Popular Online Casino Deposit Methods in 2012
In most cases, depositing at an online casino provides the player with a plethora of options. Some are instant, others can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days or more. Choosing the right method of deposit is relevant to each individual player and what information they are and are not comfortable sharing over the internet.
In reality, so long as the online casino you are choosing to deposit with has a solid reputation, there is minimal risk in providing sensitive financial information over the internet. The encryption procedures and security measures are just as stringent as that of any online financial institution. In essence, if you are comfortable doing any kind of banking online, you should be comfortable making an online casino deposit as well.
Common online casino deposit and payment methods include:
- Credit/Debit Card
- Pre-Paid/Gift Card
- eCheck/ACH
- Instant eCheck
- Bank Transfer/Wire Transfer
- Cash Transfer
- Online Payment Processor
- Credit / Debit Card
Credit cards and debit cards are the most preferred method of payment by both players and online casinos. Not only are they very easy to initiate, the funds become available for use instantaneously. When choosing to deposit via this method, you will first have to choose the card type from a drop down menu that may include Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, etc. Then enter your 16-digit card number and expiration date as shown on the front of the card. You may have to provide a 3-digit security code as well, which can be found on the back of the card. Last, you will need to provide the name and address associated with the card. Be aware that this information must match the information you provided when registering your account with the online casino. You may not use a card that is in someone else’s name.
Pre-Paid / Gift Cards
Pre-paid cards and gift cards are similar to credit/debit cards, but do not require a name and address since they can be purchased at just about any retail shop. Simply enter the card type, the numbers on the front and the pin code on the back. Note that some pre-aid cards and gift cards are reloadable.
ACH / eCheck / Instant eCheck
ACH payments are eChecks, meaning the player provides all of the same details that would be found on a paper check. The process is exactly the same as using a paper check except that it is done electronically over the internet. The online casino presents a graphic showing where to find the checking account number and the bank’s routing number on a paper check, and the user inputs this information. Like any paper check, an eCheck will take a few days to clear your bank.
If the online casino offers Instant eCheck deposit, this is the faster option, taking only a few minutes to confirm. The online casino checks to make sure you have the funds available in your bank, and if so, makes them available to you in the casino, even though the operator has yet to receive them.
Bank Transfers/Wire Transfers
Bank transfers and bank wire transfers are the preferred method of players who do not wish to provide any sensitive information over the internet. Instead, the player retrieves the checking account and routing number for the online casino’s bank, then calls up their own bank and initiates a bank transfer. Bank wire transfers are generally very fast, whereas a traditional bank transfer can take up to a few days or more to complete.
Cash Transfers
A cash transfer is handled by a local agent, such as MoneyGram or Western Union. These companies have agents all over the world, as well as online access. In order to use this method of deposit at an online casino, the player must first select this method and follow the instructions, which will include writing down some specific info from the casino operator. This information is given to the cash transfer agent upon making the payment, telling them exactly where to send the money, and in turn the user receives a Transaction ID#. This number, along with the amount of the deposit and time it was made, must then be supplied to the online casino, usually via email or live chat support. The casino operator then retrieves the transfer and the funds become available, generally within 10 minutes or so.
Online Payment Processors
There are a lot of online payment processing companies out there, so make sure the online casino you want to deposit at accepts the processor of your choice. Common options would be NETeller, Moneybookers, WebMoney and PayPal. Players must first have an account with the payment processor, which can take some time to confirm. Many online payment processors require stringent confirmation modes, often including making a number of tiny deposits to your checking account, which you must then record and relay back to them in exact order and size. Once confirmed, you can deposit funds into the online payment processor account, then transfer them instantly to the online casino.