Best Online Casino Payment Options for German Players

Although online gambling is banned outside Schleswig-Holstein, a number of online casino operators continue to target the players from Germany, adjusting the gaming offer and the payment methods to the relevant trends. Thanks to the customized services, German-based players can fund their online casino cashiers using e-wallets, payment cards, and bank transfer service providers that are already established among the local consumers.

Up until recently, German-based players were able to deposit using PayPal, which was among the most popular payment service providers in the country. Unfortunately, after receiving the formal request from the government, the company has modified its payment policies, revoking all gambling-related services for the users that reside in Germany.

As of October 2019, online casinos accepting German players will have to eliminate PayPal from the list of the accepted payment options and provide a suitable replacement.

GVC Holdings was one of the first companies to notify the players on the upcoming changes, removing PayPal from all of GVC operated online casinos back in December 2018.

Despite the inconvenience caused by cutting off German-based players from PayPal, the number of online gamblers was not affected, thanks to equally popular alternatives, such as MuchBetter, Neteller, Skrill, Paysafecard, Trustly, Visa, MasterCard, Sofort, and Apple Pay.

MuchBetter

MuchBetter is a payment app introduced in 2017 by a software developer and a payment company MIR Limited, licenced by Financial Conduct Authority. There are currently two versions of the app, designed for Android users and iOS device owners. Alternatively, those who opt for MuchBetter as the preferred payment channel can also request the MuchBetter prepaid MasterCard, but the service is only available within the European territories – at least for the time being.

The potential of MuchBetter was recognized early on, and the developer has so far landed a number of sponsorship deals and received several industry awards: Best Alternative or Digital Payment Programme (The Card and Payment Awards 2019), Payment Innovation for the Year (Payment Awards 2018), and Best Startup Innovation Award (Merchant Payments Ecosystem or MPE 2019).

How Does MuchBetter Work?

Using MuchBetter services requires an active account, which can be created after downloading the app. The next step is submitting a copy of the player’s ID and creating a 4-digit code, for security reasons. After the verification process is completed, the account holder can draw funds from a bank or a card balance, and use MuchBetter to send money, deposit, and withdraw the winnings from the casino cashiers.

Availability: Google Play and App Store

Fees & Timeframes

No transaction fees will be applied if one’s MuchBetter account is replenished through bank transfers. In all other cases, a charge of 1.4-5.5% will be added to the transaction. MuchBetter deposits and withdrawals are free and instantly processed.

Pros:

✓ Suitable for both withdrawals and deposits
✓ No transaction fees
✓ Does not require an internet connection (can be used offline)
✓ Fast and secure – the accounts are protected with dynamic security codes, touch IDs, and transactions control systems

Cons:

– The amount of money that can be transferred in a single transaction is limited
– Fees will be charged if the account is funded from the user’s payment card balance

Where to Deposit via MuchBetter?

Leo Vegas has acquired a licence for providing gaming services to German players back in 2008, and MuchBetter is on the list of the accepted payment methods. The casino is regulated by the UK Gambling Commission and Malta Gaming Authority, offering a range of live dealer tables, video slots, and RNG casino games.

Neteller

Neteller was launched in 1999 by Paysafe Group, which means that this payment service has been around from the dawn of online gambling. Creating the account is free, and the most loyal users will be able to claim comp points which can be exchanged for cash. There is also a VIP program and the possibility of becoming a Neteller ambassador, entitled to 20% of the lifetime revenue portion.

Neteller can also be used for buying or selling cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ether, Litecoin…), which will bring the account holders one step closer to becoming VIP members.

How Does Neteller Work?

Neteller is a standard e-wallet which enables the user to store the money inside the digital environment and use it for either personal or business transactions. An added value is that the account holders can send the money even to those who are not registered with Neteller.

Creating an account is free and simple. The new user selects the preferred currency during the registration process and fills out a short online form, completing the entire process in no more than a few minutes. At the moment, Neteller can be used in the form of a card, e-wallet, or a mobile app.

Availability: More than 200 global markets and millions of registered users.

Fees & Timeframes

Neteller can be funded from credit or debit payment accounts, bank accounts, Giropay, Euteller, Paysafecard, etc. The fees are determined by the method used to replenish the Neteller account (displayed under the Fees tab on the site). VIP members will have the privilege of paying lower rates, whereas the transfers to online casinos are free of charge.

Just like any e-wallet, Neteller cuts the processing time significantly, which means that the deposits are instant, while withdrawals take up to 24 hours. It will, of course, take longer to transfer the funds from Neteller to your source account – around 3 days.

