter Mastercard, which is unlike any other debit card you have ever seen. It has no CVV number printed on the back. The CVV is stored in your e-wallet account and changes on every transaction you process, which makes it impossible for fraudsters to misuse your sensitive information.

Neteller

Neteller is easily one of the most popular e-wallet service providers, both in the UK and on a global scale. Its popularity among British casino players is anything but surprising considering it allows users to send funds conveniently, quickly, and securely to hundreds of online merchants and gambling sites, including heavy hitters like Paddy Power and William Hill.

Similarly to MuchBetter and PayPal, the method requires registration which, we regret to say, is not as straightforward as one might think. The sign-up process itself is relatively simple but you must verify your account by sending scans or copies of your identification documents. The verification process can take hours to complete in some instances and you cannot withdraw the funds you have deposited without going through with it.

On the positive side of things, verifying yourself offers various benefits, starting with the fact it raises your overall account limits. Another advantage of using Neteller is that it allows you to initiate gambling transactions while fully retaining your privacy. There is no need to reveal your sensitive card or bank account information in the process of depositing. All you have to do is enter your password and the email you have registered your Neteller account with.

Deposits and withdrawals with Neteller are instant, not counting the processing timeframes most online casinos have for withdrawal requests. Once the gambling operator approves the payment and flushes the funds from your balance, the money reaches you almost instantly. As for the payment methods you can use to top up your Neteller wallet, debit cards, standard bank transfers, rapid bank transfers, prepaid cards, and Trustly are all viable options for UK players.

Skrill

Skrill is a broadly used digital wallet that enables online casino players to process deposits quickly and conveniently while keeping their personal and banking information private. The wallet is available to customers from more than 180 countries, including Great Britain and Ireland. Players must register for the service and fund their e-wallet balance via a debit card, online banking, or bank transfers before they can deposit with Skrill. Transaction limits are in place but the exact amounts depend on your account verification status and what funding option you select.

Depositing with Skrill is not only extremely simple but also highly secure. To transfer money to your casino balance, you must select Skrill from the list of supported methods in the cashier and enter your desired deposit amount. The cashier will then redirect you to Skrill’s official website where you must sign into your e-wallet account with your email and Skrill password. The deposit will be instantly credited to your casino balance once you confirm the payment.

Alternatively, players can deposit with Skrill 1-Tap. As the name suggests, this feature allows them to initiate convenient, fast, and safe transactions from any device they choose with a single tap or click without having to fill in their login credentials each time. Skrill users can activate the 1-Tap feature by logging in to their accounts and navigating to the subscription section of the settings menu. Customers can also apply for a plastic or virtual Skrill card and spend their balance anywhere in the world.

Paysafecard

Paysafecard is a global leader in the provision of prepaid payment solutions and has expanded its footprint to over 40 markets worldwide since it launched over two decades ago. Paysafecard first started operating in Germany and Austria but is now available to customers from multiple other countries, including Ireland, Great Britain, New Zealand, and Australia.

The main advantage this method has to offer is that it prevents online gamblers from overspending. Paysafecard basically offers prepaid vouchers customers can purchase either online or in person at a physical location. Over 35,900 convenience stores across Great Britain sell these prepaid cards, including major chains like WHSmith, McColl’s, One Stop, and Asda.

Prepaid vouchers are available in different denominations ranging from £10 to £175. Each voucher comes with a unique code consisting of 16 digits and this is the only information you must enter when you initiate a deposit. The prepaid nature of this method renders it incredibly secure as it prevents players from exposing their sensitive information to risk.

In 2013, the company launched a new payment account service called Mypaysafecard. It allows users who set up accounts to track the balance of their vouchers, deposit only with their login details, purchase prepaid cards online, and gain access to higher spending limits. Registered players can also withdraw to their Mypaysafecard accounts, which is yet another advantage of signing up for the service. Those who have deposited with vouchers but have no accounts will have their withdrawals returned via standard bank transfers.

Trustly

Trustly is the perfect payment solution for online gamblers who insist on being able to deposit without revealing any of their banking information. In business since 2008, the company has established itself as a global leader in the field of online banking transactions. It partners with more than 8,100 merchants and reaches over 525 million consumers across North America and Europe.

The Trustly system acts as a gateway between payers and their banks, allowing users to transfer funds directly from their online banking accounts. Affiliated with over 6,300 banking institutions, this payment processor is broadly supported by online merchants and remote casinos that operate in the UK. Depositing with Trustly is a breeze but you must subscribe to the online banking services of an affiliate bank in advance.

You must click or tap on the Trustly logo in your online casino’s cashier and enter the amount you wish to deposit. The system will then prompt you to select your bank and will redirect you to its online banking login page. You sign in with your online banking login credentials, confirm the payment, and that’s it. Deposits with Trustly are processed in real time and your bank details are not shared with any third parties.

