Choosing the right payment method for betting sites is an often-overlooked yet crucial decision. The last thing you want is to register with a bookmaker only to discover they don’t accept your preferred option.
Our guide to betting payment methods covers all the options available to UK punters, including debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and even cryptocurrencies.
Accepted Payment Methods at UK Bookmakers
There are several ways to deposit and withdraw funds from a UK betting site, with most bookmakers offering a wide range of options.
Some payment methods, such as debit cards and PayPal, are more commonly accepted, while others may be available at fewer sites. If you prefer a less common method, there are still many bookmakers that will support your choice.
Debit Card
Anyone with a bank account is likely to have a debit card, making this the most widely used payment method for online betting.
Almost all UK bookmakers accept deposits and withdrawals via Visa and Mastercard, with some also allowing Maestro transactions. In fact, most welcome bonuses require an initial deposit to be made using a debit card.
Withdrawing funds to a debit card is just as straightforward as depositing. Once processed, the money is transferred directly into your bank account.
Pros
- Accepted at the vast majority of betting sites.
- Most popular way to deposit and withdraw.
- Same process as buying anything else online.
Cons
- Withdrawals can take up to five days.
PayPal
As the world’s most popular e-wallet, PayPal is accepted by a wide range of UK betting sites.
One of its biggest advantages is faster withdrawals, with funds often processed within a couple of hours…far quicker than a debit card.
If you don’t already have a PayPal account, setting one up is simple and includes strong security features to protect your transactions.
Pros
- Fast withdrawals
- You probably already have an account
- High withdrawal limits
Cons
- Have to login separately
- High minimum deposit
Skrill
Skrill is another e-wallet, similar to PayPal, but not as widely recognised. However, many UK betting sites accept Skrill, and setting up an account is easy.
A key drawback is that most bookmakers exclude Skrill deposits from welcome bonus offers.
Pros
- Easy to set up new account
- Widely Accepted
Cons
- Doesn’t qualify for welcome bonuses
Neteller
Neteller functions similarly to PayPal and Skrill, offering fast withdrawals that are usually processed within a few hours.
Like Skrill, most UK bookmakers do not allow Neteller deposits to qualify for welcome bonuses.
Pros
- Accepted at many bookmakers
- Free to use
Cons
- Ineligible for most bonuses
Trustly
Trustly uses open banking to connect your bank account directly to the betting site, eliminating the need to enter card details.
Although not as common as other methods, Trustly typically offers low minimum deposit and withdrawal limits, starting from just £5 or £10.
Withdrawals are also quick, taking up to four hours in most cases.
Pros
- Low minimum deposits
- No need to enter card details
- Fast withdrawals
Cons
- Not widely available
- Common to have low maximum deposit
Paysafecard
Paysafecard allows you to deposit funds without linking your bank account or sharing personal details with a bookmaker.
After registering, you can top up your account online or purchase a Paysafecard voucher in participating shops.
While still a niche payment method, Paysafecard is becoming more widely accepted at major bookmakers such as bet365 and Betfair Sportsbook.
Pros
- Don’t have to link bank to bookmaker
- Can top up account at some shops
- Simple to use
Cons
- Low max deposit amounts
- Not widely-accepted
Bitcoin
Bitcoin is the most well-known cryptocurrency, valued for its anonymity and security.
However, no UK-licensed betting site currently accepts Bitcoin. While many international bookmakers support crypto transactions, these sites do not operate under a UK Gambling Commission licence.
Pros
- Anonymous
- Most common Crypto
Cons
- Not accepted by licensed UK betting sites
- Complicated to use
- Volatile
Google Pay
Google Pay allows you to deposit funds directly from your phone, just like using contactless payments in a shop.
Simply add your card details to the Google Wallet app on your Android phone, then select Google Pay as your deposit method when logged into your bookmaker’s site. You’ll need to verify the transaction using your PIN, pattern, or biometric authentication.
Pros
- Fastest deposit method
- High-security level
- Already popular
Cons
- Requires Android phone
- Can’t be used to withdraw
Apple Pay
Apple Pay works similarly to Google Pay but is exclusive to Apple devices.
Your card details are securely stored in your Wallet on your iPhone, allowing you to deposit with a simple verification step (Face ID, password, or fingerprint).
Unlike Google Pay, Apple Pay also supports withdrawals, although processing times are similar to debit cards.