Pros:

✓ Can be used for withdrawals and deposits
✓ Instant processing time
✓ Free registrations
✓ Suitable for cryptocurrency trading
✓ Can be used for sending money even to people that do not have an active Neteller account

Cons:

– Transaction fees apply
– Not suitable for those who would like to claim bonuses as it may void the promotional offers

Where to Deposit via Neteller?

LV Bet is among the highest-rated online casinos for Germans, welcoming the new members with 1,000 EUR bonus cash and 1,000 LV Free Spins (in addition to 5 EUR sign-up offer).

Skrill

Skrill is a digital payment method launched in 2001 as a reliable and secure payment option for online casino users. The method can also be used for other e-commerce services, business transactions, and personal money transfers between friends and family members.

How Does Skrill Work?

Skrill is similar to Neteller and other e-wallet systems. It all starts with an account set up, which can then be funded and used for submitting online casino deposits. With PayPal officially out of the picture, German players are already turning to Skrill as the next best thing – the method is safe, easy to use, and has a wide coverage, which is pretty much everything one would want out of an e-wallet.

Thanks to mobile app (both Android and iOS) Skrill balance can be accessed 24/7, while Paysafe Financial Services Ltd issued MasterCard allows hassle-free payments across multiple international markets.

Availability: Mobile app (App Store and Google Play), payment card, available across Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) markets

Fees & Timeframes

Paying and receiving money via Skrill wallet is free; the processing time is instant, but it may take a couple of days for the money to settle if you are transferring the funds from Skrill to your bank account.

Pros:

✓ Wide coverage and fast processing
✓ Available24/7
✓ Free and safe – Financial Conduct Authority regulated
✓ Enables the users to buy and sell their cryptocurrency

Cons:

– 5 EUR dormancy fee if your account is inactive for 12 months.
– Just like Neteller, Skrill may void the welcome bonus offer

Where to Deposit via Skrill?

Casumo comes highly recommended – it offers more than 1,000 games and welcomes the new members with bonus cash and no-deposit free spins.

Paysafecard

Many German players find Paysafecard to be an ideal solution for online gambling escapades, since it allows the users to remain anonymous, leaving no traces of their online “indiscretions”. Issued in the form of a voucher, Paysafecard is one of the safest payment tools, available in more than 45 countries.

How Does Paysafecard Work?

Paysafecard voucher (purchased at a retail store) contains a 16-digit PIN code which enables the user to complete the purchase – as simple as that. After entering the PIN code, it will only take a few more seconds for the deposit to be processed and appear on your online casino account.

Availability: Outlets and Paysafecard app

Fees & Timeframes

A monthly 2 EUR dormancy fee will be applied after 24 months of inactivity and $7.5 will be deducted for refunds. The maximum amount per transaction is 300 EUR.

Pros:

✓ Reduces the risks of misuse and overdrafts
✓ Highly discreet as it does not require any personal details to be submitted while depositing

Cons:

– Usually not available for withdrawals
– Low transaction limits, which may not be suitable for high rollers
– Dormancy fee

Where to Deposit via Paysafecard?

You will not have to look too far, as Paysafecard is accepted at most online casinos, including Royal Panda.

Trustly

Trustly is a Swedish payment solution launched in 2008, devised as a revolutionary payment method that would provide the consumers with a comfortable and versatile payment method. The objective was to incorporate the simplicity of the traditional payment channels and eliminate all excessive steps from the payment process – therefore, using Trustly will remove the need to create an account, fund digital wallets, or even link your card to a virtual cashier.

How Does Trustly Work?

Trustly is a mediator between the user’s bank account and the service provider. Designed primarily for online shopping and gambling, Trustly creates a bridge between the payee and the recipient, allowing one to draw directly from the bank account.

To deposit, the players should simply select Trustly, find their bank (assuming, of course, that the relevant bank supports Trustly), log in to their online banking accounts, and approve the transaction.

Trustly also offers Trustly Direct Debit service, which facilitates recurring payments, such as subscriptions. To activate it, one must sign the mandate and go through a quick authentication procedure.

Availability: 100+ banks across more than 25 European markets

Fees & Timeframes

Service providers will not charge any fees to their Trustly buyers and depositors, but the banks may deduct a certain percentage for each of the money transfers. The deposits are instant, and withdrawals can take between 3 and 5 business days (give or take).

Pros:

✓ No registration
✓ Can be used for withdrawals (if the players reside within the Eurozone)

Cons:

– Longer processing time for withdrawals
– The deposit limits can sometimes be higher for Trustly users

Where to Deposit via Trustly?

