Begambleaware GamCare eCogra Verisign

How to Choose a Payment Method When Playing Bingo Online

- Updated by Mike Bennett on -

Array ( [0] => Online bingo continues to grow in popularity, and the possibilities for depositing and withdrawing funds have shifted in line with this. [1] => Payment methods now need to be fast and simple, so that playing funds can be topped up instantly. [2] => There are a number of innovative ways of doing this, as well as some that are likely to be more familiar to you. [3] => Not all of the websites have the same choices available, and there are bound to be some that are more suitable for your needs than others. [4] => For this reason, it’s useful to have an overall understanding of the differences between them. [5] =>
When you’re choosing which option is best for you, there are a few points to take into consideration. [6] => The speed of clearance is obviously going to be a key factor. [7] => It’s also advisable to see if there are any fees attached, and that it’s suitable for withdrawals. [8] => Finally, you should check that you will be transferring your money securely. )
Online bingo continues to grow in popularity, and the possibilities for depositing and withdrawing funds have shifted in line with this. Payment methods now need to be fast and simple, so that playing funds can be topped up instantly. There are a number of innovative ways of doing this, as well as some that are likely to be more familiar to you. Not all of the websites have the same choices available, and there are bound to be some that are more suitable for your needs than others. For this reason, it’s useful to have an overall understanding of the differences between them.
When you’re choosing which option is best for you, there are a few points to take into consideration. The speed of clearance is obviously going to be a key factor. It’s also advisable to see if there are any fees attached, and that it’s suitable for withdrawals. Finally, you should check that you will be transferring your money securely.

Top 10 Bingo Sites

Bingo Regulation Min Deposit Bonus Link
UK Bingo Regulation: UKGC Min. Deposit: £10 200% up to £20 + 150 free spins Play Now Read review
Bingo Loft Regulation: UKGC Min. Deposit: £10 Get £40 + 60 free spins Play Now Read review
#AD #AD, 1st-time depositors only. Min Deposit £10. £30 Bingo Bonus [BB] + 60 Free Spins [FS] on FLUFFY FAVOURITES. Must use promo code: SUPER. FS are valid for 3 days, FS winnings capped at £0.25 per spin. 20 FS will be credited over 3 days. FS wins granted in GB after all FS used. GB must be wagered 35x. Max GB winnings £100 + value of initial bonus. BB Wagering Requirements [WR] 4x. Country restrictions apply. Valid until further notice. 18+. General withdrawal restrictions & Full T&Cs apply.
Mecca Bingo Regulation: UKGC & GGC Min. Deposit: £5 Spend £10 Get £120 Play Now Read review
#AD #AD, NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. DEPOSIT AND STAKE £10 ON BINGO TO QUALIFY WITHIN 7 DAYS OF INITIAL DEPOSIT. SOME PRIZES HAVE WAGERING REQUIREMENTS AND EXPIRY DATES. SEE FULL T&CS FOR MORE DETAIL.
Gossip Bingo Regulation: GGC & UKGC Min. Deposit: £10 200% up to £30bingo bonus + 30 free spins Play Now Read review
#AD #AD, New players only. Valid until 31.12.2024. Min dep £10. 200% Bingo Bonus [BB] max £30 + 30 Free Spins [FS] on selected game (valid for 3 days; wins cap: £4.5). FS wins granted in Games Bonus [GB] & valid on selected games only. WR: 4x BB & 35x GB. GB wins cap: £100 + initial bonus. UK: deposit balance can be withdrawn at any time. Country restrictions apply. 18+. Full T&C apply.
Buzz Bingo Regulation: UKGC Min. Deposit: £10 Up to £40 + 200 free spins Play Now Read review
#AD #AD, 18+ Deposit & stake £10 Bingo get £30 bonus (x4 WR) + £10 Club voucher, &/or stake £10 slots get 200 x 10p Fire Blaze™️ Blue Wizard Megaways™️ spins (x20 WR). Use or add to balance to get both. T&Cs apply.
YaY Bingo Regulation: GGC & UKGC Min. Deposit: £10 50 free spins + 100 bingo tickets Play Now Read review
#AD #AD, First-time depositors only (18+ country restrictions apply). Min deposit: £10. Max offer: 100 Free Bingo Tickets (on Street Party) & 50 Free Spins (on a game of our choice). Promo code: BINGO50. Bingo Tickets are valid for 10 days & Free Spins are valid for 7 days. Free Spins will be available once £5 of deposit funds have been wagered. Free Spins winnings are capped at £5. All winnings are credited to your real money balance. We reserve the right to deny promotional offers based on abusive bonus activity across sites operated by the Company. Deposit balance is available for withdrawal at any time (UK only). General withdrawal restrictions & full T&Cs apply. Valid until 31.12.2024
bet365 Regulation: UKGC Min. Deposit: - 50 free spins + 100 bingo tickets Play Now Read review
#AD #AD, New Bingo customers only. Opt in required. Spend £10 cash on Bingo Tickets to receive 100 Free Tickets and 50 Free Spins on eligible slots. Time limits, exclusions and T&Cs apply.
Lovehearts Bingo Regulation: UKGC Min. Deposit: £10 20 free spins Play Now Read review
#AD #AD, 1st time depositors only (+18). Valid until further notice. Min Deposit £10. 20 Free Spins [FS]. Free Spins will be available once £5 of deposit funds have been wagered and are valid on specific game, for 2 days. FS wins are granted in real cash after all FS are used. FS wins cap: £9,999. UK only: Your deposit balance (defined as Transaction Balance under our Withdrawal Policy) is available for withdrawal at any time. Country restrictions apply. T&Cs apply
Two Fat Ladies Regulation: AGCC & UKGC Min. Deposit: £10 200% up to £88bingo bonus + 20 free spins Play Now Read review
#AD #AD, New players only. Valid until 31.12.2024. Min dep £10. 200% Bingo Bonus [BB] max £88 + 20 Free Spins [FS] on Irish Luck (valid for 3 days, wins cap: £3). FS wins granted in Games Bonus [GB] & valid on selected games only. WR: 4x (BB); 35x (Bonus amount). GB wins cap: £100 + initial bonus. UK: deposit balance can be withdrawn at any time. Country restrictions apply. 18+. Full T&C apply.
Spectra Bingo Regulation: GGC & UKGC Min. Deposit: £10 200% up to £30bingo bonus + 30 free spins Play Now Read review
#AD #AD, New players only. Valid until 31.12.2024. Min dep £10. 200% Bingo Bonus [BB] max £30 + 30 Free Spins [FS] on selected game (valid for 3 days; Max wins cap 0.25p). FS wins granted in Games Bonus [GB] & valid on selected games only. WR: 4x bingo bonus; 35x GB. GB wins cap: £100 + initial bonus. UK: deposit balance can be withdrawn at any time. Country restrictions apply. 18+. Full T&C apply.
Lucky Pants Regulation: AGCC & UKGC Min. Deposit: £10 100% up to £200 + 100 free spins Play Now Read review
#AD #AD, New players only. Welcome package of £200 bonuses will be split into first 3 deposits with 100 free spins. (Exc PayPal) 100 free spins playable on Fluffy Favorites slot game excluding progressives. Minimum deposit to claim the 1st welcome offer is £10. Free spins valid for 7 days and carries 25x wagering requirement and max bonus to cash is 10x the bonus amount. Slot bonus carries 35x wagering requirement and max bonus to cash is £250 valid for 7 days. 18+.Full T&C apply.
*18+ T&C's apply! Click "Play Now" for details

