Casino payment methods: Online transactions for US gamblers

Written by Ian Zerafa

Checked by Geraldine S.Paul P. •

Last updated on August 28, 2024

Choosing the best casino payment method can be tricky, especially in terms of figuring out which online casino deposit works best for you.

We’ve gathered our experts to rate the most trusted online casino payment methods, together with a guide on how to use them. Let’s kick off with an explainer about the types of casino deposits available to US players.

On This Page On This Page

• Overview
• Types
• Best casinos
• Best Discover card casinos
• How to choose
• Pros and cons
• Guides
• Legal methods
• FAQs

Payment methods: what types are there?

Which are the most trusted casino payment methods and what is the difference between them? Are you confused about which online casino deposit method could work best for you? Will depositing money via credit or debit card – as opposed to, say – using an e-wallet or instant bank transfer, or even PayPal – affect your gambling experience. Here, we get into the nitty-gritty of the differences between each different casino deposit when you’re looking to pay for gambling online.

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“For brands to remain advanced and innovative, they must listen to their audiences and provide the payments technology that users are seeking”.

E-wallets

PayPal

Considered as one of the US’s biggest names in payment, PayPal ranked 209th in 2019’s Fortune 500. The company implements an internal approval process for any gambling-related business partners, adding an extra layer of security not many other casino payment methods can hope to match. Fun fact: YouTube was founded by 3 ex-PayPal employees.

PayPal casinos

Neteller

Like most e-wallets, you can link a credit card, debit card or a bank account, and pay through a secure online platform rather than directly. Also has its own prepaid Net+ MasterCard you can top up and then use wherever MasterCard is accepted.

Neteller casinos

Skrill

Much like Neteller and PayPal, Skrill allows you to quickly and easily pay online gambling sites and make withdrawals from them, without directly sharing bank and card information for extra comfort and security. Also offers its own prepaid MasterCard.

Skrill casinos

Apple Pay

Available only for iPhone users, Apple Pay is one of the oldest forms of e-wallets around. Like other e-wallets, this payment method can only be used for deposits. True to the Apple brand as a whole, it prioritizes maximum security for its user above all.

Apple Pay casinos

Credit/prepaid cards, bank, and checks

Discover card

The world’s most accepted card (185 countries) is an unsurprisingly common casino payment method, but isn’t seen as frequently as Visa and MasterCard when it comes to online casino deposits and withdrawals.

Discover card casinos

Visa card

Visa cards are one of the most popular payment methods in the US, even outside the gambling world. It’s no surprise that Visa is among the most widely accepted casino payment methods.

Visa card casinos

MasterCard

Likely the second most common card in America, after Visa. MasterCard is a simple, quick and secure way to make any kind of online casino payment.

MasterCard casinos

Amex

American Express is accepted by over 24 million merchants, but is still a less common option for online casino payments than Visa and MasterCard. AMEX is more commonly accepted as a deposit method than as a withdrawal method.

Amex casinos

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Bank transfer

Both wire transfers and ACH transfers are offered as payment methods for casinos in the US, though ACH transfers tend to be more common. You’ll need to verify your bank account with the casino, and fill in any details requested when making your deposit. Bank transfers are among the oldest, safest and most established ways to move money, but not all banks like to associate with gambling sites, which may limit your options. Withdrawing by bank also

Bank transfer casinos

VIP Preferred

The top choice for ACH / e-check transfers — VIP Preferred is a super popular option when it comes to online gambling pay. It’s accepted at over 500 casinos and gaming sites across North America. It’s as simple as signing up and hitting the deposit button, and then inputting your bank account number and the associated ABA / routing number.

VIP Preferred casinos

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Alternatives

Cash at casino cage

A widely available option, offered by most legal US casinos. You take your cash down to a specified casino, and transfer funds in person. This works whether you’re making an online casino deposit or a withdrawal. Since internet casinos must be associated with a physical casino license holder, it makes sense for them to integrate this option. These cash payments often have the highest deposit and withdrawal limits at any given casino.

Paysafecard

No trust for online cards? No problem. While online payments are perfectly safe at reputable casinos, some users feel safer keeping their card numbers to themselves. Paysafecard lets you top up an unlinked card with cash down at your local store, and then you can use a given PIN code to pay for gambling online. It is sometimes offered as a withdrawal method, but be wary of fees from Paysafe if you want to convert to cash rather than re-deposit.

Paysafecard casinos

PayNearMe

Another cash-based method. The usual process is for you to select how much you want to deposit at the casino, and it will generate a barcode you can take down to a participating store. You can then scan the barcode and pay the cashier, and your online account will be credited shortly after. This is often subject to a daily limit, and is best for small deposits.

