Poker Deposit Methods For US Players Include, Bank Cards, Credit Cards, Cash Transfers And Wires –
My Guide To The Best Poker Deposit Methods For US Players And How To Use Them.
Restrictions that the US government has put in place regarding online gaming have made it harder and harder to deposit money into online poker rooms. However, there are still some good quality rooms accepting players from the United States. These rooms still have a choice of deposit methods that are fast and easy for US players.
This article will focus on the 'Big 3' US sites, Carbon (Merge Network), Lock Poker (the renamed 'Revolution Gaming Network') and Bovada (formerly Bodog). Bear in mind that these sites are competing between themselves for your business - which means you can take advantage of some generous bonus offers, including a 200% deposit match at both Lock and Carbon Poker (see below!).
Poker Funding Options for US Players
While funding your poker account if you are a US player has become a little more difficult. US facing poker sites have been working diligently to add more different options - many players are pleasantly surprised how easily they can fund their accounts, See some of the best current US Deposit Options below for the key options in 2013:
Visa Credit Card – This is the number one option when it comes to funding your poker account. The Visa Card has a very high success rate at most US facing rooms. You will be able to safely fund your account in a matter of seconds using your Visa Card.
Mastercard Credit Card – The Mastercard is our second recommended option. The success rate is not as high at the Visa Card, but we have seen a steady increase in the Mastercard deposits going through.
Western Union – Western Union is another popular funding option for US players. In order to fund your account by using Western Union you will have to go to a Western Union Shop and pay in cash for the amount you would like to deposit. You will then need to transfer your deposit to the poker site that you would like to play at. The only issue I have with Western Union is the fees. The poker room itself does not charge fees, but Western Union does, and they can be very pricey.
Rapidpay - This is another cash transfer service, this time from Moneygram. You pay cash at a kiosk in 100's of cities, and the money is wired over. Bovada use this method, it does come with a fee though is a very reliable system for those who can get to a Moneygram desk.
Planet Mark's US Readers Rec: Carbon Poker are my top choice for easy US deposits in 2013, as well as the biggest US friendly site overall! SNG Planet readers can claim a huge 200% matched welcome bonus (max $5k) with bonus code CARBONPK - Check out the easiest site for US deposits and their really cool software now at Carbon Poker
MoneyGram – MoneyGram is very similar to Western Union in the way it works. You purchase a MoneyGram in the amount that you would like to deposit from a MoneyGram retailer. You then transfer the money to the poker site that you would like to play at. MoneyGram is a little bit less expensive than Western Union.
Rapid Transfer – Rapid Transfer is available at Bovada. It is actually the MoneyGram service, but Bovada refers to it as Rapid Transfer. To deposit at Bovada using this method you will need to visit a retailer that has MoneyGram available and purchase the amount you would like to deposit. You will then need to transfer that amount to Bovada.
American Express Credit Card – A few online poker rooms accept deposits via American Express. This allows you to make a deposit instantly without the hassle of having to go to a retailer to purchase the funds you would like to deposit. If the poker room accepts American Express this will be one of the best options for making a deposit.
Click2Pay – US players that already have a Click2Pay account can use it deposit funds into their account. This is a very simple eWallet that allows you to fund your Click2Pay account using a variety of sources. One of the most popular ways to fund your Click2Pay account is linking it directly to your checking account. The only downfall to Click2Pay is that they are not accepting any new US customers. So, if you are one of the lucky people that already have a Click2Pay account (or have a friend or relation who has one) then this will be a great option for you.
Cash Transfer – Some online sites list Cash Transfer as a deposit method. This method allows you to deposit using either MoneyGram or Western Union.
Player Transfer – Most sites allow players to transfer money to other players. If you have friends that play poker online Player Transfer may be a good option for you to get funds into your account. The only downside to funding via Player Transfer is the poker sites do not actually consider player transfers as deposits so you won’t receive a deposit bonus. I need to note that Carbon and other Merge Poker rooms stopped allowing player-to-player transfers in late 2012 after their move to a new cashier.
US Poker Deposit Security
Many of our players ask us if it is safe to deposit money into an online poker site. The simple answer is yes. Online poker sites use the best encryption software available to ensure that your banking transactions as well as your personal details are safe. Most online poker sites hold player’s balances in a segregated account. The money is not used for day to day operating expenses. It is held separately for player withdrawals. Having said that it is good pratice for players worldwide to keep only the money they need on poker sites - for example if you have a big win then withdraw that cash to the safe-haven of your bank!
Easiest US Poker Deposits Of All In 2013 - Carbon Poker
Carbon Poker moved to a new cashier system at the start of this year, and this has proven to be an awesome move. Not only are most US deposits now getting through first time, they are considerably quicker than their rivals for withdrawals too. Add to this their cool software, nice choice of tables (peak players are now moving towards the 7k mark) and generous promotions and this site should definitely be your top choice. SNG Planet readers can claim a huge 200% matched welcome bonus (up to $5k max) with Bonus Code CARBONPK - Find out for yourself how easy depositing at this cool site is in 2013, visit Carbon Poker now!
