DEBIT CARDS – Payment Method Info Page
Payment method: Debit cards (Visa Electron, Visa Debit, Mastercard, Maestro, Discover, country-specific Debit Cards)
Payment Type: Credit / debit cards
Region/Country: Global
Debit card pros:
- Widely available
- Widely accepted by online gambling sites
- Convenient, fast, and easy to use
- Deposits are usually available instantly
- PIN protection for additional security
- Fraud protection + smart chip technology
- Linked to your bank account (instead of a credit line), which can help limit spending
- No cash advance fees, unlike credit cards
- Banks usually do not charge fees for debit transactions
- Some casinos accept debit cards for withdrawals
Debit card cons:
- Some debit cards may not work at all casinos
- Linked to your bank account (instead of a credit line), which can put other financial commitments at risk if you overspend
- Some sites do not accept debit cards for withdrawals
RealGamblingSites.com overview – debit cards
Debit cards can provide players all over the world with a quick, easy, and convenient way to make gambling deposits into their online casino accounts. Making gambling deposits with debit cards is similar to using credit cards, except the funds come from a bank account instead of a line of credit.
Visa is the most widely issued debit card brand, with Mastercard second in popularity, followed by Discover. Visa issues Visa Debit and Visa Electron cards globally, Mastercard carries Mastercard Debit and Maestro cards, Discover offers debit cards for Discover bank account holders, while American Express issues prepaid debit cards under the American Express Serve brand. Some countries also have their own debit card options, such as Interac in Canada and RuPay in India.
Using debit cards for online gambling deposits
Using a debit card to deposit money at betting sites is as easy as making online purchases at e-commerce stores, and the process is very similar.
Steps for using a debit card to make a deposit:
- Log into your account.
- Go to the site’s cashier area.
- Choose the Debit Card option for payment type.
- Enter the amount you want to deposit.
- Submit your debit card number, expiration date, and CVV number (the three-digit code on the back of your card).
- Submit your request.
If you already own a debit card, these steps are typically the same regardless of the card and the casino you’re playing at. If you do not own a debit card yet, contact your bank to find out how to get one.
Most debit card deposits are instant. Your casino may require you to verify your card or identity. Be sure to provide any requested documentation promptly to avoid payment delays.
Prepaid debit cards
Prepaid debit cards contain a specific amount of money instead of being linked to a bank account. Betting sites that accept debit cards as a banking method usually also honor prepaid cards.
Similar to prepaid credit cards, prepaid debit cards have a built-in maximum value that can help limit gambling deposits. They can be a convenient option for people who don’t have a bank account and associated debit card.
Prepaid debit cards can also be a great alternative for those who prefer not to have a debit card linked directly to the funds in their bank account in case the card is lost or stolen.
Debit card acceptance at gambling sites
Visa and Mastercard debit cards are accepted at most reputable casinos, while Discover debit cards and American Express Serve prepaid cards are accepted by a smaller percentage of betting sites.
Some debit cards may not work at sites that generally accept this payment method – banks may block casino transactions due to local gambling laws and restrictions.
Debit card acceptance for US players
US players may face challenges with using debit cards to deposit money to an online casino due to the UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act), which passed in 2006 and prohibits transactions between banks and unregulated gambling sites.
In states where online gambling is legal and regulated, like New Jersey, debit cards should technically work if the casino accepts debit cards. Unfortunately, players may still experience issues with debit cards not working at New Jersey sites. Legal online gambling is still relatively new in the US, and some banks have not yet adjusted their policies.
Convenience
Debit cards are a highly convenient and familiar way to fund your account. Simply input your card details at the casino cashier and start playing without the need for any third-party service providers or logins.
Availability
Debit cards are widely available to bank account holders regardless of their credit score or history. Prepaid debit cards are also widespread and can be purchased online or at assorted retail stores worldwide.
Fees
Banks do not charge fees for transactions made with debit cards, and while most betting sites do not either, some do. Check your casino’s Banking and FAQ sections making a deposit to find out if you could be charged fees for using a debit card.
Safety and security
Debit cards boast robust safety and security measures, such as smart chip technology, to help protect you from fraud.
The security features offered by debit cards are similar to those that come with credit cards, with the addition of a PIN code for an extra layer of security.
You may be concerned about theft or fraud because debit cards are directly tied to cash in your bank account. However, most debit cards come with protection for the funds in your bank account.
If you report a lost or stolen debit card before any charges are made, you are not responsible for any charges that slip through the cracks before your card is blocked. If you contact the bank after fraudulent transactions have already been made, usually within 48 hours, most banks should reimburse you for the charges, minus a fee. In the US, for example, this fee is $50.
Credit card companies freeze fraudulent charges while investigating a case, so you do not need to pay for those charges out of pocket. With debit cards, however, funds are deducted from your bank account as soon as fraudulent transactions are made. You may need to wait to be reimbursed while the bank processes your case.
Speed
Debit card transactions are among the fastest ways to fund your account. Deposits are usually available instantly.
Like with other payment methods, withdrawing funds takes longer than making deposits, and processing times vary depending on the casino. Check the Banking and FAQ sections of your betting site to find out how quickly debit card withdrawals are processed.
Customer service
Banks typically offer 24/7 customer service for lost or stolen debit cards.
Depending on the bank, customer support for other debit card services and questions may also be available 24/7 or may offer more limited availability.
Customer service numbers are located on the back of the card, including international numbers if you are traveling outside of your home country.
Verifications
In some countries where online betting is legal, casinos may be able to verify your address, identity, and age, if the address you provide for your debit card matches the one you used to register at the casino. If those addresses differ, you may be required to provide a copy of a utility bill or other official mail.
In other cases, a casino may ask you to provide a copy of your debit card, ID, or a piece of official mail to confirm your identity, age, and address. Be sure to provide any requested verification as quickly as possible to avoid payment delays and issues.
Online casino bonuses
Debit cards are a widespread deposit method. Some sites also accept debit cards for withdrawals.
Casinos that accept debit cards for withdrawals may require you to make your deposit with the same card that you want to use to withdraw your funds.
If a casino is offering a special bonus for making a deposit with your debit card, the promotion may be listed in the site’s Banking/Payments section or on the Promotions page. Deposits made with debit cards usually count towards fulfilling the bonus requirements on other promotions. Check your betting site for more details about current bonus offers as well as the Terms and Conditions for cashing in on the bonuses.