Pros
- Speedy deposits
- Can withdraw
- Secure
Cons
- Low maximum deposits
- Only on Apple devices
Bank Transfer
Bank transfers are a familiar payment method, often used for sending money between friends or businesses.
To deposit, simply enter your bank details on the bookmaker’s site and approve the transaction via your banking app.
While secure and easy to use, the major downside of bank transfers is slow withdrawal processing times, often taking five days or more.
Pros
- High deposit limits
- Easy to use
- Very secure
Cons
- Withdrawals can take days to process
Payment Method Information
Each payment method has its own advantages and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose one that best suits your needs.
The table below provides an overview of the main online betting payment methods available at UK bookmakers. However, keep in mind that deposit and withdrawal limits vary between betting sites, so always check the specific terms on your chosen platform.
Debit Card
- Min Deposit - £5
- Max Deposit - £20,000
- Min Withdrawal - £0.01
- Max Withdrawal - £20,000
- Withdrawal Time - 1 hour to five days
PayPal
- Min Deposit - £5
- Max Deposit - £10,000
- Min Withdrawal - £10
- Max Withdrawal - £5,000
- Withdrawal Time - 1 to 4 Hours
Skrill
- Min Deposit - £5
- Max Deposit - £37,500
- Min Withdrawal - £1
- Max Withdrawal - £5,000
- Withdrawal Time - Up to 24 Hours
Neteller
- Min Deposit - £5
- Max Deposit - £37,500
- Min Withdrawal - £1
- Max Withdrawal - £5,000
- Withdrawal Time - Up to 24 Hours
Trustly
- Min Deposit - £5
- Max Deposit - £25,000
- Min Withdrawal - £5
- Max Withdrawal - £100,000
- Withdrawal Time - 1-4 Hours
Paysafecard
- Min Deposit - £5
- Max Deposit - £1,000
- Min Withdrawal - N/A
- Max Withdrawal - N/A
- Withdrawal Time - N/A
Bitcoin
- Min Deposit - N/A
- Max Deposit - N/A
- Min Withdrawal - N/A
- Max Withdrawal - N/A
- Withdrawal Time - N/A
Google Pay
- Min Deposit - £5
- Max Deposit - £5,000
- Min Withdrawal - N/A
- Max Withdrawal - N/A
- Withdrawal Time - N/A
Apple Pay
- Min Deposit - £5
- Max Deposit - £5,000
- Min Withdrawal - £0.01
- Max Withdrawal - £2,000
- Withdrawal Time - 1-2 Days
Bank Transfer
- Min Deposit - £5
- Max Deposit - £5,000
- Min Withdrawal - £10
- Max Withdrawal - £10,000
- Withdrawal Time - 1-5 Days
Choosing a Method - Key Things to Consider
Selecting the right betting payment method is about more than just convenience. Different options come with varying transaction speeds, fees, and eligibility for promotions. Here are the key factors to keep in mind when deciding which method to use.
Transaction Time
Most deposit methods process instantly, but withdrawal speed is often the deciding factor for many bettors.
- Fastest methods: E-wallets like PayPal and Skrill typically process withdrawals within a few hours.
- Slowest methods: Debit card withdrawals can take up to five days, depending on your bank and whether it’s a business day.
- Bank transfers may take even longer, often exceeding five working days.
Fees
Legitimate UK betting sites rarely charge fees for deposits or withdrawals. However:
- Some sites may charge fees for withdrawals under a certain amount rather than taking a percentage.
- Any potential charges should be clearly stated before confirming a transaction.
Minimum and Maximum Limits
Betting sites set deposit and withdrawal limits based on the costs they incur from processing payments.
- Minimum deposits: Typically £5–£10 for debit cards, but £20 or more for e-wallets and some other methods.
- Minimum withdrawals: Some bookmakers allow withdrawals as low as 1p, while others set limits around £5–£10.
Availability
Not all payment methods are available at every bookmaker.
- If you prefer PayPal, for example, you should specifically look for PayPal-friendly betting sites before signing up.
- Avoid registering with multiple bookmakers only to find out they don’t accept your preferred method.
Promotions & Bonuses
Many betting promotions, especially welcome offers, only accept deposits via specific methods.
- Debit cards (Visa & Mastercard) are almost always required for welcome bonuses.
- Some bookmakers also allow Apple Pay or Google Pay.
- E-wallets like Skrill and Neteller are often excluded from promo eligibility.
While you can still use alternative payment methods for regular betting, you may need to switch to a debit card temporarily if you want to claim a specific promotion.
