Best Online Betting Account

Already thought of as one of the best online betting sites in the world, let alone the UK, bet365 is possibly the top PayPal betting site out there. Our reviewers have been bet365 users for years, most of them since before even becoming reviewers.

• PayPal is the most successful online payment processor. Recognised by the majority of online bookies. Many sites also offer a free bet bonus for those bettors who make their first deposit through PayPal. To get started, all you need to do is signup and register an account and put in your bank account details.
• Dormant Accounts. If you think you're finished with online betting, at least for the foreseeable future, make sure to withdraw all of your remaining funds. Accounts that are inactive can be declared dormant. When say 'dormant' we mean no deposits, withdrawals or bets for a year, or 18 months, depending on the book.

Blackjack 5 cards. Credit card gambling sites are simply online casinos, sportsbooks, or poker rooms that accept credits cards as a method of funding a player's betting account. It can also be equated to using your credit card as a cash advance for betting purposes as online sportsbooks don't offer credit like some brick and mortars.

To make things easier for you, we've compiled the above list of some of the best sites that provide the best credit card banking system for their players.

Types of Cards

Most of the sites that we review accept Visa first and foremost, but Mastercard is close behind. Other more frequently offered card payments include:

The prime areas that the site services determine the cards that are accepted but, for US and UK sites, Visa and Mastercard will rank the highest.

Why Are Credit Cards So Popular for Online Betting?

There are many ways to fund betting accounts these days, as it seems like new financial services are popping up monthly, but most customers have at least one credit card.

On the merchant's end, credit card acceptance is typically at the top of their list banking methods as these sites want to cater to as many potential bettors as possible.

Unlike the US, in locations like the United Kingdom, where online betting is legal as long as the site is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, credit card acceptance is practically a slam dunk. 3 card poker online for fun. Players will still come across a few banks here and there that may decline an online gambling transaction anyway, but most people shouldn't have a problem.

Don't Present That Card Just Anywhere

You may have your Visa in hand ready to buy some chips or spin those reels, but you don't want to use a credit card with the first site that pulls up on your search. You'll want to factor in reputation, fee structure, and payout processing into your decision-making process.

Credit or Cash Advance?

Using a credit card is essentially taking a cash advance from your bank or credit card provider and, even though most transactions aren't recorded that way for everyday purchases, gambling may trigger an additional cash advance fee.

It's entirely up to the issuer of the card, but they can code your transaction as a cash advance and tack on those higher interest rates that accompany that additional service. It can get pricey for players who use a site that charges for the transaction and then have their bank apply cash advance fees as well, so credit card use may be the easiest, but it's certainly not the cheapest.

The Fees

Putting aside the APR (Annual Percentage Rate) that banks charge monthly for any carryover of a balance, the casino, sportsbook, or poker room may also tack on some costs of their own.

This is a more common practice with sites that allow for players from the United States. You'll find that the UK or European servicing websites that prohibit US registration are much more generous in their banking policies and are typically fee-free.

The mention of any charges being assessed for credit card use may bring to mind withdrawal fees but, believe it or not; some sites charge players to transfer into their betting account as well. One well-known sportsbook charges 5.9% just to make a deposit using Visa or Mastercard, and then there are other costs added to the reverse transactions as well.

One other thing to take into consideration is the way you're initiating your deposit. A fee-free designation or the posted rates, if there are any, apply to transactions made using the automated system hosted within the website. This is the most straightforward method as players can input their card information, the amount they want to transfer, and then the bank makes its approval decision, all within seconds.

If on the other hand, you go to the customer service department and make a charge by phone request, you could be looking at extra fees. It's not uncommon, even for a betting sites that offers free banking, to charge something for payments by phone.

There's one other fee that could be assessed depending on your location and that of your chosen gambling site, and that's the international service fee. In some cases, you could be charged a percentage of your deposit and/or withdrawal for currency exchange.

