Credit or Debit Card – Which One Should You Use at Online Casinos?

Debit Card Casinos – Pros & Cons

So why use debit card casinos in the first place? The best way to explain is to cover a few advantages of the bank card when used for casino payments.

We should also note that many of the pros and cons listed below apply to both debit and credit card casinos. There aren’t many differences between the two when used for online gaming. However, there are some differences, which we’ll cover further down.

Advantages of Online Casinos that Accept Debit Cards

• Availability – These days, if you have a bank account, you probably have a debit card as well. You won’t be able to deposit/withdraw online without a bank account anyway, so it’s almost certain that you have access to a debit card.
• Simplicity – Debit cards are a common payment method. So common, in fact, that debit card deposits in online casinos are the number one most popular payment method. To many players, methods like e-wallets are simply not worth the hassle of opening an account. Furthermore, e-wallets and crypto payments still require transfers between them and bank accounts. Debit cards are the most common solution to that problem as well.
• Casino selection – Since this type of payment is so popular, online casinos with debit card payments are almost ubiquitous. Almost all modern top casinos accept debit cards, and crypto-focused services are generally the only exception.
• Instant deposits – Online casino debit card deposits are instant in most cases. That’s not the case with withdrawals, but it’s still a big advantage.
• Low fees – Depending on the operator and the bank you’re using, fees for using debit card payments are either non-existent or very low. The fact that you don’t need “middlemen” like e-wallets or crypto wallets means that there are fewer points at which operators can charge you. The best debit card casinos charge no fees either.

Disadvantages of Debit Card Casinos

• Regional availability – Debit cards are largely available in every corner of the globe. However, you may run into issues such as large fees for international transfers. Moreover, some countries have laws that prohibit direct payments to gambling institutions.
• Inconvenience – Casino debit card payments are not difficult to do. However, filling out your bank card info every time you’re paying for something can get annoying. Especially compared to methods like e-wallets, which are the main competition for this casino payment option.
• Security – Again, card payments to casinos are not unsafe. However, the security measures pale when compared to some other methods. Furthermore, cards are the most prone to human error, which is the most common safety risk with even top debit card casinos.
• Slow withdrawals – Online casino debit card withdrawals typically take a few days to complete. They’re not the slowest method out there, but keep in mind that most sites have a 1-3 day processing period.

Credit Card Casinos – Pros & Cons

Credit cards are designed to make payments on credit, meaning you can deposit instantly and pay later. Indebting yourself for the sake of online gambling is not always the best idea, so make sure to keep a sharp eye on your finances. 

Beyond that, debit and credit card casinos are similar in many ways. Many of the pros and cons overlap, so we won’t spend too much time discussing them. Still, an overview of both can give you a solid idea as to which option is the best for you.

Advantages of Online Casinos that Accept Credit Cards

• Casino availability – If a casino accepts debit cards, it also accepts credit cards. That’s not always the case, but exceptions are extremely rare.
• Improved safety – Credit cards come with limited liability for the customer. In practice, this means that if someone steals your info and pays on credit, you likely won’t be held responsible for covering those payments.
• Large deposit limits – Deposit limits on top credit card casinos are larger than for most other payment methods. The maximums generally trump both debit cards and e-wallets and fall second only to bank transfers (which have their own set of bigger issues.)
• Instant deposits – Visa, Mastercard, and other such services all have instant deposits. Yes, even on credit.
• Simplicity – Again, bank cards serve as a direct connection between your bank account and the vendor. This means transfers are quite quick and eliminate any in-between steps.

Credit Card Casino Disadvantages

• • Interest rates – Depending on your bank and its terms of service, you may be required to pay interest on payments. This, in turn, depends on the amount you borrowed and your credit score.
  • Availability – Unlike debit cards, not everyone qualifies for bank credit. You will likely need a stable income and a solid credit score to earn access to a credit card.
  • Cash advance transactions – Many banks classify online gambling as a cash advance. That’s a particularly expensive way of borrowing money with hefty interest rates.
  • Not allowed for gambling – Moreover, some banks simply won’t allow you to use your card on credit card casino deposits. Some countries even outright ban gambling on credit – the UK is the most prominent example.

• Slow withdrawals – Credit card casino withdrawals may take up to several days. This can be a particularly big problem if you have deadlines to meet for paying off credit card debt.
• Concerns about problem gambling – Borrowing money to gamble online is rarely a good idea. It’s not a problem if you know you can easily pay it off, but the very option to do so is an issue for people prone to problem gambling.