PayNearMe casinos

VanillaDirect

Very similar to PayNearMe, though a little less common than some casino payment methods. Standard practice is to head to the Vanilla website to generate a code, and bring it in to a participating store to make your cash payment.

VanillaDirect casinos

Casinos with the best payment options

While all legal USA casinos accept money and pay it out, some offer better payment methods than others. We’ve picked out six online casinos with the best payouts, highlighting the selling points that stood out to us, while keeping an eye on the bonus, the range of payment options, how fast the money appears in your account, and maximum and minimum deposits together with withdrawal limits and fastest withdrawal processing times, among other things.

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Casino Logo	Odds rating	Bonus	Go to casino Button	Show more	T&C
1 Borgata review	90/100 Payments rating by Ian Z. 92% Playscore based on 8 critics	$20 Bonus Dollars + 100% up to $1,000 MCW1000	Play now	Show more Good to know No operator fees Withdraw with Discover Play+ High online banking limits 13 payment methods Show less
2 BetMGM casino review	88/100 Payments rating by Ian Z. 91% Playscore based on 8 critics	100% up to $1,000 + $25 Free Play MCW1000	Play now	Show more Good to know Accepts Discover for deposits Withdraw with Discover Play+ Payment specific promos 14 payment methods Show less
3 SugarHouse review	84/100 Payments rating by Ian Z. 92% Playscore based on 8 critics	100% match bonus up to $250 PACASINO250	Play now	Show more Good to know Accepts Discover for deposits Instant transaction times Fast payment processing 11 payment methods Show less
4 Tropicana review	82/100 Payments rating by Lorella F. 90% Playscore based on 8 critics	100% up to $200 TROPTEN	Play now	Show more Good to know 24/7 customer support Caesers Rewards member Community jackpots 11 payment methods Show less
5 Caesars review	80/100 Payments rating by Ian Z. 86% Playscore based on 8 critics	100% up to $2,500 and 2,500 Reward Credits on a $25+ wager TIME2500	Play now	Show more Good to know Instant Discover account topup No deposit bonus Withdraw with Discover Play+ 11 payment methods Show less
6 BetRivers casino review	79/100 Payments rating by Claire S. 85% Playscore based on 8 critics	Bonus Money reload up to $500 CASINOBACK	Play now	Show more Good to know Community chat with rewards Native app for Android Low bonus wagering requirements 9 payment methods Show less
7 PartyCasino review	79/100 Payments rating by Claire S. 86% Playscore based on 8 critics	200% up to $100 + 25 free spins WELCOMEBONUS	Play now	Show more Good to know No fees for Discover deposit Withdraw with Discover Play+ No transaction limits 14 payment methods Show less
8 PlayStar review	78/100 Payments rating by Charlie S. 82% Playscore based on 8 critics	100% Deposit Match up to $500 + 500 Free Spins	Play now	Show more Good to know Two-part welcome deal Five-tier Playstar Club Smooth mobile apps 7 payment methods Show less
9 Stardust review	76/100 Payments rating by Paul P. 86% Playscore based on 8 critics	$25 free + up to $500 in deposit bonuses FTD250	Play now	Show more Good to know Quick withdrawals Huge game variety Plenty of promos 9 payment methods Show less
10 Horseplay review	76/100 Payments rating by Paul P. 88% Playscore based on 2 critics	200% match up to $500	Play now	Show more Good to know Unique betting experience Selection of bingo games Detailed FAQ and Help Center 5 payment methods Show less
11 Mohegan Sun review	71/100 Payments rating by Lorella F. 85% Playscore based on 8 critics	100% up to $1,000	Play now	Show more Good to know Email, live chat, phone support iOS and Android apps Over 790 slot games 9 payment methods Show less
12 Resorts review	71/100 Payments rating by Lorella F. 84% Playscore based on 8 critics	100% up to $1,000 DEPOSIT1	Play now	Show more Good to know Easy, quick registration Email, live chat, phone support iOS and Android apps 9 payment methods Show less
13 Harrahs review	71/100 Payments rating by Sarah C. 80% Playscore based on 8 critics	100% up to $100 + 100 free spins	Play now	Show more Good to know Instant Discover account topup No deposit bonus Withdraw with Discover Play+ 9 payment methods Show less

Choosing the best casino payment method

The most important thing for a payment method is that it achieves its function of moving money into and out of your accounts as you request it, and does so safely and securely. That being said, the Time2play methodology includes looking out for some things which can make certain payment methods especially appealing, such as safety, deposit and withdrawal speed, whether any fees are charged and ease of use. We take a look in more detail below.