Genesis Casino is just one of many online casinos that accept players from Germany and allows them to deposit using Trustly.

VISA

VISA card was launched by the Bank of America in 1958 when 60,000 payment cards were sent to USA residents across the country. Today, the number of VISA cardholders is estimated at 1.8 billion.

How Does VISA Work?

VISA debit or credit cards are used for payments according to the terms of the contract signed between the user and the card issuer. There are different types of VISA cards (adjusted to users’ spending habits and lifestyles), including gift and prepaid cards.

Online casinos accept both debit and credit VISA cards, although the latter option might also be eliminated in the near future, as a means of protecting problem gamblers.

Availability: 30 million merchants and pretty much every online casino you can think of.

Fees & Timeframes

As convenient as VISA cards may be, the user will still need to wait for 3 to 5 business days for the payments to be settled. Deposits are instant, and the fees will depend on the online casino operators.

Pros:

✓ International coverage
✓ Works for both deposits and withdrawals
✓ Great support system

Cons:

– Longer processing time (up to 5 days for withdrawals)
– Players who would like their online gambling activities to remain discreet should find an alternative option

Where to Deposit via VISA?

All the casinos listed above and many more.

MasterCard

MasterCard was the first payment service corporation to issue their payment card in China, develop a business card, and apply the laser hologram. Even today, MasterCard continues to lead the way, promoting diversity and constantly expanding across new territories.

How Does MasterCard Work?

Same as VISA – the cardholders pay from their bank account (debit) or from the credit card balance which is then paid off in monthly instalments. Once the payment is initiated by the card owner, the relevant information will go through the payment gateway for further processing, until it reaches the bank system where additional verifications will be performed.

Availability: Used in 100+ countries by more than 570 million people

Fees & Timeframes

Online casino operators do not typically charge any fees for deposits and withdrawals, but there are some exceptions. Unlike instant deposits, MasterCard withdrawals can take around 3 to 5 working days.

Pros:

✓ Accepted by most online casinos
✓ Available in more than 50 language

Cons:

– Additional verifications may be needed when depositing and withdrawing
– Fees may be applied

Where to Deposit via MasterCard?

If an online casino accepts players from Germany, chances are that MasterCard will be on the list of accepted payment methods.

Apple Pay

Digital wallet service developed by Apple back in 2014. The system enables the user to make payments online, through an app, or in any land-based retail store that supports the contactless payment method. The users can also use it to send or receive money, requesting the cash via SMS or by communicating with Siri.

How Does Apple Pay Work?

After activating Apple Pay (under device settings), the user must add the payment card and capture the card number using the camera feature. The bank will then send the verification code, which pretty much completes the entire procedure.

Availability: iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac, Apple Card

Fees & Timeframes

Apple Pay is free for debit card users, while a 3% fee will be added to all credit cards transactions.

Pros:

✓ Extremely convenient as it supports multiple credit cards
✓ Fast and easy

Cons:

– Not accepted by all casinos
– High transaction fees applied to credit card payments

Where to Deposit via Apple Pay?

At the moment, Apple Pay is accepted by around 50 online casinos, including 888.

Sofort

Sofort is a banking transfer system for players in Germany, Austria, Belgium, and Switzerland. The users are not required to set up an account or submit their sensitive data – it simply allows one to access the bank account on the spot and use it for online casino deposits (or other e-commerce payments).

How Does Sofort Work?

The first step is selecting the location and the bank from the online casino drop-down menu, which lists all the banks that support the service. The secure payment page will then pop up, prompting the users to log with their bank account credentials. All info is encrypted and sent to the bank for further processing. The last step is submitting the one-time TAN code (transaction authentication number), which completes the payment.

Availability: Banks in Germany, Austria, Belgium, and Switzerland

Fees & Timeframes

The cost of a single transaction is 0.9%, in addition to the 0.25 EUR fixed fee.

Pros:

✓ Safe – all login data is encrypted
✓ Fast – no account set-ups or storing sensitive data

Cons:

– Accepted within a limited number of territories
– As a bank transfer system, it is not as fast as other payment methods when used for withdrawals

Where to Deposit via Sofort?

Most, if not all operators that target German players will make sure to include Sofort, but we highly recommend WirWetten casino as a great option for casino gamers from Germany.

Additional Casino Payment Methods for Germans

Online banking payment methods, such as SEPA and Giropay are also quite popular among German online casino patrons.

Giropay: Online banking system developed in 2006.

SEPA: Single Euro Payments Area supported in 30+ countries, used for personal and business transactions (SEPA Business-to-Business Direct Debit Scheme).

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