Online casinos offer a wide variety of games that players enjoy slots and table games to live dealer options, there’s something for everyone. While the games may be virtual, real money is still involved when you play at online casinos. That means you need to deposit funds into your casino account in order to play. But with so many payment methods available, how do you know which ones are the best options for online casino deposits?

Credit and debit cards

The most common way for players to fund their online australian casinos accounts is with a credit or debit card. Most casinos accept major cards like Visa, MasterCard, Express, and Discover. Using your card to make a deposit is quick and convenient. The money is instantly available to play once the transaction is approved. Cards also offer fraud protection and allow you to dispute any unauthorized charges.  The downsides of using a card include higher rejection rates and deposit fees at some casinos. There are also cash advance fees if you use a credit card. And some banks block gambling transactions, so the deposits won’t go through.

Prepaid cards

Prepaid cards work similarly to debit and credit cards. You purchase a prepaid card, load money onto it and then use it for deposits. Leading prepaid cards for online casinos include Paysafecard, Flexepin and Neosurf. These allow you to make anonymous deposits without linking a bank account. Prepaid cards are easy to obtain, offer convenience and added security. But some casinos restrict prepaid usage or add fees. There are also limits on deposit and your identity. Plus, you’ll need to purchase a new prepaid card when the funds are used up.

Minimums and maximums

When deciding which payment methods to use for online casino deposits, it helps to consider the minimum and maximum limits. Each casino and payment method will have different restrictions in place. Cards often have lower minimums like $10-$25 but higher maximums up to $5,000 per deposit.  Bank transfers and eWallets may have higher minimum deposits of $20-$50 but maximums over $10,000 in some cases. Prepaid cards and cryptocurrency tend to have more modest maximums under $1,000 per deposit. Knowing the limits will help you choose suitable options.

Processing speed

How quickly you want funds available in your account will impact which methods you choose. Cryptocurrency and eWallets are the fastest methods, with deposits posted instantly or within an hour in most cases. Cards are also relatively quick with deposits showing up within 5-10 minutes. Bank transfers are the slowest, taking 1-7 days for deposits to process. If you want to play right away, go with crypto, eWallets or cards for the fastest casino deposits.

Fees and costs

Depositing to online casinos will sometimes incur fees for certain payment methods. Wallet providers like Skrill and Neteller often charge 1-2% per deposit. Cryptocurrency transactions have network fees attached. And some casinos tack on a deposit fee for vouchers and prepaid cards. Bank transfers and card deposits are typically fee-free for the user. But if you use a credit card, cash advance fees apply. Check the casino’s banking section to understand all potential fees so you minimize costs.