Online Poker Using Personal Checking Account – How to Deposit Guide

1) Bank Transfer

-Works well in areas with no banking restrictions
– Very secure method…your info is protected
– In most cases this will be an instant deposit
– Available at Sportsbook Poker, Players Only, Ultimate Bet, Absolute Poker, and Party Poker

A bank transfer is a very simple process for most players. This method normally requires setting up an account at one of the above casinos and selecting “bank transfer” from the list of deposit options. From there, you’ll have to enter your checking account number and the bank’s routing number along with a few other details that are used to confirm your account. The casino will request that the funds be transferred immediately; about 75% of the banks out there will comply with the request in real time. Some financial institutions may require up to 48 hours for the request to process though.

Players in areas that have legislation against online casinos will probably not be able to use this deposit method.

2) Instant eCheck

– Bypasses local banking restrictions
– All information is encrypted for maximum protection
– Money is available instantly
– Available at Ultimate Bet, Absolute Poker, and Full Tilt Poker

An eCheck is identical to a bank transfer in terms of entering the information at the poker room of your choice, but the process varies a little bit on how the money is actually handled. Since the funds are sent electronically, this method bypasses any local restrictions that authorities may have in place to prevent banking deposits. Although the money generally takes 2-3 days to arrive at the poker room, both Ultimate Bet and Absolute Poker will credit the funds to your account immediately after they receive the electronic confirmation (which takes place about 10 seconds after you send the money).

In the near future this will probably be the premiere deposit method by most casinos and poker rooms because of the simplicity, but for now only a handful of them have it available.

3) Money Transfer Website

– Bypasses local banking restrictions
– Money arrives within minutes
– Acceptable websites vary by region
– Available at Sportsbook Poker, Players Only, Ultimate Bet, Absolute Poker, and Party Poker

You’ve probably seen these types of websites all over the place but figured they were only for services like eBay and other site to site purchases, but they actually work very well for online poker rooms as well. It would be impossible to list all of the money transfer sites on the net but a few of the more popular ones for different regions are PayPal, MoneyBookers, NetTeller, ClickandBuy, GiroPay, EPS, and POLi. Each of these are designed for a certain geographical banking customer in mind, so be sure to research which ones will work for you.

Once you find a money transfer website that you can use, you’ll have to register for an account there and transfer money through your checking account. The funds will arrive almost instantly and from there you can move the money to any of the above poker rooms that are listed. Do not forget to verify that the money service is available in your area AND your favorite casino accepts it.

4) Money Wire

– Completely safe method to send money
– Requires visiting a participating location
– Verification takes between 2-8 hours
– Available at Sportsbook Poker, Players Only, Ultimate Bet, Absolute Poker, and Party Poker

A money wire is basically the brick and mortar equivalent of a money transfer website. This will normally not be your best option when you’re paying with money inside your checking account, but sometimes it may be necessary and it is much better than waiting on the mail to deliver a check. To send a money wire, just find a local business that offers that type of service and provide them with the routing details for any of the above poker rooms.

5) Personal Check/ Money Order

– The least secure method to send money
– Takes 3-5 days, or longer if address is international
– Available at Sportsbook Poker, Players Only, Ultimate Bet, Absolute Poker, and Party Poker

I’m sure you’re familiar with how to send a check or a money order by mail so I will not go into details except to say that you do not want to use this method. Postal mail can easily get lost or stolen and there is absolutely no reason to take those chances with the other four options we’ve already discussed.

In fact, if none of the above methods work for you, it would make more sense to write a check to a local store and purchase a pre-paid credit card for deposits instead. That way you’re still playing poker the exact same day and you’re not risking someone intercepting your personal information in the mail.

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