Deposit Methods for American Poker Players in 2010

Online poker players that reside in the good ‘ole US of A have several methods of depositing at poker sites like PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker. Timing plays a large role as often there are “windows” of opportunity to use various major credit cards such as Visa or Mastercard. Miss the window however and you may not be able to use the same card that your friend used just days before. In 2009, e-checks became available for U.S. players at the major online poker rooms so problems making deposits have become very rare. Let’s take a look at the various deposit methods available to US players.

e-check Deposits

This is by far the easiest deposit and withdrawal method for American players and virtually everyone else. If you have a checking account you are guaranteed a successful deposit, even if you don’t have the money in your bank account! I wouldn’t suggest testing your luck though. E-check poker deposits used to take 3-7 days to clear your checking account but these days they can clear in 24 hours so you’ll most likely end up being charged a $20-40 overcharge fee if the fund are not in your account when the poker room tries to take them out. Withdrawals via e-check are the fastest way to get your money, regardless of which country you live in. If I submitted an e-check cashout on Tuesday the money will probably be in my bank account by Thursday. Below you will find a list of the major independent poker rooms and online poker networks that accept U.S. players and offer the e-check deposit/withdrawal option:

  • Pokerstars – If you are looking for hassle free deposits and extremely fast cashouts this is the room for you. They accept U.S. players and anyone with a checking account will have no trouble depositing. In 2010 they rank #1 for cashout speeds. They also offer bankwires and checks, which take around 5 days. We are currently offering a 100% match bonus at Pokerstars. What makes this bonus better than others is that you’ll receive a 100% match on not only your first deposit, but your second and third as well, for a total of $600. Read our 2010 Pokerstars review for more info.
  • Full Tilt Poker – This room also accepts deposits and withdrawals via e-check. Depositing at Full Tilt Poker is just as easy as depositing at Pokerstars. They do take slightly longer for cashouts though, usually it will take 2 days for an e-check cashout. When you enter our special referral code during registration you will receive a 100% match bonus up to $600 + a lifetime pass to our $1,000 private freerolls which run twice/month. Read our Full Tilt Poker review for more info.
  • Absolute Poker – This room is on the Cereus Poker Network. They are open to U.S. players and accept all of the major deposit options, including e-checks. After entering our exclusive referral code you will receive a 150% match bonus up to $500. Follow the directions in our Absolute Poker reviewto claim this bonus.

Major credit cards (Visa or Mastercard)

While almost every US bank will decline a gambling transaction many online poker sites have found ways around this. It’s always best to attempt to fund using your credit card (check to see if any cash advance fees will apply) because of convenience. The charge will almost always appear as some random company (it won’t say PokerStars.com), don’t worry if this happens. As long as your deposit shows up as real money at the site (and it will), you’re all set and ready to play poker!

E-wallets (Ultra Pre-paid, Click2Pay, Visa Electron)

The next best option is e-wallets, which are virtual cards (in the case of Visa Electron you can get a real card) that you load using your credit card or bank account and then use the e-wallet to move that cash to the poker site of your choice. These are also very safe, convenient ways to move your money online. In some cases you can load your cash out onto this card as well but make sure to check your specific poker sites policy before doing so.

Western Union and money transfer services

Yet another alternative is to use a service like Western Union. Typically you will see this as an option labeled “Cash Deposit” or “Cash Transfer”. You’ll almost always be asked to send an email request to Customer Service first. You’ll then get instructions on how to make the deposit at the Western Union (or equivalent using a special ID code that will be provided to you in the email. Make SURE that you don’t make any mention of the fact that you’re sending money to a “Poker Site” as this may jeopardize your deposit and the ability to use that service ever again. Most agents at these counters are instructed to report any suspicious activity so be discrete.

“Brokerage” type sites and P2P transfers

As a last resort you may want to use one of the many brokerage sites that are popping up everywhere. These are essentially peer to peer transfer sites that hook you up with someone looking to withdraw their money. You will send them the cash via PayPal and they will in turn deposit the cash amount into your player account. You’re almost always responsible for the PayPal fees in this case. Be very careful of whom you choose to deal with in these situations because if a dispute arises neither the card room or PayPal is going to intervene on your behalf. Ideally, find a buddy that is able to move the money for you as this is a much safer option.

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