Safety and anonymity

If you’re playing at a casino approved by a state licensing board, your general safety is assured, at least from the operator’s side. That being said, some players don’t feel comfortable directly sharing information, and we get that. Some payment methods let you keep more information to yourself than others, and that’s a plus for the cautious types. If you play at 4 different casinos and pay with card, 4 different casinos have your card number. If you play at 4 PayPal real money online casinos, then only PayPal has your card number. With PayNearMe, you don’t even need a card.

Deposit and withdrawal speed

The most important thing is that you get your money in the end. However, we’d be lying if we said speed wasn’t an important factor when we’re trying to decide how best to make an online casino payment. Some operators let you withdraw by check, which is great, if you’re willing to wait 2 weeks. Cards, e-wallets and casino cage cash can enable instant withdrawal casinos. With deposits, most methods tend to be pretty quick once the payment is made, but if you’re using a cash-based method like PayNearMe, the casino cage, and Paysafecard casinos, you’ve got to take travel time into account.

Fees

No one likes fees, but they tend to pop up more often than we’d like. Be sure to read the T&C’s of both your chosen payment method and your chosen casino to avoid them. Most legal US casinos tend to avoid having internal costs and transaction fees, but a few of the methods to pay for gambling online do have some sort of fee. Often, this happens when you have your money handled by an intermediary between you and your casino, such as PayPal or PaySafeCard (though most casinos don’t charge fees for these methods). Stuff like eCheck casinos are usually fee-free, as the money goes directly from your bank to the casino. It usually costs nothing to withdraw your money from the casino to the intermediary. However, intermediaries often have a withdrawal fee if you want to do something like transfer winnings from PayPal to a bank account.

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Potential incentives/bonuses

We don’t see these as often as we’d like to, but they certainly do pop up on occasion. One of the popular US casino payment methods is the Play+ card, and many operators proudly show off their own themed plastic card, with some even offering small cash bonuses to incentivize their player base to get that casino flair. Online casinos that accept discover card can earn you rewards on purchases. Keep an eye out for more!

Ease of use

If you plan to play frequently, it’s worth discovering what payment method is most convenient for you. Some e-wallets make paying quick and simple, allowing you to deposit and withdraw in just a few keystrokes. But hey, we’ve known some players who couldn’t be bothered setting up an e-wallet, and preferred to make larger deposits by card, less frequently. Personal preference is a factor here, just as much as picking between playing slots or baccarat. That is why Apple Pay casinos are increasing in their popularity because the payment method is already set up in your phone and you only need to make a few clicks to complete your deposit. 

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Casino payment methods: pros and cons

Want to easily decide what’s best for you? When should you opt for an E-wallet? Which players will find bank transfers or credit cards more convenient, and what makes Casino Cages so popular with a specific section of gamblers?  These are but a few of the questions that tend to arise when players are trying to figure out which casino deposit method works best for them. We’re putting the key features of different casino payment methods on display, as well as their drawbacks.

E-wallets

•  Available at most casinos for deposit and withdrawal
• Extra secure — money goes through a trusted 3rd party
• Easy to set up and use

•  Extra steps — you need to create an account and sign up
• Some casinos have daily / monthly limits on deposits

Credit/Debit cards

• Massively available across casinos
•  Some casinos offer cashback
• Convenient — most people already have them

• Some casinos only accept card deposits, not withdrawals

Bank transfer and ACH

• Bank transfers are very secure
• E-checks are simple to use
• Withdrawal limits tend to be higher

•  Bank transfers can take long
• Need to set up an account for 3rd-party e-check carriers

Alternatives

•  Casino cage payments have better deposit/withdrawal limits
• Easier to budget when top-ups aren’t as quick

• Some are deposit-only
• Travel time — need to physically visit stores or casino cage

Basics of casino and online gambling payments

If you’ve only just started to makes payments to online gambling sites, and are looking to make your first deposit at an online casino, things may seem a bit daunting at first. When you’re a first-time players, it always helps to know exactly what to expect when making a casino deposit. In this section we’ll walk you through the process of depositing and withdrawing at online casinos and sweeps cash casinos, pointing out any extra tips.

