Credit Card Deposits at Online Casinos Come With Risks

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A recent analysis reveals that while credit cards remain a popular payment method for online casino deposits, the convenience is increasingly offset by a complex web of fees, potential delays, and security risks. The study found that approximately 7% of credit card deposits fail, incurring additional processing fees, and transactions exceeding daily limits can be delayed by up to 12 hours. Foreign currency exchange fees and the lack of two-factor authentication also increase the financial risks for players.

Why it matters

As the online casino landscape becomes more competitive, with operators offering various bonuses and promotions, it's important for players to carefully consider the hidden costs and potential complications associated with using credit cards to fund their accounts. The risks highlighted in the analysis, such as account suspensions, chargebacks, and the house edge, underscore the need for players to have a clear understanding of the financial implications before making deposits.

The details

The analysis examined the deposit challenges and associated costs of using credit cards at online casinos. It found that approximately 7% of credit card deposits fail, incurring an additional processing surcharge of 1.5%. While most deposits are credited within five minutes, transactions exceeding daily limits of €1,000 to €5,000 can be delayed by up to 12 hours. Foreign currency exchange fees of 2% can also erode net payouts, and the absence of two-factor authentication increases the risk of unauthorized transactions.

• The study was conducted in February 2026.
• A test involving 1,000 gaming sessions with Visa deposits across five casinos was conducted between December 2025 and January 2026.
• A 2024 study by the Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) found that operators like LeoVegas clearly document refund timelines.

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