Turnaround Time for Credit Card Transactions

One of the benefits of using a credit card to transfer money to a gambling site is the speed of the transaction, at least for deposits. Payments made using the automated system are approved (or denied) in a matter of seconds, and that money is then immediately made available for betting use.

Best Online Betting Account Bonus

Payouts, on the other hand, are an entirely different story. We'll get more in depth with withdrawals in a moment but, but credit card payouts are not always an option.

The websites that do allow for those reverse transactions still take much longer than instant deposits that are just so appealing.

Cashing out any winnings first has an internal approval process by the sports betting cashier attached to make sure that any bonus wagering requirements have been met and that the payout is in line with its policies.

Then, there could be another waiting period as the payment request is sent to the credit card provider for processing. Some websites will promote fast turnarounds within a few days, but some have as high as a 7-10 business day window before you'll have cash in hand or, more accurately, 'cash on card.'

Non-Credit Card Payouts

Sports betting sites require their customers to use the same method for both deposits and withdrawals but, in the case of credit card users, that's not always an option. If we had to estimate, we'd say that only about 40% of sites will offer credit card payouts and they're usually not the ones that allow US players to join.

If your chosen gambling provider doesn't allow for credit card payouts, the default method is generally a check or some bank or wire transfer which, in both cases, will hold up your payment anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, so know these requirements before depositing with a credit card.

The 7995 – AKA the Challenge For US Players

The legality of online gambling for US players has never been well defined, so that everyone would be on the same page. But, the one highly referenced act, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 is the one that sent US-based online gambling providers packing.

Although they moved their physical operations, where does that leave players?

Well, the act doesn't state that online gambling is illegal. What it addresses is the payment processing for internet betting, directly targeting banks and the operators but not the customers who use the services.

Credit card companies use a coding system involving a list of merchant codes that, in the most general terms, defines the purchase being made. For example, if you paid for a meal in a restaurant, it would fall under the 'dining' code.

When there was nothing on the books officially allowing for online betting anywhere in the US, transactions were categorized under one main code, 7995.

The New Jersey, Nevada, And Delaware Effect

In 2013, when online gambling was officially legalized in the states of New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware, players and operators still faced the challenged of the dreaded 7995. Even though the transactions should have been approved, financial institutions retained the blanket decline without any further investigation.

As you can imagine, that did not sit well with the casinos or the customers so, in 2015, new codes were added by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express to define further the transaction that was initiated.

The three new codes categorized the following:

• Government-run online lotteries
• Regulated online casinos
• Regulated events for online horse and dog racing

Mastercard also has a newer code that is used for cash advances for legal gambling.

This doesn't open up approvals across the board but does allow for easier use within the state lines of Nevada, Delaware, and New Jersey.

Non-Direct Use Of Credit Cards

Even if you aren't able to use your credit card for a straight deposit into a betting account, there are still some ways you can use it, and you may even save yourself some money by taking a different route.

These days, gambling sites have expanded their menus, adding to the traditional credit card and wire transfer methods to include e-wallets like Skrill or PayPal as well as Bitcoin. Bitcoin has become one of the more favored ways to conduct financial transactions as there isn't an overseeing authority designating how you can and can't use your money.

Can be funded with a credit card by using an exchange company like Coinbase. You set up your credit card and transfer in from your local currency, and it can then be exchanged to Bitcoin and put into your wallet for a direct transfer to any sportsbook or casino that takes this cryptocurrency.

In some cases, depending on your 'between' method used, you could save yourself some fees that the sportsbook may apply to credit card transactions.

Bitcoin Betting Sites Evolving into Credit Card Sites

In 2014, Bitstarz became the first Bitcoin-only casino to start taking credit cards. It may seem like an odd thing to do because Bitcoin allows for such easy deposits and withdrawals, but if you think about it, it makes sense.

Credit cards have a higher acceptance rate for deposits than payouts and players don't want to wait weeks to receive a check in the mail or be made to set up a bank transfer.