Deposit Limits
As part of responsible gambling measures, most UK betting sites allow users to set deposit limits to help them stay in control of their betting activity.
How Deposit Limits Work
Deposit limits let you set a maximum amount you can add to your account within a specific timeframe: either daily, weekly, or monthly. This helps prevent overspending and supports safer gambling habits.
- Applies to all payment methods - Your deposit limit covers your entire account, meaning you cannot bypass it by switching between different payment options.
- Set during registration - Many bookmakers require you to choose a deposit limit when signing up, but you can adjust it later in your account settings.
Changing Your Deposit Limit
- Lowering your limit - Takes effect immediately.
- Raising your limit - Typically takes 24 hours to apply. This cooling-off period is designed to prevent impulsive increases.
Gross vs. Net Deposit Limits
Some betting sites offer net deposit limits instead of gross deposit limits:
- Gross deposit limits - A fixed cap on the total amount you can deposit within the set period.
- Net deposit limits - Takes withdrawals into account. For example, if your monthly deposit limit is £40, but you withdraw £20, your new deposit limit would increase to £60.
By setting realistic deposit limits, you can enjoy betting responsibly while ensuring you never spend more than you can afford.
How to Deposit at a Betting Site
While the exact deposit process may vary slightly depending on the payment method, the general steps remain the same.
Deposit limits depend on both the bookmaker and payment method, with most minimum deposits set at £5 or £10, though some methods require as much as £30.
Steps to Deposit
- Create an account - Choose a bookmaker, sign up, and enter your details to register.
- Log in - Verify your account via email and log in to the betting site or mobile app.
- Go to the banking section - Navigate to your account settings and find the banking or deposit section.
- Select a payment method - Choose your preferred deposit method and enter the required details. Ensure the amount meets the minimum deposit requirement.
- Confirm your deposit - Some deposits, like debit cards, are processed instantly on-site, while others, such as PayPal and Skrill, require verification on their platform.
How to Withdraw From a Betting Site
Withdrawing from an online bookmaker is just as straightforward as depositing, following similar steps.
One key difference is that withdrawals do not require verification from third-party providers like PayPal or Skrill, making the process more uniform across different payment methods.
Steps to Withdraw
- Log in - Sign in to the betting site and access your account.
- Select "Withdraw" - This option is usually found under the Banking or Cashier section.
- Choose a payment method - You can only withdraw to payment methods you’ve previously used to deposit. If no options are available, you may be able to request a bank transfer or cheque after verifying your identity.
- Complete the withdrawal - Enter the amount you wish to withdraw and confirm. Processing times vary depending on your bookmaker and withdrawal method.
By following these simple steps, you can deposit and withdraw funds efficiently while ensuring compliance with bookmaker policies.
Mobile Betting App Deposits
Depositing funds via a mobile betting app is quick, convenient, and secure, making it the preferred choice for many bettors.
This is particularly true for Google Pay and Apple Pay, which are mobile-exclusive payment methods.
- Apple Pay - Available only on iPhones.
- Google Pay - Available on Android devices running version 9.0 or higher.
Why Mobile Deposits Are More Secure
Depositing via your mobile device often requires biometric authentication such as Face ID or fingerprint recognition, adding an extra layer of security that isn’t available when depositing on a desktop or laptop.
When using a betting app, the site may redirect you to your payment provider’s app (e.g., PayPal or your banking app) to approve the transaction before the deposit is confirmed.
Conclusion
Choosing the right betting payment method is crucial for a smooth experience. Even the best UK bookmakers offer a limited range of options, so selecting one that suits your needs is key.
- Debit cards (Visa & Mastercard) - Universally accepted at UK bookmakers.
- E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller) - Faster withdrawals but not always eligible for bonuses.
- Mobile payments (Apple Pay & Google Pay) - Convenient but only available on mobile devices.
If you prefer Skrill or PayPal, always check which betting sites accept them before signing up to avoid disappointment.
Mastercard and Visa debit cards are the most popular options as they are accepted at almost all UK betting sites. They also come with low minimum deposit requirements, making them a suitable choice for all bettors.
Bookmakers process withdrawals through various methods, including:
Debit cards (Visa & Mastercard)
E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller)
Bank transfers
Not all sites offer every option, so it's best to check which payment methods are available before signing up.
No. Licensed UK bookmakers do not accept Bitcoin as a payment method. Cryptocurrency is considered too volatile, making it an unsuitable option for regulated betting sites.