Prepaid cards and vouchers like Paysafecard offer a different approach to online casino deposits. You buy them with cash or a card, then use the unique code to deposit without linking your bank account or personal payment details to the casino. This appeals to players who value privacy, want strict budget control, or don't have traditional banking options. But prepaid methods also come with significant limitations, especially when it comes to withdrawals. This guide explains how prepaid cards and vouchers work, whether they're truly safe, and when they make sense to use. GameGuard helps you understand all your payment options clearly, without hype or pressure.
What Are Prepaid Cards and Vouchers?
Prepaid cards and vouchers are payment methods you purchase in advance for a specific amount. Once you have the code or card, you can use it online without entering bank or card details.
Common Types
Paysafecard: The most widely used prepaid voucher for online gambling. You buy a voucher (in denominations like £10, £25, £50, £100) from a retail location or online, then use the 16-digit PIN to deposit.
Neosurf: Similar to Paysafecard, available in Australia, Canada, and parts of Europe.
Prepaid Visa/Mastercard: Reloadable or one-time-use cards that work like regular debit cards but aren't linked to a bank account.
AstroPay Card: A virtual prepaid card popular in Latin America and parts of Asia. The key feature: you pay upfront, then use the code or card to deposit. There's no ongoing link to your bank account.
How Prepaid Deposits Work at Casinos
Step 1: Purchase the Voucher or Card
-
Paysafecard/Neosurf: Buy from authorized retailers (convenience stores, gas stations, online) -
Prepaid cards: Purchase online or from retail locations, sometimes requiring registration - You pay cash or use a card, receiving a code or physical card in return
Step 2: Go to the Casino Cashier
In the casino's deposit section, select the prepaid option (Paysafecard, prepaid card, etc.).
Step 3: Enter the Code or Card Details
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Vouchers: Enter the 16-digit PIN -
Prepaid cards: Enter card number, expiry, and CVV like a regular card
Step 4: Instant Processing
Funds transfer immediately from your voucher or prepaid card balance to your casino account.
Step 5: Multiple Vouchers for Larger Deposits
If your deposit amount exceeds a single voucher's value, you can combine multiple Paysafecard PINs (up to 10) in one transaction.
Are Prepaid Cards and Vouchers Safe?
Yes, when used at licensed casinos. Prepaid methods offer specific safety advantages:
No Bank Details Shared
The casino never sees your bank account, card number, or personal financial information. You only share a one-time code or prepaid card number not linked to your primary accounts. This protects you if the casino suffers a data breach.
Budget Control
Because you buy vouchers for a fixed amount, you can't overspend beyond what you've purchased. This creates a natural spending limit and can help prevent impulsive deposits.
No Chargebacks or Disputes
While this limits buyer protection, it also means casinos can't hold your deposits in dispute. Transactions are final and irreversible.
Anonymity (Partial)
Paysafecard purchased with cash offers near-complete anonymity. The casino doesn't know your identity beyond what you provide during registration. However, KYC verification is still required by licensed casinos before withdrawals, so anonymity is limited.
What Makes Prepaid Methods Risky
Prepaid methods become problematic when: -
Used at unlicensed casinos: If the casino is untrustworthy, you have no chargeback protection -
Lost or stolen codes: If someone else gets your PIN, they can use it. Treat codes like cash -
Expired vouchers: Some prepaid vouchers expire after 12 months of inactivity, and you may lose the balance -
Fees accumulate: Dormant vouchers can incur maintenance fees Always use prepaid methods only at licensed, verified casinos. See our casino safety checklist for guidance.
Pros of Using Prepaid Cards and Vouchers
Maximum Privacy
Your casino deposits don't appear on bank statements. If you purchase vouchers with cash, there's minimal financial traceability.
No Bank Account Required
Useful for players without traditional banking access or those whose banks block gambling transactions.
Fixed Spending Limits
You can only deposit what you've already purchased. This makes budgeting easier and prevents overspending.
Instant Deposits
Like cards and e-wallets, prepaid methods process instantly.
Widely Accepted
Paysafecard especially is accepted at the majority of European online casinos.
No Personal Payment Details Exposed
Even if a casino has a security issue, your bank account and cards are not at risk.
Cons of Using Prepaid Cards and Vouchers
Cannot Be Used for Withdrawals
This is the biggest drawback. When you win and want to withdraw, you'll need to provide an alternative method—usually a bank account, e-wallet, or card. Prepaid deposits are one-way only. This means you'll still need to verify another payment method for withdrawals, reducing the privacy advantage.