Accepting credit cards for deposits and then converting to Bitcoin for withdrawals allows for nearly instant transactions in both directions for the customer, as well as a way to put some Bitcoin away for investment purposes. If cash in hand is needed quickly, though, an exchange service can also transfer that Bitcoin to your designated traditional currency and put it in your bank account or credit your card.

Debit, Prepaid, And Gift Alternatives

We're talking specifically about credit cards here, but there are plenty of similar card alternatives that may offer easier acceptance and lower fees.

Debit cards have been used as long as credit cards in the world of online betting and usually go hand in hand with the credit card structure. So, instead of saying credit cards and debit cards are allowed, the site may just put all Visa designated cards, Mastercard and Maestro into one category. The fee structure is typically the same, and the acceptance is still in the hands of the bank or card provider.

Gift and prepaid cards that have the Visa designation or are provided by another primary card company will usually come with the same charges attached, if any, but may allow for easier approval.

These types of non-credit based cards act as cash transactions as the prepaid cards are loaded with a designated amount of money and your debit card is pulling directly from your checking account based on your available balance.

The Benefits to Credit Card Gambling

• Speedy deposits so you have your money available for betting in an instant
• Allows for currency exchange
• Many players have at least one credit card
• Depending on available card credit, you can keep overspending at bay
• Outside of the US, most credit card transactions into a casino, sportsbook, or poker room are free
• Can use credit cards to fund alternative methods like e-wallets or Bitcoin

The Downside to Credit Cards

• Not always offered as payout alternatives
• The approval is up to the card issuer and not always tied to your available balance
• US players have a much smaller chance of being approved
• Banks can consider your transaction to be a cash advance and charge you a higher percentage rate
• Casinos, sportsbooks, and poker rooms may charge fees for credit card use and a higher rate for international transactions
• You can bet above your means and you're using money you have to pay back

One of the first experiences you have at all betting sites is making a deposit to fund your account. It's important that banking options at betting websites are convenient.

The purpose of this page is to assist you in finding the funding method that best serves your unique needs. These are some of the best betting deposit options according to security, ease of use, and speed of processing.

In 2014, Bitstarz became the first Bitcoin-only casino to start taking credit cards. It may seem like an odd thing to do because Bitcoin allows for such easy deposits and withdrawals, but if you think about it, it makes sense.

Credit cards have a higher acceptance rate for deposits than payouts and players don't want to wait weeks to receive a check in the mail or be made to set up a bank transfer.

Accepting credit cards for deposits and then converting to Bitcoin for withdrawals allows for nearly instant transactions in both directions for the customer, as well as a way to put some Bitcoin away for investment purposes. If cash in hand is needed quickly, though, an exchange service can also transfer that Bitcoin to your designated traditional currency and put it in your bank account or credit your card.

Debit, Prepaid, And Gift Alternatives

We're talking specifically about credit cards here, but there are plenty of similar card alternatives that may offer easier acceptance and lower fees.

Debit cards have been used as long as credit cards in the world of online betting and usually go hand in hand with the credit card structure. So, instead of saying credit cards and debit cards are allowed, the site may just put all Visa designated cards, Mastercard and Maestro into one category. The fee structure is typically the same, and the acceptance is still in the hands of the bank or card provider.

Gift and prepaid cards that have the Visa designation or are provided by another primary card company will usually come with the same charges attached, if any, but may allow for easier approval.

These types of non-credit based cards act as cash transactions as the prepaid cards are loaded with a designated amount of money and your debit card is pulling directly from your checking account based on your available balance.

The Benefits to Credit Card Gambling

• Speedy deposits so you have your money available for betting in an instant
• Allows for currency exchange
• Many players have at least one credit card
• Depending on available card credit, you can keep overspending at bay
• Outside of the US, most credit card transactions into a casino, sportsbook, or poker room are free
• Can use credit cards to fund alternative methods like e-wallets or Bitcoin

The Downside to Credit Cards

• Not always offered as payout alternatives
• The approval is up to the card issuer and not always tied to your available balance
• US players have a much smaller chance of being approved
• Banks can consider your transaction to be a cash advance and charge you a higher percentage rate
• Casinos, sportsbooks, and poker rooms may charge fees for credit card use and a higher rate for international transactions
• You can bet above your means and you're using money you have to pay back

One of the first experiences you have at all betting sites is making a deposit to fund your account. It's important that banking options at betting websites are convenient.

