Credit and Debit Card Casinos

Credit and debit cards have become a widespread method to pay for online purchases due to the convenience they offer. Usually, payments via credit or debit cards are processed immediately, not to mention this type of payment is widely considered reliable and secure.

Considering the convenience this payment method offers, it is anything but surprising many gaming enthusiasts opt for using their credit or debit cards to fund their online casino accounts in order to play for real money.

In fact, credit and debit cards are widely accepted at a vast range of online gambling websites. In some cases, players who deposit via this method are also offered lucrative bonuses when reloading their casino accounts. Another reason for the popularity credit and debit cards enjoy at online casinos results from the fact players are rarely charged with fees for their transactions by the online gambling providers.

CREDIT CARD VS DEBIT CARD AS CASINO PAYMENT METHOD

Both credit and debit cards are equally convenient, secure and time-efficient to use as a casino deposit method. But what is the difference between the two? The chief difference lies in where the money is pulled from. When a given player deposits via a debit card, the money is transferred directly from their banking account, while those, who use credit cards will have the funds charged to their line of credit. Thus, players who deposit with their debit cards may transfer only the funds they have readily available in their bank accounts. Using a debit card certainly enables players to keep tabs on the amount they spend playing online.

Credit cards, on the other hand, allow players to “borrow” the funds they transfer to their casino accounts, so to speak. However, they are expected to pay the funds off later on. This can be done right after they carry out the transaction. Paying over time is also an option, but in this case, an interest is involved.

Which one of the two types of cards players choose to use is a matter of personal preference. If you experience difficulties in deciding between credit and debit cards as a deposit method, the following article may prove to be helpful.

WHICH BRANDS OF CARDS ARE ACCEPTED

As this is one of the most widespread methods to boost your online casino balance, web-based gambling providers have adopted a variety of card brands. Below, you will find more detailed information on some of the brands, accepted by the majority of established web-based gambling operators.

MASTERCARD

Players, who own a card with the Mastercard logo on top will hardly experience difficulties in finding an online casino to play at. Mastercard is accepted in over 180 countries around the world and allows for safe and convenient payments, processed in a matter of minutes. Players, who wish to have a Mastercard issued can opt for a credit, debit or prepaid card, depending on their preferences.

One important thing to keep in mind is that some online casinos accept only deposits via Mastercard, so players would have to look for an alternative withdrawal method. However, many players opt for using Mastercard because most reputable gambling providers do not charge fees on transactions carried out with this method and some even offer reload bonuses for Mastercard deposits.

VISA

Along with Mastercard, Visa has become a standard method to deposit at hundreds of online casinos. There are thousands of financial institutions worldwide that are licensed to issue Visa cards to their customers. Additionally, there is a variety of products to choose from – you can apply for a Visa debit or credit card, but prepaid and virtual cards are also an option. Most players opt for using Visa cards as a deposit method, because of the exceptional security and time-efficiency they offer.

What is more, the majority of online casinos accept Visa cards for both deposits and withdrawals which certainly adds to their convenience. Acquiring a Visa card is easy as all one needs to do is contact their banking institution, ask for the type of Visa cards they have on offer, and apply for the one they find most suitable.

MAESTRO

Owned by Mastercard, Maestro offers the same level of security and convenience and is widely popular among online casino players seeking to boost their balance in a prompt and safe manner. Maestro offers two types of cards. The first one is a standard debit card which is linked to players’ checking accounts at their bank, while the second one is a rechargeable, prepaid card.

Maestro cards are especially popular among European players and can be used to deposit funds and cash out winnings should the policy of the given online casino allow for Maestro withdrawals.

DINERS CLUB INTERNATIONAL

Owned by Mastercard’s affiliate Discover Financial, Diners Club International is yet another credit card service, which enables players to deposit funds into their casino accounts instantly. Being a credit card, it allows one to deposit now and pay off later on. There is one major difference between Diners Club and other brands of credit cards, though – Diners Club credit cards require players to pay off the balance each month. To a great extent, this works to players’ advantage as it sets some sort of a limit and prevents them from accumulating too much credit and paying off at increased interest rates.

Yet, players from certain countries, like the United States, may not be able to use this brand of credit card to fund their accounts or cash out their winnings. Their transactions may be denied since financial institutions and credit card companies in the States utilise a special coding system to identify online gambling charges and block transactions to and from online casinos.

AMERICAN EXPRESS

American Express ranks among the most recognisable credit card brands in the world. This brand is more suitable for high-rollers as its credit products generally have higher credit scores than those of other cards.

American Express offers a wide range of charge, credit and prepaid cards. While many web-based casinos accept American Express cards as a payment method, it is worth mentioning, the brand is not suitable for US players as some of them experience issues and have their American Express deposits rejected by banking institutions.

CREDIT AND DEBIT CARDS

Depositing at Online Casinos with Credit/Debit Card

Depositing at online casinos via credit or debit cards works the same way, regardless of the brand of card one uses. If you do not have a credit or debit card, you can visit your banking institution and apply for one – the process typically requires a week or two.

Once you have acquired your debit or credit card, you simply need to log into your existing casino account and visit the Cashier section, where you will likely see Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro listed among the deposit methods. Once you select your brand of card, you are required to fill in its number, your name, the expiration date, and the 3-digit safety code written at the back. Of course, the sum you wish to deposit also needs to be specified before you verify and confirm the transaction. The money will be readily available in your casino account in an instant so you can start playing right away.

In many cases, established online casino operators do not charge their players for deposits carried out via credit or debit cards. Despite that, players may be charged with a fee for the transaction by their banking institution, so it is advisable to contact one’s bank for further information.