The method is suitable for withdrawals as well and the cashing out process is similar, the only difference being the transactions are not instantaneous. The online casino must first approve the payment before it releases the funds from your balance. Most remote gambling operators do not impose additional processing fees for Trustly payments but you might be charged extra by your bank.

Jeton

Jeton is a virtual wallet that enables users to send and receive money in over 50 currencies, including GBP. The method ensures high levels of security and is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in Great Britain. It works just like any other digital wallet, meaning that players must set up personal accounts before they can use it. The registration is quick and easy to complete as all you have to do is enter your personal details in the sign-up form.

Also, make sure you provide a valid email address because Jeton will send you a verification code to complete the registration. Once you are done, you must verify your identity and address by sending the requested documents and top up your wallet’s balance before you can start transacting with Jeton. Funding your Jeton account is possible with a variety of methods (over 70 to be precise), including debit cards, bank transfers, and online banking. You can even convert your cryptocurrency to cash with this e-wallet.

Jeton supports real-time casino deposits that come at no extra cost for players. Those who choose this innovative payment solution have access to round-the-clock customer support available via live chat and email. On top of these merits, Jeton maintains high levels of security and has adopted several measures to protect customers and their data.

Apart from two-factor authentication, Jeton implements the so-called tokenisation. This is a special encryption technology that generates random 16-digit numbers for transaction authorisation instead of using card or account numbers. The tokens remain valid for a limited time and get voided if intercepted.

Apple Pay

Apple Pay is a contactless payment solution intended for use on Apple devices, such as iPhones, Apple Watch, and iPads. You can use it on your Mac computer as well. This wallet is built into all portable devices running on iOS and requires no registration. Players can conveniently use it as an alternative to cash and plastic cards to process safe deposits at most UK-friendly casinos.

Setting up your Apple Pay wallet is a very straightforward process as all you have to do is connect your debit card to the app on your phone. You can scan your preferred card with your phone’s camera or enter the card details manually. Then follow the bank instructions and you are good to go.

Deposits with Apple Pay are equally convenient and take place in real time. Players must confirm the transaction by using biometric authentication like Touch ID and Face ID or enter their unique passcode. The main benefit here is that Apple Pay does not require you to reveal any debit card details. Apple does not store any of your sensitive banking information, either.

Players can also use Apple Pay to withdraw from their real-money balance. The method is not associated with any additional fees on behalf of gambling operators. One thing to keep in mind is that you must enter your unique Apple Pay PIN when your deposit exceeds £100. Online casinos also set limits on individual deposits but the precise amounts vary depending on where you play.

Bank Transfer

Bank transfers occupy the last spot on our list since they lack the flexibility and time efficiency of most other payment solutions we have recommended so far. Depositing with this method is not instant as is the case with debit cards, online banking processors, and digital wallets. The transactions typically require several business days until the funds reach your account.

Fees are also imposed but the exact rates are bank-specific. It would be best to contact an employee of the bank whose services you are using and inquire about the costs. You may incur additional charges on the online casino’s end as well. Some operators do charge customers who deposit or withdraw via bank transfers.

Despite its shortcomings, the method is not entirely devoid of merits. Bank transfers pose a viable solution for high-rollers accustomed to putting large amounts of money at stake. The maximum deposit limits for bank transfers are significantly higher compared to those for other accepted solutions. The risk of becoming a victim of identity theft or fraud is virtually nonexistent, which is yet another advantage of using this method. Just bear in mind you must obtain the bank account details (eg. IBAN, BIC, SWIFT) of your chosen online casino before you can initiate the transfer.

How to Fund a Casino Account

After you have successfully registered at the online casino of your choice, in order to be able to win real money, you need to make a deposit to your account. The whole process of funding your account is usually very straightforward and easy to perform. However, bear in mind that it can differ from one casino to another since every online casino has its own policy towards deposit methods. The process can be summed up in a few simple steps which in most cases can be completed within several minutes.

First, you need to log into your profile and go to the cashier’s section where you will be able to find the available payment solutions the respective online casino offers. After that, you need to decide which payment method to use. In general, it is advisable to stick to the most popular payment methods as they are usually the most reliable and convenient ones. After you have chosen your payment solution, you will be required to fill out some sensitive information such as your financial and personal details.

It should be noted that the required financial information strictly depends on the payment solution you have chosen. The last step of the process is to decide how much you would like to deposit and enter the amount in the relevant field. As already mentioned, the processing time depends on the particular payment solution. This is the reason why it is important to select a method which allows you to transfer money instantly and securely.

Conclusion

Nowadays it is extremely easy to fund a casino account as most online casinos offer a wide range of payment solutions. You have the freedom to choose how and when to make deposits which further contributes to the pleasant experience you will be able to get from playing online. It has never been so easy to enjoy your favourite games at the comfort of your home and get just as excited as if you were at a land-based casino. All you need to do is open a real-money account and choose your most preferred payment solution.

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