The purpose of this page is to assist you in finding the funding method that best serves your unique needs. These are some of the best betting deposit options according to security, ease of use, and speed of processing.

Sites with Fast, Easy, and Secure Deposits

Best Online Sports Betting Book

Safe betting sites make it easy to deposit, play, and get paid.

This is partially a result of increased competition in the gambling industry and partially a result of advancements in online banking in general.

However, we have yet to see a one-size-fits-all betting deposit option that works for everyone, everywhere. The best banking methods vary based on your location, currency, and language.

Best Online Betting Sites

Some gambling payment methods are only available to select countries while others are open worldwide. If you're considering making a deposit and want to know more about available funding methods and which betting sites accept them, you've come to the right place.

Types of Payment Methods at Betting Sites

The descriptions below list major categories of betting deposit options rather than individual banking methods themselves.

• E-wallet Betting Sites: Electronic wallet services such as Neteller, Skrill and PayPal offer a convenient funding mechanism for frequent punters. As the name suggests, e-wallets act as digital wallets where you can store your money, initiate deposits, and receive payments. E-wallets act as middlemen between your banking information and your betting site.
• Credit Card Betting Sites: Credit cards are among the most popular betting deposit methods. Payments are processed instantly, most people have at least one credit or debit card and the process of using credit cards to deposit at betting sites is familiar to anyone who has made an online purchase in the past.
• Debit Card Deposits: Same idea as credit cards except you use the card linked to your bank account. The biggest difference here is that you need to have the money in your account before you can deposit, you shouldn't bet on credit anyways. If it all possible, try to deposit with your debit card before trying a credit card. Betting sites that accept debit cards have higher approval rates.
• eChecks: Electronic checks are simple, fast and safe. All you need is a checking account and you can input your information to send money straight from the bank to your betting account. Many online betting sites offer eCheck deposits and payouts.
• Prepaid Voucher Betting Sites: Prepaid vouchers offer greater security and anonymity than most other gambling deposit methods. You can take physical cash to the local petrol station or department store and leave with an anonymous card or voucher credited with the cash. Take your voucher home, log into your player account, and enter the information provided with the voucher/card. Paysafecard is one of the most recognized names in the prepaid betting voucher category.
• Bank Transfers: Bank transfers at betting sites work similar to eChecks, but the technicalities are a little different. If you choose this option, the betting site will ask for your information and then provide you with an estimated time frame for the money to be credited to your account.
• Instant Deposits: These are the types of betting payment methods you should consider first if you want to start placing real money bets as quickly as possible. The methods described on this page usually have you up and running in minutes.

All Betting Deposit Methods

This section explains how individual payment options work at online betting sites. Each individual page lists more detailed information including which gambling sites accept that method.

Betting Sites Sorted By Local Currency

Betting sites that don't support your primary currency, can be difficult to wager at. Not only do you have to figure out how much each bet is really worth, but you're also hit with exchange fees.

Deposit at online betting sites that accept your currency of choice.

This information isn't always displayed prominently. In many cases, you read through FAQs and help pages only to find out the betting site doesn't even have a list of supported currencies.

We compiled a list of betting websites that accept each currency. Let's begin with a list of the largest, international betting sites that accept a wide range of currencies:

Each of our recommended online betting sites serve international audiences and accept a wide range of currencies. Whether using Dollars, Euros, British pounds, or another currency – you'll be able to play at these safe betting sites without ever dealing with a single foreign exchange fee or confusion when it comes time to place a bet.

