Debit- and Credit Card Casinos

Difference between Credit and Debit Cards

Credit and debit cards are plastic and for financial transactions. Due to their similar design, it is not uncommon for gamblers to confuse them. However, they are not the same. Let us examine their differences in depth below.

Credit Cards

By design, the credit card allows the holder to borrow money to a determined limit. As the name implies, banks lend the player a short-term loan that must be repaid within a time. Hence, it is possible to incur an overdraft if the individual exceeds the credit limit. Not only this but fees and interests when the balance is not paid at the due date. On the upside, responsible use builds a positive financial history, which comes in handy for loans. Likewise, card issuers offer reward programs and cashbacks to encourage use. In turn, gamblers use the welcome bonus to play games like European roulette.

Debit Cards

Debit cards are the opposite of credit cards. In this case, players use funds directly from a linked account. As a result, the sum available to gamble is limited to the available balance. Also, it is not a loan since you are spending the cardholder’s money. Consequently, it does not attract any interest charges, nor does it impact credit history. Due to this, cardholders seldom offer rewards.

Why are credit cards popular?

Credit cards are easy and convenient to use and are mostly issued by reputable banking institutions. To receive a credit card, you must apply via an application process that considers your monthly affordability. Once it is approved, you will have a specific limit for you to use for your daily purchases, including gambling at the best online casino sites.

So, what attracts an online casino player to credit card deposit and withdrawals? Let us take a closer look at the perks below.

Online security

Playing in a credit card casino means entering your personal and financial information when funding your play. Online transactions do carry inherent risks of potentially exposing sensitive information. To mitigate the challenge, these cards are one of the most secure banking options. Credit institutions deploy encryption and third-level tier security to ensure all transactions are protected and secure and do not end up in the hands of third parties.

Widely accepted

Most online casinos in South Africa accept credit cards. Although a UKGC gambling license does not allow you to use your credit card at UK-based casinos, other gambling licenses allow it. To check if an online casino accepts these cards, head to the payment section and view the deposit methods.

Convenience

You can use your card anywhere. In a shop, online groceries purchase, and even at the best online casinos. Credit cards are even valid abroad for international purchases. However, many banks first approve it before you can use it to fund your play or for other transactions.

No need for additional e-wallets

E-wallets offer convenience and a high level of security. However, tracking e-wallets and funds scattered here and there is a hassle. Instead, credit cards offer a one-stop shop for all your online transactions, including gambling online. You do not need to waste time opening an additional e-wallet and making transfers, as your credit card is sufficient for that.

Reward programs

Almost all online casinos that accept credit cards offer the possibility of earning a deposit bonus or points with every transaction you make. Once you accumulate specific points, you will be eligible for cashback and other casino bonuses. Just like playing at an online casino and enjoying a lucrative loyalty program, credit card users enjoy bonuses for casino games. Hence, explore the reward programs before applying and pay attention to eligible casino games.

Personal credit card limits

When applying for a card in a credit card online casino, you must first agree on a specific amount of credit on your card. In return, the card provider will not allow you to go over the limit. This tool, along with personal limits set by you at the gambling site, offers a responsible gambling tool that allows better control over the money spent. Limits are set with the banking institution following an affordability test, hence eliminating the risk of any gambling addictions that might arise.

How to deposit?

If you have a credit card readily available and would like to use it to top up your online casino account, follow these steps:

• Head to the online casino gambling site and log in using your username and password.
• Click on the CASHIER icon and click on DEPOSIT.
• From the payment drop-down menu, choose CREDIT CARD.
• Enter the cardnumber with the expiry time and the CVV.
• Enter the amount of money you would like to deposit.
• Review all of the information that you have input and hit the CONFIRM button.

All your credit card deposits are straightforward, and you can execute them using the above method. The funds transfer is immediate, with online casinos not charging any fee to use your card for gaming transactions.

How to withdraw funds?

Withdrawing funds using your credit card is also a simple process and is available at top online casinos. If you have secured winning funds and would like to place a withdrawal request, here is how to do it:

• Log in to your online casino account using your username and password.
• Head over to the CASHIER section.
• Click on WITHDRAW.
• From the drop-down menu, choose the credit card you would like to withdraw your winnings.
• Enter the amount you would like to withdraw.
• Enter the card details, including card number, expiry date, and CVV. (If you used it for depositing funds, the site will likely have all the information already).
• Review and click CONFIRM to go ahead with your payment.

Once you hit the Confirm button, credit card casinos will review your Visa cards withdrawal requests and process the funds transfer. However, you may need to wait 1-5 working days for your money to reach you.

