Test withdrawal

A test withdrawal is a small withdrawal whose purpose is not so much receiving the money as checking the casino's withdrawal process. It lets you find out for yourself how long approval takes, whether the casino asks for documents, which payment method the money moves through and when it actually reaches your account. A test withdrawal gives you a measurement based on your own experience, not on advertising.

Why make a test withdrawal

The withdrawal time promised by a casino may not match your experience. The time stated in the terms often refers to the casino processing time, not to the money arriving, and does not take into account your bank or the day of the week. A test withdrawal helps you:

• find out whether account verification has been fully completed and whether the casino asks for additional documents;
• check whether your chosen payment method supports withdrawals and whether the same-method rule applies;
• measure the actual time from request to money arriving;
• see whether the casino processes withdrawals in the evening and at the weekend too.

If the first withdrawal is small and goes smoothly, withdrawing a larger amount later is usually easier, because the initial check has already been done.

How to make a test withdrawal

1. Check the minimum withdrawal. The test amount must be at least the casino's minimum. Also see the withdrawal limit.
2. Avoid an active bonus. If you have an active bonus, an unmet wagering requirement can block the withdrawal. It is better to test with a balance that has no bonus.
3. Note the time. Record the time of the request, the changes in casino status (“pending”, “processing”, “paid”) and the time the money arrived in your bank account.
4. Do not reverse the request. If the pending time drags on, do not cancel the withdrawal. Otherwise the measurement will be left unfinished.
5. Repeat under different conditions. For a comparison, test on both a business day and at the weekend and, if needed, with different payment methods, for example Trustly and a card.

You will find a step-by-step guide and a sample table in the post test withdrawal: how to measure casino speed yourself.

How to interpret the result

A single test withdrawal gives a good first picture, but it is not the final truth. Withdrawal speed can vary by amount, time of day and account history. The first withdrawal is often slower than subsequent ones, because a more thorough check is done then. On the other hand, a very large withdrawal can trigger an extra check that a small test does not show.

If a test withdrawal stays pending for a long time or the money does not arrive, find out at which stage the delay occurred. If the status is “paid” but the money is not in your account, the cause may be on the bank's side. Useful background on SEPA transfers can be found on the European Central Bank's SEPA page and about Trustly on the Trustly website.

The measurement principles used in our comparisons are set out on the methodology page. You will find a comparison of casinos offering fast withdrawals on the casinos page.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to make a deposit for a test withdrawal?

Yes, a withdrawal requires a real-money balance in the account. The purpose of the test, however, is not to play but to check the process, so it is best to use a small amount you would not mind losing.

Can a casino object to a test withdrawal?

No. Withdrawing is the player's right, and making small withdrawals is normal. If the casino requires the deposited amount to be wagered to a certain extent before a withdrawal, this must be stated in the terms.

A test withdrawal is also a good habit from a responsible gambling point of view: it helps you keep control over your money. You will find more information on the responsible gambling page.