Debit Card vs Credit Card Casinos – Key Differences

A close reading of what we just covered should give you an idea about the differences between these two types of bank cards. Still, we’ll sum them up for you to highlight the key features of both. This will allow you to figure out which method is right for you.

• Both options are widespread among top debit and credit card casinos. However, debit cards are almost guaranteed to be available as an option for casino payments. Credit cards are not, which has more to do with your bank and country of residence rather than the casino itself. Similarly, credit cards are not necessarily handed out to everyone.
• All bank cards are quick and easy to use with instant deposits but delayed withdrawals. However, the best credit card casinos are somewhat safer due to how credit cards work. All customers are prevented from loss or theft provided they report it within 48 hours. 
• On the flip side, debit cards ensure you’re only paying with money that you already have. This means no interest rates, no blocked transactions, and no risk of borrowing more than you can afford.
• By and large, the biggest advantage of bank card casinos is their simplicity. You don’t need accounts with third parties, nor are you paying fees to e-wallets or online payment services. In practice, using both types of cards is similarly straightforward.
• Debit card cash advance casino payments are possible, which eliminates the need for a credit card. However, such advance payment services are still charged interest on by either the bank or the service providing the advance. Be careful with taking a debit card cash advance for casino payments – sometimes it may be better to just use a credit card.

How to Deposit to Casinos Using Debit and Credit Cards

In our list of advantages, we mentioned simplicity as a big edge for this casino payment method. Now it’s time to demonstrate.

1. Prepare – All you need is a working bank account with some money in it if you’re using a debit card. If it’s a credit card payment, just make sure you’re not exceeding any limits. If you have a bank account but don’t have a card, contact your bank and inquire about getting one.
2. Register/Login to a casino – Obviously, you’ll need casinos accepting credit/debit cards. Check the list above for some top-tier suggestions.
3. Open the cashier and choose your deposit method – Some casinos offer separate options for Visa, Mastercard, or other brands. In many cases, though, you just have to provide the card number and the system will know the type of card you’re using.
4. Type in the amount you wish to deposit – Bear in mind that most casinos have both maximum and minimum deposit limits.
5. Provide your card’s information – You will need your card number, date of expiration, and CVC code (the 3-digit number on the back of the card.) Sometimes you will also need to provide the cardholder’s name.
6. (Optional)Complete payment authorisation – At this point, you may be directed to a site that handles your bank’s card payments. You may also need to complete some security measures such as two-factor authentication. This step may not be necessary depending on your bank’s security policies.
7. Confirm and play – after you confirm the payment, the funds should be available in your casino account in a few minutes at most.

How to Withdraw From Casinos to Debit/Credit Cards

Online casino bank card withdrawals are even easier because you do not have to complete as many security steps. Still, let’s go through every step.

1. Head over to the casino cashier and select ‘Withdraw’ – Generally, withdrawal options can be found right next to deposit methods.
2. Pick bank cards as your payment option – Note that some casinos require you to use the same method for both deposits and withdrawals.
3. Choose the amount you wish to withdraw – Again, consider any limits the casino may have, and make sure you have completed wagering requirements if you use casino bonuses.
4. Provide your card information – The CVC code may seem unnecessary for withdrawals, but most vendors still ask for it. This is done to ensure you don’t accidentally withdraw to someone else’s card.
5. Confirm and wait – You may need to pay a small fee depending on the terms and conditions of your casino and/or bank. Bank card casino withdrawals are not instant, so you will likely have to wait a few days. Casinos process withdrawal requests in 24 hours or less, but the full transaction will probably be completed after another 1-3 days.

Key Things to Remember About Credit and Debit Card Casinos

Our guide to bank card payments in casinos covers everything you need to know before deciding on your payment method.

Generally, there is a reason many people consider cards to be the “default” option for online payments of any kind. The major advantage of online casino debit cards is that the only things you need are a bank account and a registered casino account. You need those two to use online casinos no matter how you slice it, so it’s quite literally the bare minimum. Any disadvantages are quite minor in comparison.

However, it’s important to keep in mind the key differences between credit and debit card casinos. That’s why we have spent so much time examining them.

Either way, we can recommend bank card payments in casinos to everyone who does not specifically require some of the perks of other options. If you just want to keep things clean and simple, use a bank card.