Deposit Methods For UK Players
There's no doubt online slots players are spoiled for choice when it comes to games. But real money slots players can also enjoy a wide range of banking options for loading their accounts.
From debit and credit cards to bank transfers and e-wallets, if there's a legitimate deposit method available to UK players, chances are they can use it for gambling.
But what methods are available to players in 2020, and which are the best options for you? Let's take a look at the various banking choices you'll find at top casinos right now.
Choosing the Best Deposit Method
Every deposit option has its benefits and negatives, but essentially the most important thing is to pick a method that's right for you.
If you have ready funds in your current account, a debit card might be right for you. If you enjoy benefits from your credit card provider like cashback, and you regularly pay off your balance, a credit card may be the best option. Meanwhile, if you value totally anonymous gaming with no record of casino play on your bank statement, an e-Wallet could be for you.
Whichever option you choose, always check the slots site Cashier to check for any fees that may apply. You also need to make sure your chosen option is available for withdrawals. And if not, have a solid alternative for making cash-outs.
To combat money-laundering, some online casinos also operate a 'Net Deposits' rule. This states that cash-outs can only be made using the method the player made a deposit with.
Popular Deposit Methods for Online Casinos
Types of UK Casino Deposit Methods
Making a deposit is simple. Visiting the Cashier is the first step, then select the method you want from the drop-down menu.
Enter the amount of cash you want to deposit and your password, then hit the 'Deposit' or 'Submit' button. First deposits or withdrawals on new accounts usually require some kind of ID verification. This usually means scanning and sending the gambling site copies of photo ID like a passport or driving licence. Once your ID has been approved, the funds will be processed.
When making withdrawals, a day or so is usually added to any processing time to allow for players changing their minds and cancelling a request ("reverse withdrawals"). It's also a time for the casino to carry out the right security checks.
Casinos can differ on processing times, however, and VIP players can usually enjoy faster cash-out times.
PayPal
The leading secure e-Wallet provider allows players to fund a single, virtual wallet via multiple bank accounts and cards. It's anonymous and safe, and transactions are fast.
Slots players need to set up an account at PayPal.com first. The wallet can then be loaded with credit/debit cards, or transfers from another e-Wallet. Head to the casino site Cashier, select the PayPal option from the drop-down menu, and enter the amount you want to transfer to your gambling account. Players will then be directed back to the PayPal account to complete the transaction.
Minimum deposits and withdrawals usually come around £10-20 using PayPal. While casinos won't charge players for using PayPal, PayPal will do when transferring cash from the e-Wallet to a player's bank account or credit card. Read more about PayPal banking here.
Typical Deposit Times: Instant
Typical Withdrawal Times: 24-48 hours
UK fees: Free (casino fees): 1.4-3.4 percent (PayPal charges on cards)
Debit Cards
(VISA Debit, Maestro, Solo, VISA Electron)
Major debit cards like VISA Debit and Maestro can be used to make real-money deposits and withdrawals. Most UK casino sites we review will accept debit card transactions, and most won't charge fees either.
Making a deposit or withdrawal is easy: just head to the Cashier and select the method from the drop-down menu. You'll need to enter your long number, the 3-digit security code on the back of the card, and your casino password. Transactions are safe, and best of all - free. Read more about debit cards here.
Typical Deposit Times: Instant
Typical Withdrawal Times: 2-5 business days
UK fees: Free
Credit Cards
(VISA, MasterCard, Diner's, American Express)
VISA and MasterCard credit cards are accepted at all good UK online slots casinos. Some sites take Diner's Club or AMEX too, although it's rarer to find them.
Making a transaction is simple - head to the Cashier and select the VISA or MasterCard option from the menu. Typically, an added level of security is added, and you may need to enter a separate password (SecureCode for MasterCard, Verified By VISA for VISA credit cards).
Funds will appear straight away, but make sure you're aware of any fees. Credit card firms sometimes treat casino deposits as 'cash advances'. As a result, you may incur a small percentage fee on top of your usual deposit amount. Read more about credit cards here.
Typical Deposit Times: Instant
Typical Withdrawal Times: 2-5 business days
UK fees: Free (credit card charges vary - check with your provider)
Ukash/paysafecard
UKash was the leading prepaid voucher provider in the UK until October 2020. Rival operator paysafecard have since taken them over to create a super-giant of the prepaid card market.
Paysafecard lets players buy a simple prepaid card using cash or a debit card, and it's available in around a dozen currencies. Transferring funds is as simple as entering the voucher/card number when prompted on-screen. Funds can be deposits using multiple cards at once as well.
Fees are free, but withdrawals to a card are not possible - that's the method's big downside. Read more about paysafecard here.
Typical Deposit Times: Instant
Typical Withdrawal Times: n/a
UK fees: Free
Bank Wire
If you don't have a card, a straight transfer from your bank account to your casino account can be made. Minimum deposit amounts can be higher than using a debit card or e-Wallet, and as long as the site accepts GBP you can normally expect to see your funds arrive within three days. Read more about a Bank Wire here.
Typical Deposit Times: 2-12 business days
Typical Withdrawal Times: 2-12 business days
UK fees: Free