Disadvantages

Like any other payment method, card payment options in online casinos accepting credit cards in South Africa pose some disadvantages. Let us explore some of them and how to mitigate them below:

Timescales

Unfortunately, withdrawals at the best credit card casinos often take considerable time to reach the final destination. Sometimes, up to 5 working days. The only way to avoid this is by opting for other payment methods like e-wallets or cryptocurrencies. We will discuss more of them in the coming sections.

Fraud

We did mention that credit cards are relatively safe to use online. However, fraud does occur when your details end up in the wrong hands. When this happens, contact your financial provider and raise a dispute to recover the funds. Mind that all of the casinos listed on our site use external payment providers, the casino company will never see your details.

Might not be available for withdrawal purposes at top online casinos

Many credit cards allow you to deposit and withdraw funds at online casinos. However, not in all cases, as some only offer deposits. When this happens, you need an alternative method to withdraw your winnings at gambling sites.

Paying high-interest rates

Credit cards are offered with a % APR that you need to repay on a debit balance on your card. This means you may incur a high-interest rate that ranges from 5% to 20%. If you are a regular credit card user, consider the additional fees that come with top online casino deposits. We strongly advise against playing with loaned money. Do you need more limit on your card? Simply put extra money on your card to prevent paying interest rates.

Tips for safely using credit cards

The best credit card casinos provide a fast way to access cash and gamble without financial restrictions. However, this advantage quickly becomes a snare for unsuspecting players. The reason is that it carries an inherent risk of falling into debt. Follow these tips to gamble responsibly with credit cards:

Set a budget or limit

A budget is crucial for every deposit and withdrawal method, not only a credit card. However, in the case of credit card casinos, it is more important. First, determine the amount you can lose without affecting your life or essential expenses. If you cannot do it on your own, ask your card issuer for help. Request they set a lower limit so you won’t exceed a loan amount for gambling activities.

Review your activities

We recommend you review your card statements periodically to track your spending. Pay attention to the trends to pick signs of unhealthy gambling expenditure. Likewise, monitor for unauthorized transactions. If possible, avoid using Visa credit card for cash advances at ATMs for gambling, as they attract higher fees and interest rates.

Take breaks between gambling

One of the ways to get the best from gambling is to allocate specific time for it. After gaming for a session, take breaks to prevent impulsive decisions. It further helps you to avoid chasing losses by increasing your bet size.

Ask for help

If you’re struggling to control your gambling activities, ask for help from professional counselors. Most online casinos in South Africa offer links to the national gambling helpline or self-help organizations like the National Responsible Gambling Program that assists with problematic gambling. Likewise, the websites have self-service tools to control habits. Examples include self-exclusion, betting limits, and limits on credit card deposits.

Alternatives to credit cards

Credit card payments sometimes fail due to various reasons. For example, insufficient funds or transaction limits. To avoid feeling stranded, use any of the following payment methods:

Bank transfer

Bank transfer is among the oldest transaction methods in credit card online casinos and is the preferred payment method of most traditional South African players. It involves sending money from your bank account to the casino’s account or directly to your betting account. The payment channel is safe and secure but takes longer than most deposit options. Read our article on bank transfer for all you need to know about the deposit channel.

Citadel

Citadel is another popular casino deposit and withdrawal method in South Africa. Citadel’s instant deposits solution makes funds available for betting within minutes. Most importantly, users don’t need to open an account, and the fees are lower compared to other payment methods. Read our article on Citadel Instant Payments for more information.

Debit and prepaid cards

We already explained debit cards above so there is little need to dwell on it. In contrast, prepaid cards allow you to load a specific amount onto a card and use it for payments. However, the user does not need to reveal their banking details in the process. Common examples of deposit options available to play live dealer games include Paysafecard and prepaid Visa card or Mastercard.

Cryptocurrencies

Crypto payments are fast-rising in the online gambling world. Unlike most casinos that accept Mastercard, players fund their accounts via Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any other cryptocurrency. Crypto payments offer the highest level of security and anonymity. Plus, the processing time is one of the fastest and there is little or no associated fee.

Conclusion

If you want to avoid the hassle of having another payment method added to your busy life, consider online casinos that accept credit cards for online payments. They are convenient, and most of us even have them besides use at an online casino site. Credit cards offer a one-stop shop experience where you can fund all your online purchases with one banking method, including wagering and playing games.

Earning rewards and cashback on all your transactions is a solid perk. Likewise, the currency conversion fees involved stay at a minimum. You can use the cashback to play further at your go-to online gambling site, with your credit card limits assisting you in playing responsibly at all times.

Frequently asked questions about Credit card casinos