Playing across online bingo sites, you must have noticed that operators go out of their way to provide players with the top offers, best games and the most convenient payment methods such as Visa Debit. Throughout the years, many new bingo game types have been invented, offers have become more rewarding and many new, innovative payment methods have appeared, each providing players with improved bingo experience.
When it comes to payment methods, however, even though new ones appear left and right, players choose to stick with the ones they know best, they trust in and they are used to transact with. One of those payment solutions is the VISA debit card. Players believe in the VISA brand and don’t want to stop using it. Why should you use a VISA debit card for online bingo site transactions?
The UKGC restricted the use of VISA debit cards for online gambling purposes in April 2020.
VISA Debit Card…
…is a product by the world-renowned brand VISA which was created to cater to users who sometimes need to spend more than they actually own. With VISA credit cards, which are connected to your bank account, you can spend the money that you have on your card, and nothing more.
With VISA debit card, on the other hand, you can make an agreement with your bank to allow to spend more than you have at your disposal on your account, at an interest rate set by the bank. Even though you can spend that money when you need it the most, you would eventually need to pay that money back.
With the newest added feature…
…by the VISA brand, called VISA Direct Live, you can even send money to any VISA debit, credit or prepaid cardholder, all over the world. You know that this means, you can also send money to any online bingo site that accepts it. The feature is accepted over 100 financial institutions in more than 20 countries around the world, and available to more than a billion cardholders.
However…
…you should know that unlike the credit card, VISA debit card is not available all over the world, neither is VISA Direct Live. There is a limited number of banks that issue it, even though VISA licenses its entire brand to the banks that issue the credit card. But it is up to the bank to decide whether it would issue debit cards.
Nevertheless, in any bank you see the VISA logo, you could ask whether they issue debit cards, and apply for one if you want to. Because, if you get your hands on the card, you would definitely get a seamless online bingo experience, and soon you’ll learn why.
Benefits of Using VISA Debit
One of the most obvious benefits…
…you get by using VISA debit card is the trustworthiness, the reliability, the powerful reputation and the seamless record the brand offers. Rarely, if ever, has any other brand gained the recognition VISA has, all across the world.
This brings us to…
…the security measures. When you see “Verified by VISA”, you are certain that your funds are 100% safe, as this protocol applies to all transactions you make with its products, online bingo sites transactions included. The added 3-D Secure protocol with its acquirer, interoperability and issuer domains, makes online transactions go as smoothly as possible through the internet. This secure protocol has been well-perceived by users, and thanks to the effortlessness with which you go through this process, you know that you’re getting a super-secure payment method which only you can access and no one without proper authentication could ever do.
And then, of course…
…you have the fact that VISA debit card is widely accepted across online bingo sites. Any leading site you choose to join will allow you to play with it. That’s because operators know that when luck strikes, you would like to have all the possible means to get increased payouts. And with this debit card, you can get that.
Moreover, operators not only accept it as a payment method but also encourage players to use it, by giving VISA debit users special bonuses and promotions. If you decide to play using this debit card, and you’re playing at the right bingo site, you might even get to use an exclusive bonus that other players don’t have access to.
And finally….
…of course, the fun part. With this payment solution, you will have no limits when it comes to playing your favourite bingo games. VISA debit card is excellent for players that enjoy large stakes and want to have money on their disposal whenever they feel lucky. With this solution, you could play bingo games with high ticket prices without worrying about your budget. When the stakes are high, the payouts are massive, too. Therefore, if you are such a player that enjoys buying many bingo tickets, make sure you seriously consider using this banking solution.
Depositing and Withdrawing
One of the greatest things about using VISA debit card is that you don’t need previous instructions to learn how to use it. It functions just like any other credit, debit and prepaid card, for that matter, only with it, you do need to go through a lengthier identification process.
But first things first. You need to find an online bingo site that accepts it. As mentioned, almost all bingo sites that have the VISA logo at the bottom of their homepage accept it. But just to make sure, contact the Customer Support, or read the FAQ, to be certain that it is, indeed, a method that is accepted at the particular online bingo site.
Once you ensure that it is, you can join that site. Upon registration, you would be asked to choose the payment method you’ll be using to deposit. This is the time when you need to choose VISA debit card. In the Cashier or Banking section, you’ll see its logo. Click or tap on it and wait for a new window to open.
Then, provide all the information needed regarded your card, and go through the 3-D Secure procedure. You’ll need to identify yourself and provide all the details needed to confirm that it is you that’s using the card. And only then, enter the amount of money you wish to fund your online bingo site account with. Once everything was verified and approved, you will see the money being transferred to your online bingo site balance.
When it comes to withdrawals, you need to check whether the site approves this payment solution for cashing out. Some sites choose to allow VISA debit card for deposits only, and in this case, you would need to look for an alternative payment method to complete your withdrawal, like Skrill or Neteller. But most of them accept it for withdrawals, too, so you should not have any issues.
Provided the solution is available for withdrawals, you need to repeat the same process. And, provided you won something with the money you deposited, naturally, you would like to withdraw your winnings. To do that, you would have to visit the Cashier/Banking section once again and click on VISA’s logo. Choose your debit card, enter the necessary details, and the money you wish to withdraw.
Again, you would need to go through the 3-D Secure procedure. Bear in mind that this would only be necessary if you’re making your first-ever withdrawal at the online bingo site. If it’s your second time, this step may be skipped. After you’ve gone through the basic identification procedure, enter the amount of money you wish to cash out. Withdrawal completion times with this payment solution take 3 to 5 days. But that does not necessarily mean that this would be the fastest ever cashout time. Sometimes, if everything is in place, the money would be sent in a few hours.
FAQ
Are there any disadvantages tied to this payment solution?
The reality is, VISA debit card is a really reliable payment solution due to the purchase protection that comes with it. You can rest assured that your money will be in safe hands. On the other hand, spending limits come into play as the card is tied to the funds in your bank account. Consider setting deposit limits in your bingo profile.
Is it really wise to use the debit card across online bingo sites, knowing that you may go in debts?
If you know your limits and you’re absolutely sure that you can control your spending, then yes. Gambling responsibly should be a priority. If you’re at risk of reckless behaviour and poor money management, perhaps it’s best to opt for an alternative method. You don’t want to spend more than you can afford, right? Please note that Visa debit transactions are no longer permitted in the UK as of April 2020.
If available for deposits, does it mean that VISA debit card is also available for withdrawals, by default?
Yes. Generally speaking, when a Visa debit card is used to make a deposit, players are required to use the same card for cashouts. As always, it’s a good idea to check the bingo site’s policy to ensure payment method availability.
Do fees apply when making deposits and withdrawals with the VISA debit card?
If operator fees apply, the bingo site will note this in the cashier. In terms of bank fees, the majority of debit card purchases are free unless currency conversion is involved. Fees vary, so check the card issuer’s terms for purchases.
If I experience a problem with my transaction, who do I contact?
Depending on the nature of the problem, you may contact the bingo site’s Customer Support. If it cannot be resolved by the operator, VISA debit card purchases are protected against fraud and other billing errors, so contact the bank directly.