As an online bingo player, you may get easily bored with the site you’re currently playing at. New sites are appearing constantly, each offering better things than the previous one. And by things, we mean better promotions and bonuses, better bingo variants and of course, better payment methods.
So how can one decide on the next site to play at? It’s actually pretty simple. You just have to look at the new site’s game selection, software and licenses. If they’re all top-notch, you’ve got yourself a winner. But, make sure to check out the payment methods list, too. Make sure the site offers renowned payment solutions like the German-based SOFORT, for instance. SOFORT is a name that means reliability, trust and security in Germany. And that’s thanks to its dedication and efforts to stay on top of the alternative banking game. If you’re interested in finding out more about it and whether you’re eligible to get started with it, continue reading our thorough overview of the payment solution. Why choose a bingo site that offers SOFORT as a payment method?
SOFORT – Introduction
Created to facilitate online banking…
…SOFORT was first known and popular in Germany, where it is based. It is a solution that connects you, the customer, your bank and the merchant you’re planning on making payments to. Previously known as SOFORT Überweisung, the company began offering its services in 2005. It was designed to provide users with faster, more convenient and easier online banking, and that’s what it does to this day.
Changing its name to Payment Network…
…the company managed to succeed quite well in the area. Since good word travels fast, other countries started showing interest in it. Seven years later, the company changed its name again to SOFORT AG. By then, it had partnered with many banks and financial institutions, making users’ online banking experience better and easier by far. As its popularity grew, so did the competition’s desire to partner with it.
In 2014…
…it was acquired by another popular European financial group that you may be familiar with, Klarna Group. Klarna, a Swedish payment processing company, which had been on the market just as long as SOFORT, decided to give it an offer it couldn’t refuse. They started operating together, and SOFORT rebranded again, to only SOFORT. The two companies received major support by US-based investors, and that was the key to their success all over the world. SOFORT has been named one of the top 100 promising tech companies and has spread its services all over Europe.
As such…
…it has received the online bingo players attention. Online bingo players from Europe are interested in the fact that they can connect their online bingo sites to their bank accounts with SOFORT without having the need to put much effort into finding out whether the bingo site accepts bank transfer methods. They have started requesting bingo sites to provide them with the possibility to transact with SOFORT, and bingo sites have listened. That’s why today, you will find hundreds of online bingo sites that offer this payment solution.
Getting Started
As introduced…
…SOFORT is the middleman, the pathway that connects you, the customer, your bank account and the chosen merchant, in this case, the online bingo site you’re intending to join. As such, it can provide you with the service you need if you don’t have an account with another payment method to use across online bingo sites.
The beauty of it…
…is you don’t even have to create an account with it. You’ll avoid all those annoying procedures where you have to apply for an account by providing your personal details, email and whatnot. You’ll save time every time you’re trying to make a deposit with it, as well, since you won’t need to log in and you won’t need to remember unnecessary passwords and usernames.
You’ll see from the following section that deposits with it are extremely easy, and you’ll just need to go through four simple steps to make your transaction. In just a few clicks or taps on your device, you’ll be able to fund your online bingo account with it and start playing your favourite games.
Depositing and Withdrawing with SOFORT
As just mentioned…
…registration is not required when depositing with this payment solution. So, all you need to do is find an online bingo site that accepts it as a payment method. You’ll see that finding one would not be difficult. The payment solution is available across many online gambling sites, bingo sites included. In fact, there are hundreds of sites where you can play your favourite 75-ball or 50p bingo variants with it.
After you’ve signed up at an online bingo site…
…that accepts it as a payment method, you would need to visit that site’s Banking page. If you cannot find it, look for a Cashier or a Deposit page, since some sites prefer naming them like that. Go to that page and find SOFORT’s logo. Tap on it, if you’re using a mobile device, or click on it if you’re using a desktop device, and a new window will open. You will notice many banks on the screen, out of which you need to select yours. Tap or click on it, and a pop-up will appear where you need to enter your online banking account login details.
You will be provided…
…with a PIN code or otherwise known as TAN code, to complete the transaction. Enter the amount of money you wish to deposit at the online bingo site and the PIN/TAN, and confirm the transaction. Once you verify the transfer, the money will get to your online bingo account in an instant. That’s one of the major advantages this payment solution offers actually, instant deposits.
Withdrawals with it…
…however, are not as easy to make. Considering it is not an eWallet, although it shares some values with eWallets, there’s actually no account, no return address where online bingo sites could send your winnings to. They would have to send the money directly to your bank account, and that would take a bit more of the sites’ time and money. Since all the payment solution does is executing the mediator process of secure money transfer, it does not actually offer the withdrawal service. Therefore, only a few online bingo sites offer it as a withdrawal method. In cases where it is not offered, you would need to look for an alternative to traditional methods, to be able to cash out your winnings.
FAQ
What are the major advantage and the major disadvantage of using this payment method?
SOFORT’s strongest suit is the convenience, the easiness and effortlessness with which you can make deposits across online bingo sites. You don’t need to register an account or log in to a separate account; all you need to do is enter your online bank account credentials. On the other hand, the fact that it cannot be used for withdrawals across most online bingo sites is the real issue. Bingo players prefer playing with payment methods that are available for both deposits and withdrawals.
Does SOFORT offer a Customer Support service in case I need help with something?
Sure. All customers that are using its services get access to the Customer Support, available during weekdays, holidays and weekends, via phone or email. In case you have a question or experience a problem with your transaction, you can always contact the friendly agents.
Which currencies does this payment method offer?
Considering it is a payment method available all across Europe, it is available in many currencies, including GBP, PLN, EUR, CHF, CZK and HUF.
Can I transact with cryptocurrencies with this payment service?
Considering it is a solution that facilitates the transaction of money from your bank account to your chosen merchant, and the fact that cryptocurrencies are of decentralized nature, no. You cannot transact with digital currencies with SOFORT.
How can I be certain this payment solution is safe and trustworthy?
For one, it is a payment solution that has been certified with an ISO-27000 certification. Two, it implements the highest 256-bit SSL encryption technology. And three, it holds the seal TÜV in Germany for Certified Data Protection. Investigate a little about it, and you’ll learn from real users that it is an online payment solution worth your trust. It actually prides itself on the lack of malpractice throughout the years, since its earlier beginnings.
Can I play at an online bingo site with this payment method via my iPhone?
Sure! As long as the online bingo site you joined is compatible with iPhones, you can deposit with SOFORT. The thing is, you need to make a deposit via the Banking page at your chosen bingo site, so as long as you can get to that page via your mobile device, you can access your funds with this payment method.