Card payment

A card payment is a payment you make with a Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card. At a casino it is one of the most familiar payment methods: you enter your card details, approve the payment in your bank's app and the deposit is often in your account within seconds. A withdrawal to a card, however, works differently and is in many cases slower than a withdrawal to a bank account.

How a card payment works at a casino

A card payment involves your bank (the card issuer), the card network (Visa or Mastercard) and the casino's payment provider. Online, the payment usually has to be approved with 3-D Secure, the strong authentication for card payments. In Europe this requirement came from the Payment Services Directive PSD2, and in practice it means two-factor authentication, such as a confirmation in your bank's app. More information is in the Wikipedia article on 3-D Secure.

Not every card will necessarily work at a casino. Some banks restrict gambling transactions or allow them only under certain conditions, and the casino may also accept only certain card types. If a payment fails, the cause is not always the casino.

When paying by card, also keep in mind that your card statement may show the name of a payment provider or of the company operating the casino instead of the casino's name. If you see an unfamiliar transaction, first compare the amount and date with your casino account history before filing a dispute with your bank.

Why a withdrawal to a card takes longer

A withdrawal to a card is not a mirror image of a deposit. Card networks have a separate solution for sending money to a card, but not all banks or casinos support it. Where it is available, the money can arrive quickly; where it is not, the money travels through the card network's normal settlement cycle and may only reach your account after a few banking days. On top of this there is always the casino's own processing time.

That is why many players who want a fast withdrawal prefer a bank transfer or solutions such as Trustly. The article Trustly vs card payment explains the difference between card payments and Trustly.

What to check before paying by card

• Whether the casino pays out to cards. If not, you will need to add a bank account for withdrawals and may have to prove that the card and account belong to you. This often follows from the same-method rule.
• Card photo or statement. During KYC a casino may ask for a picture of the card with the middle digits and security code covered. Never send the full card number and CVV code.
• Credit card. When you play with a credit card you play with borrowed money, which can quickly become expensive. Prefer a debit card or a bank payment.
• Card validity. If the card expires or is closed before the withdrawal, the money may bounce back and the withdrawal be delayed.

You can compare casinos supporting Visa and Mastercard withdrawals on the Visa withdrawals and Mastercard withdrawals pages.

Common problems and questions

The casino says the withdrawal is "paid" but the money is not in my account. What should I do?

This is normal for a card withdrawal, because the money travels through the card network. Wait a few banking days, then ask the casino for the transaction reference and contact your bank. Ask the bank whether the incoming payment is pending on the card or has been rejected.

Is a card payment safe?

Yes, if you pay at a licensed casino and approve the payment in your bank's app. In case of an unauthorised transaction you can turn to your bank. If you play at a casino licensed in Estonia, check its licence via the Tax and Customs Board (EMTA).

A card makes it easy to deposit without thinking. If you notice this happening, set limits and see the responsible gambling page.