Higher Fees
Paysafecard and similar vouchers often charge: - Purchase fees (1-5% depending on where you buy) - Currency conversion fees if the casino uses a different currency - Maintenance fees if the voucher isn't used within 12 months These fees can add up, making prepaid methods more expensive than cards or e-wallets.
Bonus Restrictions
Some casinos exclude prepaid deposits from welcome bonuses or other promotions. Always check the bonus terms before depositing. Learn more about payment method restrictions on bonuses.
Inconvenient for Larger Deposits
Vouchers come in fixed denominations (£10, £25, £50, £100). If you want to deposit £200, you'll need to buy multiple vouchers and enter each code separately.
Limited Withdrawal Process
Since you can't withdraw to a voucher, you'll need to set up a separate withdrawal method. This adds extra steps and may require additional verification.
Risk of Loss or Theft
Prepaid codes work like cash. If you lose the code or someone steals it, you lose the money. There's no way to recover it.
When Should You Use Prepaid Methods?
Prepaid cards and vouchers make sense if: -
You want maximum deposit privacy and don't mind slower withdrawal setups -
Your bank blocks gambling transactions and you don't want to use an e-wallet -
You want strict budget control and the fixed amounts help you limit spending -
You don't have access to traditional banking-
You're testing a new casino and prefer not to link your bank account initially Prepaid methods are less suitable if: - You want fast, convenient withdrawals - You're making frequent or large deposits - You want to claim deposit bonuses (check terms first) - You prefer a seamless, two-way payment solution
Prepaid Cards vs Prepaid Vouchers: What's the Difference?
Prepaid Vouchers (Paysafecard, Neosurf)
- One-time-use codes purchased in fixed amounts - No registration required (for basic use) - Cannot be used for withdrawals - Maximum anonymity when purchased with cash - Fees for purchase and maintenance
Prepaid Cards (Prepaid Visa/Mastercard, AstroPay)
- Reloadable or one-time-use cards - Often require account registration - Sometimes accepted for withdrawals (casino-dependent) - Less anonymous than vouchers - Fees for card issuance, reloads, and sometimes transactions If privacy is your priority, vouchers are better. If you want a reusable option that might work for withdrawals, prepaid cards are more flexible.
Common Issues with Prepaid Deposits
Voucher Code Not Accepted
Causes: Code already used, expired, or entered incorrectly. Regional restrictions may also apply.
Solution: Double-check the code. Verify the voucher is valid and hasn't expired. Contact the voucher provider's customer support.
Deposit Exceeds Voucher Balance
Cause: Trying to deposit more than the voucher's remaining balance.
Solution: Use multiple vouchers or reduce the deposit amount to match your balance.
Casino Doesn't Accept Prepaid Methods
Cause: Not all casinos support all prepaid options, especially in certain countries.
Solution: Check the casino's banking page before purchasing vouchers. Consider using an e-wallet or card instead.
Can't Withdraw to the Same Method
Cause: Prepaid vouchers are one-way payment methods.
Solution: Set up a bank account, e-wallet, or card for withdrawals. This will require verification. See our guide on withdrawal methods and timelines.
Lost or Stolen Code
Cause: Voucher codes work like cash—if someone has the code, they can use it.
Solution: Treat codes like physical money. Store them securely and never share them. If lost or stolen, contact the voucher provider immediately, though recovery is unlikely.
How to Use Prepaid Methods Safely
- Only buy vouchers from authorized retailers or official websites - Check for security features on the voucher packaging to avoid counterfeits - Use prepaid methods only at licensed, reputable casinos - Keep your PIN secure and never share it - Use vouchers within 12 months to avoid maintenance fees - Set up a withdrawal method (e-wallet or bank account) in advance - Check bonus terms before depositing—prepaid methods are often excluded For additional guidance, see our payment safety guide.
Prepaid Methods vs Other Payment Options
| Feature | Prepaid Vouchers | Cards | E-Wallets | Bank Transfers | |---------|------------------|-------|-----------|----------------| |
Privacy | Very High | Low | Moderate | Low | |
Withdrawal Support | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Speed | Instant | Instant | Instant | 1-3 days | |
Fees | Moderate-High | Low | Low | Low-Moderate | |
Budget Control | Excellent | Weak | Moderate | Weak | |
Bonus Eligibility | Often Excluded | Yes | Sometimes Excluded | Yes | For a full comparison of all deposit methods, see our beginner's guide to depositing at online casinos.