How to deposit

Tip 1

Research first

Before even signing up at an online casino, you should familiarize yourself with the payment options they have available. Most casinos will give an overview of the banking methods available in the footer of their website, but you can check pages like ‘About’, ‘Banking’ and ‘Get started’ for more details. Look up things like deposit/withdrawal limits, how quickly deposits go in, and whether there are any fees. Most operators don’t charge fees, so if you see them, you can probably find something better. This can help you decide on both the casino you choose, and the deposit method you choose. Alternatively, just check out our online casino reviews.

Tip 2

Sign up

Once you’ve found something you’re happy with, create an account at the online casino. Making an online casino deposit in the US requires identity verification so you’re going to want to have some information ready, including your Social Security Number and your ZIP code. The sign-up screens usually have a section where you can put in a code for referral or sign-up bonuses.

Tip 3

Head to the cashier section

This is where the magic happens. The money screens are usually called ‘cashier’ or ‘wallet’ pages, or something along those lines, depending on the individual casino. Here, select the deposit method you’ve chosen and fill in any outstanding details. That may include a card number, PayPal account, or a PaySafeCard PIN, depending on your deposit method. If your chosen casino has some sort of bonus code option, you’ll likely find it on this page.

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Tip 4

Play

Once a deposit is made, the next thing to do is get playing. If you’re not sure what to play yet, you can get an overview of all the different online casino games on our dedicated page.

Tip 5

Bonus tip — practice first

Plenty of casinos let you try out games for free. It’s always a smart idea to know how a game works before you start online gambling and pay any real money.

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How to withdraw

Of course, when you make a casino deposit to play for real money it’s safe to assume that you do hope to be able to cash in some winnings, eventually. And when Lady Luck decides to bestow a smile upon you and you decide this is the moment to collect, you will need to follow some simple steps in order to be able to withdraw you winnings successfully. Here we’ll give you a step-by-step guide of what you’ll need to do, walking you through every step of the way so as to help you get your paws on your hard-won cash ASAP.

Tip 1

Research, research, research

A lot of the things you’d be looking at here are similar to what you’d look for in a casino deposit page: withdrawal methods, times, any fees etc. One additional thing to look out for though is that certain casinos don’t allow you to use a certain withdrawal option unless you make a deposit with the same method first. Always read the fine print before you pay to play at a brand new online casinos USA.

Tip 2

Head to the cashier section

Find the banking page and select your chosen withdrawal method. Enter the amount you wish to withdraw, enter any outstanding info, and confirm your choices.

Tip 3

Wait (and optional: withdraw again)

Once you’re all set, you may have to sit tight for a bit. Payments from online casinos are subject to an internal review process, which can last a few days, especially the first time you use a new method. If you’ve withdrawn to a third party like an e-wallet, you can spend money directly from your e-wallet anywhere it’s accepted, or withdraw from the e-wallet to your bank account.

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Tip 4

Play through any wagering requirements

If you’ve taken advantage of an online casino bonus, it usually comes with strings attached. Enter, wagering requirements. Casinos usually ask you to gamble any bonus money you’ve received a few times over, to prevent players from dropping in, doubling their money with a bonus, and cashing out. Most places will have you bet your bonus money 15x-30x over, but some places can drop as low as 1x.

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Legal and illegal US casino payment methods

Honestly, when it comes to payment methods in the US, most stuff’s above board. If you try to deposit at an online casino and suddenly receive a phone call telling you to bring an envelope full of cash to a shady alleyway at 02:00 in the morning though, that’s probably a bad sign… 

Everything we’ve mentioned up to now has been legal, so jump back to the top to see those again. We go over the significant illegal payment methods below, but again, there isn’t much. Bitcoin casinos aren’t legal in the US, and if you see a casino offering BTC deposits or withdrawals it’s probably offshore or blacklisted.

Legal US casinos will also provide Responsible Gambling (RG) tools, so if you see any casino that doesn’t take RG seriously that’s a red flag. Always make sure to gamble responsibly, and feel free to use the tools provided. A casino that allows underage gambling is also a bad sign. Most states have the gambling age set at 21, though this can change according to state law.

The important take-away here is that if you follow our guide as to which online casinos deposit methods you can trust with your eyes closed, you should not encounter any hassles.

Bitcoin

Cryptocurrency payments of any kind are currently not accepted in any legal US spots as a casino payment method. If you see a place offering it, it’s usually a clear sign that it’s not a state-approved spot. Head to your state’s regulator website to find a list of the approved casinos there.

Loans

Not a payment method specifically, but casinos should not be offering to loan you gambling money. That’s a recipe for disaster. Some legal controversy occurred in Tennessee in April 2021, when a financial company that offered payday loans also operated a sports betting brand.

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