Ranking Betting Sites by Currency

There are two things to look for at betting sites that accept multiple currencies. First is accepting deposit methods that are popular with players in your country. Many countries have special deposit methods available that are compatible with that country's banking system. Use one of these deposit methods to fund your account, so you won't get hit with exchange fees.

Second, betting sites should allow you to use your currency whether placing sports wagers, betting on horse races, or playing casino and poker games. It is much easier to comprehend you're risk when you use your native currency in real time. This option is fairly common if you use one of the world's major currencies. It's not as common if you use a currency that isn't as popular.

Betting sites without this feature convert your currency when you join a game or make a wager. It requires significantly more mental effort to truly understand how much money you're risking with each bet you place. For example, if your preferred currency is euros and your betting site only allows you to place wagers in US dollars, you find yourself frequently running mental calculations.

There's one last thing to keep in mind.

Some of the smaller, less widely-used currencies of the world just don't have much support from international betting sites.

Sometimes you will have to exchange currencies whenever you place bets.

You can read more about depositing and withdrawing in specific currencies on each of our country specific pages. Those sections talk about betting laws, depositing in different currencies and specifics relating to each international market.

Next up is a chart that shows that accepted currencies of major betting sites. Note that almost any currency can be used to deposit at any betting site. What we are showing below are currencies that are natively supported (i.e. you can deposit and hold your account balance in that currency).

If your preferred currency is not listed below, that does not mean you're out of luck. You may still deposit with your currency, but it will be exchanged for one of the site's other supported currencies. When you cash out, your bankroll will then be exchanged back into your preferred currency.

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Exchange Fees and Risk

Sometimes you're required to convert your currency to bet online.

If you make a deposit at a site that doesn't support your currency by default, the betting website will perform the currency conversion on your behalf. Reputable betting sites use current market rates to determine the exchange rate. Some will charge a small fee for this service while others do it free.

Exchange risk refers to potential losses when market rates shift. For example, let's pretend you make a deposit in euros and your betting site exchanges your euros for dollars. While you're playing, the value of the euro rises relative to dollars. When you go to withdraw, you'll get back fewer euros because each euros are now a little stronger than they were when you deposited.

The good news about exchange risk is that it's rarely much of an issue. Additionally, exchange risk is just as likely to work in your favor. If you frequently go in and out of various currencies, you're going to win some and lose some. It should all even out in the end.

Free video poker. Pro-Tip: Keep your e-wallet account in the same currency as your betting account.

If you normally bank in a currency not supported by the betting site of your choice, it is best to go ahead and open a Skrill or Neteller account in one of the currencies supported by your site.

Best Online Betting Review

For example, let's say your native currency is the Swiss franc but your betting site only supports euros, dollars, and pounds. In that case, it would be best to set up an e-wallet account in one of those three currencies. You will still incur exchange fees when you cash out to your bank or upload funds to your e-wallet account, but you will not be charged fees when transferring money to and from your e-wallet to your betting site.

This method minimizes the frequency of exchange fees. You can easily transfer money from one betting site to the next while also avoiding cashing out all the way to the bank as much as you can. This way, you only pay exchange fees when you first upload funds to your e-wallet or when cashing out winnings all the way back to your bank account.

How depositing and exchanging currencies should be done.

Some gambling sites are much easier to work with than others consider currencies. William Hill serves as a shining example of how it should be done everywhere. Here's a snippet from a William Hill FAQ page:

'When you access our Casino and choose to Buy Chips you are given an exchange rate for that day. You will be paid the same rate for your Buy Chips (entering the Casino) and Cash In (exiting the Casino).

'You cannot lose any money through the exchange rate as you will receive the same currency rate when entering and leaving.

'Example :

'1 Euro chip bought for 3.250 Hong Kong Dollar on one day if cashed at any point after this you will receive exactly the same rate in return.'

What this means is that William Hill is willing to eliminate all exchange risk for you each day. Very few people would even notice if William Hill didn't offer this service, but they do it anyways. That's such a nice touch and it is little things like this that separate the great betting sites from the good.