Cashout Methods for American Poker Players in 2010

If you’re a US online poker player then you’ve likely ran into a challenge at some point when trying to cash out from a poker site. Ever since the DOJ began aggressively targeting the payment processors such as NeTeller, the online poker rooms have tried to use many alternatives to make it easier for you to withdraw your hard earned winnings. Let’s take a look at some of the cashout methods that currently work for American players and what you can expect if you use these options. We also have a guide on deposit options for U.S. players. Troubles cashing out your poker winnings have all but disappeared in 2010 at the major independent poker rooms and even some of the poker networks that are open to US players.

e-Check Poker Withdrawals

Pokerstars (Read Review), Full Tilt Poker (Read Review) and Absolute Poker (Read Review) all offer withdrawals via e-check to U.S. players. The time it takes the money to reach your account ranges from 2-4 days, depending on the room. E-check withdrawals are the easiest and fastest method for players from the United States of America in 2010.

Bank Check or wire option

One tactic used by many room is to have accounts with multiple banks and issue you a check via a US bank. These are often owned by sister companies and will not have the name of the poker room on the check. You would deposit or cash this check just like any other check. The procedure for getting one of these checks is often providing the site with proof of your address and name (by sending a copy of a passport or drivers license) and waiting for the check to arrive. For an extra charge you can typically request a check via FedEx or UPS. The minimum cash out amount for a check can range from $50.00 up to $500.00. There may be a fee for having a check processed so check the T&C’s of your poker room before requesting one.

MoneyGram or similar service

If you want your cash very quickly you may request a MoneyGram transfer from some sites. This option often has the highest fees associated with it because MoneyGram charges a percentage of the total amount sent to use their service. If you need the money very quickly, this may be your best bet. MoneyGram has offices all over the country, most often at grocery stores so check their website for the location nearest you. Be prepared to show ID and your tracking number at the counter in order to claim your money. You will be paid in cash when you go to pick up your MoneyGram. If the amount is excessively large this may not be a valid option for you.

Pre-paid cash cards that can be reloaded

Yet another method that’s popular is the issue of an ATM like card that the poker room will load with cash after you make the withdrawal request. These are very convenient and typically have smaller fees attached to them. Check with your poker room to see if they offer a service such as this.

Thinking outside the box

There are some sites that will offer to broker an exchange between you and someone else looking to get money deposited on a site like PokerStars. So they will ask you to do a player-to-player transfer and the person receiving your money will then send you payment via PayPal. Buyers beware here because this opens itself up to fraud and also violates the rules at PayPal. Discretion is the key here and it’s advised that if you can, choose to use this method only with someone you know very well and trust.

Always be aware of new options that a room may offer for cash outs. From time to time new services are introduced that allow you to get your money out easier than old methods. However, you should always be prepared as a US player to seek out alternatives the convenient methods made available to other players in Canada and the UK. Good Luck!

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