Which Kinds of Methods Will Be Available for Making Deposits?

In the main, the payment methods that you’ll see listed on the bingo sites can be divided into a few distinct categories. The leading brands like Wink Bingo will offer a variety of debit cards to choose from. There are likely to be a number of pre-paid options too, and these will come in several different forms. In some cases, you’ll be given an actual card to use online, but in others, you’ll be issued with virtual vouchers. In addition to these, there will be a selection of eWallets listed. These are often the preferred choice among players because of the ease and simplicity that they provide.

More recently, it has become common to include the digital currency, Bitcoin, among the choices. There has also been a marked increase in the number of players choosing to use their mobile to top up their funds, and the providers have been quick to respond to this desire. There are now several apps on the market for this.

The Benefits of Using an eWallet for Transferring Funds

You’ll find eWallets listed on almost all of the bingo websites, and it’s easy to see why this particular mode has become one of the trusted methods for making online payments at leading sites like bet365 Bingo. Firstly, it provides players with anonymity. During these transactions, no financial information is revealed to the venue, and this makes it one of the most secure ways of making deposits, too. Secondly, this mode is both fast and easy to use. It just takes a few clicks and your funds will be transferred into your account.

To begin, you will need to open an account with one of the eWallet providers. The leader for these in the UK is PayPal, but there are several recognizable names on the market. You are likely to see Skrill listed in the options. This business provides a number of services, including the 1-tap option. You’ll also come across Neteller, who is another leading brand in this field. Both of these companies run VIP schemes for their customers that provide some added benefits, such as lower transfer fees.

Once the eWallet has been set up, it acts as an intermediary between you and the site that you’re using. It is usually linked to your personal bank account, and money from there will be added to your playing balance. During this process, none of your banking details are disclosed, so this is a secure way of transferring cash online.

The Various Options for Pre-Paid Cards and Vouchers

There are lots of pre-paid payment methods on the market, and many of these are accepted at the bingo sites. Again, these are a popular choice among players because of the security and the confidentiality that they provide. Although the general principle remains the same, each of the cards or vouchers differs in format. For instance, every Paysafecard has a unique 16-digit number that can be used online. These have to be bought from one of the sales outlets. The Ecocard can be purchased from the EcoPayz website, and it is then sent to you by post. You can also buy the Entropay Card online, but this always remains a virtual version.

