Ever spotted the perfect welcome bonus, only to find your favorite payment method excluded in the fine print? That frustrating “Deposits via Skrill/Neteller/PayPal not eligible” disclaimer has ruined many a good bonus opportunity.
I’ve tested dozens of deposit methods across multiple casinos and noticed patterns in which payment options consistently qualify for bonuses. If you’re sick of missing out, these five methods will keep you in the bonus game.
Compare bonus-eligible payment options at NordicBet, a Finnish betting platform with transparent bonus terms. This site offers a 100% welcome bonus plus €200 free bet for sports, and allows multiple payment methods that qualify for promotions. Their clear terms specify exactly which deposit options are eligible, and they provide fast processing times with an average of just 1 minute for deposits.
Why Casinos Exclude Certain Payment Methods
Before diving into the solutions, let’s understand the problem. Casinos exclude certain payment methods (especially e-wallets) from bonuses for two main reasons:
- High processing fees that cut into their margins
- Bonus abuse prevention since e-wallets make identity verification trickier
That’s why Skrill, Neteller, and sometimes PayPal top the exclusion list. But the methods below rarely get the cold shoulder.
1. Bank Transfers
Direct bank transfers remain the gold standard for bonus eligibility. Nearly every casino welcomes them because:
- They provide solid identity verification through the banking system
- Processing fees are relatively low for the casino
- They discourage bonus hunters who rely on quick transactions
The downside? The 2-5 business day processing time for withdrawals. But if maximizing bonus eligibility is your priority, that wait might be worthwhile.
Pro tip: Many casinos offer expedited withdrawals to loyal players who consistently use bank transfers. After a few withdrawals, ask support if they can speed up your processing time.
2. Credit/Debit Cards
Despite the UK gambling credit card ban and similar restrictions in other regions, debit cards remain universally bonus-eligible. Visa and Mastercard enjoy almost universal acceptance, with specific advantages:
- Instant deposits that qualify for nearly all promotions
- Lower fees for casinos compared to e-wallets
- Widespread familiarity and trust from operators
However, withdrawal times vary widely—anywhere from 24 hours to 5 business days depending on the casino and your bank.
Warning: Some banks flag gambling transactions, potentially causing declined deposits. If you encounter this, call your bank first rather than trying multiple failed attempts, which could trigger fraud alerts.
3. Cryptocurrency
In a surprising twist, cryptocurrencies have become one of the most bonus-friendly payment methods. Many casinos offer enhanced bonuses for crypto deposits. Here’s why:
- Lower processing costs for the operator
- Reduced chargeback risks
- Appealing to high-value players who typically use crypto
Bitcoin leads the pack for acceptance, but Ethereum and Litecoin aren’t far behind.
Example: Last month, I noticed a casino offering a 150% bonus for crypto deposits versus their standard 100% for traditional methods. That’s a significant boost just for using a different payment option.
Before committing to any payment method, try games in danger high voltage free play mode to test different options risk-free. This approach lets you explore games and bonus features without deposit restrictions, helping you decide which payment method best suits your playing style when you’re ready to make real-money transactions.
4. Prepaid Cards
Prepaid solutions like Paysafecard rarely appear on bonus exclusion lists, making them valuable tools for bonus hunters. Their benefits include:
- Complete anonymity from your primary bank accounts
- Easy budget control (you can only spend what you’ve loaded)
- Nearly universal bonus eligibility
The main limitation is that you can’t withdraw to prepaid cards, so you’ll need an alternative withdrawal method.
Insider tip: Some casinos now accept virtual prepaid cards generated through banking apps, combining the bonus eligibility of prepaid cards with the convenience of digital banking.
5. Pay by Phone
Pay by phone services (like Boku or Zimpler) have exploded in popularity, and they almost never get excluded from bonuses. They offer unique advantages:
- Ultra-fast deposits added to your phone bill
- No need to share banking details with the casino
- Nearly 100% bonus eligibility across casinos
The major drawback? Low deposit limits (typically $30-$50 daily) and no withdrawal capability. You’ll need another method to cash out.
Real example: During a recent promotion at one known gambling site, deposits via Skrill, Neteller, and PayPal were excluded, but pay by phone options qualified for the full bonus amount, no questions asked.
What To Watch For In Bonus Terms
Even with these bonus-friendly methods, always check these specific terms:
- Minimum qualifying deposit amounts (often higher for bank transfers)
- Country-specific exclusions (some methods work in certain regions only)
- Withdrawal method requirements (must often withdraw using the same method)
The few minutes spent confirming these details can save significant bonus value.