There are plenty of ways to fund your online poker account, yet most involve sharing your financial information with the poker site. Of the payment methods which help to shield your data, the majority still require you to share your banking details with them. However, a Paysafecard is different in that it can be bought over-the-counter with cold, hard cash and used to make online purchases.
Why use Paysafecard?
Paysafecard provides players with two key benefits – simplicity and safety. The company promises online payments for everyone that are as simple and safe as cash. This is great news for players without access to a bank account or debit card – neither are needed to use Paysafecard.
All you need to do is find your local Paysafecard sales outlet using the site’s search feature and buy Paysafecard there. It’s available in these amounts: 10, 25, 50, 75 or 100 GBP. You’ll receive a 16-digit Paysafecard PIN which you can use to pay at thousands of sites, including online casinos, sportsbooks and poker sites. Plus, you don’t have your funds all at once. It’s possible to use it multiple times while there is a balance on it.
While it’s not possible to withdraw any potential winnings using Paysafecard, the advantages offered still makes it a great option for certain players.
How to use Paysafecard to play online poker
- Compare and choose an online poker site
We’ve put together a list of top online poker sites that offer full support for Paysafecard payments. Since Paysafecard is now widely-accepted, you’ve essentially got the pick of the bunch. Simply have a browse through and see which one takes your fancy – our list is jam-packed with casinos featuring some great bonuses, promotions and of course, the best online poker rooms. - Sign up
Once you’ve decided where you want to play, follow the link we’ve provided which will direct you to a dedicated poker sign up page. Here, you can register an account and become eligible for your welcome bonus by entering a few personal and contact details. - Buy a Paysafecard
If you haven’t already got one, you’ll need to purchase a Paysafecard to make your deposit. Paysafecard’s site has a search feature to help you locate stores that sell Paysafecards. - Make a deposit
With your Paysafecard PIN at the ready, you should head over to the cashier page of your chosen online poker site. Follow the on-screen instructions and select Paysafecard as your payment option. Enter your desired deposit amount – making sure you don’t exceed the value of the card – then insert your 16-digit PIN and confirm payment. - Find a game to join
There’s no hanging around with Paysafecard deposits. They’re processed instantly, so you can start playing immediately. The decision you now have to make is which poker room you want to play in. You’ll be able to choose from a number of variants based on gameplay style and wagering limits. If you’re a complete novice, you might want to start on smaller stakes while you learn the ropes.
Paysafecard Prepaid MasterCard
Customers who create a ‘my paysafecard’ online account can order a physical Paysafecard Prepaid MasterCard that gives them access to their balance. Unlike a Paysafecard PIN, it can be topped up over and over again. The card has exactly the same functionality as a traditional Mastercard, meaning it can be used anywhere online or offline that accepts this payment method.
Paysafecard security
It could be argued that using Paysafecard is the safest way to pay at online poker sites. Much like using cash, paying with Paysafecard means that no personal details, such as bank account or debit card information, ever have to be entered. However, it is still important to look after your Paysafecard PINs to ensure your funds remain safe.
If you keep your Paysafecard PIN to yourself, you’re pretty much guaranteed complete security. It’s impossible to hack paysafecard PINs or to alter their balance in any way. Paysafecard employ a number of technical security measures to prevent this.
On the off chance that you become the target of fraud, you can lock your paysafecard PIN(s) with ease. While this means you won’t be able to make payments, this immediately protects your existing balance from further attacks. Plus, you’ll be able to request a refund, should you wish to.
Paysafecard fees
There are no fees involved to purchase a Paysafecard. However, you may find that some sites charge an additional processing fee for using this method of payment. While this isn’t particularly common, we’d recommend checking out the terms and conditions just to be sure.
Where you will encounter some fees is if you opt to use the Paysafecard prepaid Mastercard. This costs £8 annually and requires a 4% top up fee as well as a 3% ATM withdrawal fee.
Paysafecard welcome bonuses
You might find that your chosen online poker site does accept Paysafecard as a payment method, but disqualifies users who make initial deposits with this payment option from claiming their welcome bonus. his isn’t a frequent occurrence and is much more common with e-wallet options such as Neteller and Skrill. Nevertheless, it’s always a good idea to play it safe – always check out the terms and conditions of any bonus offer before making your first deposit.