Paying in a Local Currency with the Pre-Paid Astropay Card

Astropay has a number of virtual cards, which can be bought in several different currencies. These offer instant transfers, and the company guarantees that your funds will be fully protected during the whole process. There is the additional option of downloading the Astropay app onto your smartphone or tablet. These are available for both iOS and Android devices.

Astropay Card for Bingo Deposits

The Process of Purchasing and Using an Astropay Card

  1. Open an account at Astropay
  2. Select the value and buy the card
  3. Receive an email with the card details
  4. Go to the cashier on the bingo website
  5. Use the details on the Astropay card
  6. Receive confirmation of your transfer

How Does a Debit Card Work?

Debit cards are the first payment choice for many players, and they rapidly expanding its share of the marketplace. Especially after April 2020 when UKGC banned credit cards to gamble. Most of the bingo sites, especially the long-standing brands such as 888Ladies support debit cards as payment options.

This mode has its own advantage, in as much that you won’t be able to overspend. If you don’t have enough cash in your account, the transactions simply won’t go through. You can usually pick between Maestro, Electron, or Visa Debit, and there may be some local possibilities listed as well.

Projection for Card Payments Made in the UK

Why Is Bitcoin Such a Popular Payment Method?

Bitcoin is frequently listed as a payment option on the websites, especially in the newer bingo venues. This method works on a peer-to-peer basis, and it operates without any centralized government or banking authority. Although a few may see this as a negative, it means that some of the restrictive legislation has been removed, and so transactions can be processed faster and cheaper. Money can be sent all around the world without any need for additional fees. There is complete anonymity too, because your Bitcoin purchases aren’t linked to your identity.

The process is incredibly easy, as you simply choose your wallet and then buy your coins. You’ll then be able to transfer these into your bingo account. This can be done by mobile as well, so you can use your phone or tablet to make the deposit. On occasion, you will find promotions that are specifically linked to this digital currency, and these can be very advantageous. Probably the only downside to using this mode is the fluctuations in the purchasing costs. As it is without any regulation, the market tends to vacillate quite a bit. However, this is still a perfectly viable way of exchanging cash, and it is one that is becoming ever more prevalent in the online venues.

What to Look for When Making Bank Transfers Online

This is almost the default payment method at the online venues, as it is pretty much listed on all of the bingo operators. Somewhat understandably, this is the first choice for many players, purely because it is the simplest. There isn’t any need to open a new account or to download any apps. You just complete the transfer request at your bank, either online or by telephone, and the transaction will take place. There are a couple of negatives with this option that will need to be considered. The first is that the processing times are often far lengthier. It can take up to ten days for funds to clear in some instances. The other thing to note is that there are usually fees associated with a bank wire, so you should be aware of what these are before you decide to proceed.

The Ease of Making a Deposit with a Mobile Phone

A recent survey revealed that 66% of bingo players access their games on their smartphones. For this reason, it’s good to be able to use your mobile to add some funds to your account. There are several different ways of doing this, and each of the methods is structured slightly differently. In some versions, you will need to download a specific app, and in other cases, your online payments will be added to your regular telephone bill.

The Projected Trends for Future Payment Methods

Projection of payment method in the next decade

At the recent ICE Totally Gaming event, the rise of Bitcoin and Blockchain, which is the leading platform for digital assets, was one of the key discussion points. This payment method is likely to grow in popularity, with other cryptocurrencies expected to become more mainstream. Forecasts for the immediate future suggest that the move towards a cashless society will continue. The biggest beneficiary in this development will be debit cards, with the contactless versions becoming more widespread. By 2025, it is thought that 50% of all payments in the UK will use some form of a card. The data also suggests that mobile payments will increase further, and this is supported by companies like Amazon and Samsung joining this market place.

Some Security Tips for Transferring Funds Online

On the whole, it is incredibly safe to transfer funds online. The majority of the sites and the providers use encryption technology to ensure that financial data remains confidential during all transactions. Before you part with any cash, you should take the time to check that your venue has these systems in place. Additionally, it’s better to refrain from storing your passwords or personal information on any devices, and especially so if they are shared or mobile. It’s also advisable to log out of your account at the end of your bingo sessions. These few simple precautions will help to prevent any fraudulent activities from taking place.

A Final Checklist for Making Online Transactions

There are a few things to bear in mind when you are deciding upon which of the payment methods is right for you. You will ultimately be looking for a fast and easy way to deposit funds into your bingo account, and so it’s important to look at the clearance times for each of the choices available. On the whole, the transactions are instant, but it’s still good to verify this. Also, you should check whether you can use the same mode to make withdrawals, as this isn’t always possible. Finally, see if there are any fees attached. If there are, you may prefer to pick an alternative way of transferring your cash.

Bingo Sites by Payments Methods