In the UK, an increasing number of players gamble online rather than in-store, leading to more bank and card payments and fewer cash transactions. For those who still prefer cash but want to play online, Paysafecard offers an ideal solution. Its system lets users buy vouchers at local shops, which can be used to top up their online betting accounts. Keep reading to find out more about how it works, as well as Paysafecard’s strengths and weaknesses.
Pros & Cons of Paysafecard as a Payment Method
The biggest benefit of Paysafecard is that it enables players to add funds to their online account using cash. Normally, this is only possible if using an online bookmaker that also has physical stores and a special card (for example, Coral Rewards or William Hill Plus). Very few bookmakers offer this compared with the many betting sites that accept Paysafecard.
- Pros:
- Enables players to deposit using cash
- Does not require bank or card details
- Widely available
- Cons:
- Often has lower upper limits than other deposit methods
- Requires a Paysafecard account for some transactions
- Sometimes exempt from promotions
Does Using Paysafecard Require an Account?
Paysafecard does not require you to have an account with them for certain types of payments. It is, however, a requirement when making payments at all Paysafe casinos and bookmakers in the UK. You can sign up for free on the Paysafecard website. The registration form will ask for the usual details like name, email address, date of birth, and address. Once you have an account, there are two ways of topping up your balance. You can either add the 16-digit codes purchased in-store or pay for credit online using Trustly or a debit card.
Paysafecard Deposit
To pay by Paysafecard, you will need to have funds in your Paysafecard account. You can do this either by purchasing vouchers from local shops or by buying credit online. Either method works when it comes to topping up your online betting account.
To use Paysafecard at your favoured gambling site, first head to the deposit page. Select Paysafecard from the list of available payment methods and enter how much you want to deposit. The betting site will then open a Paysafecard login page while showing the requested deposit amount. Log in to your account using your Paysafecard details to approve the payment.
Can I make withdrawals with Paysafecard?
Betting sites rarely offer Paysafecard as a withdrawal option. It is one of the few payment methods that tends to be deposit only. This means when you wish to withdraw funds, you will usually have to select bank transfer using an account in your name.
There are a small number of betting sites that support Paysafecard withdrawals, such as Bet365. It works by the operator sending money to your Paysafecard account. Players may then withdraw their Paysafecard balance to their bank account. The process can take three to five working days.
Paysafecard Fees in the UK
Bookmakers will not usually charge you for depositing using Paysafecard, so it is free to use. Paysafecard charges a maintenance fee on unused vouchers after one month, but you can avoid this by redeeming the voucher on your free Paysafecard account. The other charge is a monthly £5 service fee, but this only applies if you do not make a transaction on your account for 12 months.
How Does Paysafecard Compare to Other Payment Methods?
Paysafecard is a unique payment method as it is a digital wallet you can fund using debit cards, bank transfers or cash. No other mainstream payment method offered by online bookmakers and casinos provides the ability to make cash payments. It is quite easy to top up with cash too, as so many stores sell Paysafecard vouchers.
There are limitations to Paysafecard, though, when compared to others. One is that it is rarely a listed payment method for withdrawals. This is unusual, as most methods support both deposits and withdrawals.
Previously, Paysafecard offered payments without any personal details, just a 16-digit code. The requirement to create an account for online gambling payments has altered this. Now, you must provide the same type of personal information you do for other payment platforms.
Paysafecard Alternatives
Paysafecard is an ideal option for some bettors, but it is not for everyone. Here are some alternatives you can consider that support quick payments.
- Store Cards – Some bookmakers like William Hill, Coral and Ladbrokes offer free store cards that allow in-store cash deposits for online accounts.
- PayPal – A popular e-wallet with wide availability. Avoids you sharing your banking details with the bookmaker.
- Skrill – Another e-wallet option that supports quick, secure payments. Part of the Paysafe group.
- Neteller – A very similar alternative to Skrill, but with higher fees. Also owned by Paysafe.
- Google Pay – A mobile-optimised option that enables debit card payment without entering card details.
How to Choose a Paysafecard Betting Site or Casino
When looking through the many Paysafecard betting sites, it can be hard to choose between them. At a minimum, a site must have an active UK Gambling Commission licence and solid security features. It also helps if they have a good reputation or a proven track record.
After this, it is more about what features matter to you. Sites have different strengths and weaknesses, so there is no objective ‘best choice’. If you are big on casino action, look for platforms with lots of games, big bonuses and an easy-to-use site or mobile app. If you are more into sports betting, you will want to consider things like market variety, odds, free bets, live streaming and bet builders.
Common Problems & Solutions When Using Paysafecard
The most common issue with Paysafecard is inputting the 16-digit PIN incorrectly when topping up your account manually. It is easy to mistype a number, so always check you have entered it correctly. The next most common issue with Paysafecard casinos is simply having an insufficient balance. You will not be able to deposit at a betting site if the funds in your Paysafecard account do not cover the amount.
Lastly, some players find that their Paysafecard deposit has not triggered a bonus. When this occurs, it is usually because the deposit method was not eligible for the offer. To resolve this and to see if you can make a new deposit, speak to the site’s customer support team.
Final Verdict – Is Paysafecard Right for You?
Paysafecard is a great option for bettors who want to use cash to fund their online betting accounts. However, it is no longer fully anonymous, even when paying with cash, as customers must now create a Paysafecard account. For some players, this change removes one of the platform’s biggest advantages. That said, Paysafecard remains a solid, free option that is widely accepted at UK betting sites and offers several convenient ways to top up an account beyond cash vouchers.
FAQ
Is Paysafecard legit and secure?
Paysafecard is a fully legitimate payment method that enables secure transactions and a smooth payment experience.
Is Paysafecard a common payment method among UK betting sites?
Yes, Paysafecard is one of the most commonly supported payment methods at UK gambling sites. Paysafe casinos UK have existed for many years.
Are there any fees for using Paysafecard?
Having a Paysafecard account is free unless left unused for more than 12 months. There is usually no charge for using it to place deposits at sportsbooks or casinos, either.
Are there any bonuses and promotions with Paysafecard?
Some sportsbook and casino promotions may work with Paysafecard deposits, but it is often excluded from promotional offers.