By Payments feed into our Payouts test, which carries 20% of every score under our method for how we rate gambling sites. This page explains which payment methods we look for in each market, how we compare speed, fees and limits, and the verification and withdrawal rules we check before a site is scored.
Local methods by market
We only score payment methods that a licensed operator lists for the reader’s market. Rules on what can be used differ by country, so we check the local framework first.
Australia
Licensed online wagering providers typically offer debit cards and bank transfers, including PayID where the operator lists it on its banking page. Since 11 June 2024, credit cards, funds linked to a credit card (including digital wallets funded by one) and digital currency such as cryptocurrency cannot be used to place bets with online and phone wagering services, as explained by the ACMA. We do not score these methods for Australian wagering sites, and we check that the operator’s banking page reflects the rule.
New Zealand
Online racing and sports betting is provided by TAB NZ. We score the deposit and withdrawal methods listed on its own banking pages, such as debit cards and bank transfers, and we only include other methods once we have confirmed them on the operator’s site.
Singapore
Singapore Pools accounts are funded and withdrawn through a bank link with a personal DBS/POSB, OCBC or UOB account, or through PayNow. According to the Singapore Pools help page on deposits and withdrawals, credit cards cannot be used to deposit, there is no transaction fee for depositing, deposits must come from a personal account in the account holder’s own name, and bank link and PayNow withdrawals are instant. A monthly deposit limit applies; increases take effect after 24 hours and reductions take effect immediately.
Other markets
For Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia, we only review payment methods where a licensed product is available to local players, and we name the methods the operator itself lists.
What we measure
Speed
We record the processing time the operator publishes for each method. For withdrawals, we look at two parts: how long the operator takes to approve the request, and how long the method takes to deliver the money. Sites score higher when both are stated clearly and are short.
Fees
We read the banking page and the terms for any fee on deposits, withdrawals or inactive accounts. A site that charges no fees and says so plainly scores higher than one where fees only appear in the small print. We note that a bank or payment provider may charge its own fees, which are outside the operator’s control.
Minimum and maximum amounts
Low minimums make a method practical for everyday use, and high maximums matter for larger withdrawals. We record the limits per transaction and any daily, weekly or monthly caps, and we check whether a large withdrawal is split into instalments.
Verification before withdrawal
Licensed operators verify a customer’s identity (KYC) as part of their licence conditions, and a withdrawal may be held until verification is complete. We check whether the operator explains which documents it needs, when it asks for them and how long checks take. Clear verification rules score higher, because they help people avoid delays on their first withdrawal.
Same-method withdrawals
Many operators require withdrawals to go back to the method or account used to deposit, often in the account holder’s own name. We check that this rule is stated, that it is explained before a deposit is made and that an alternative is offered if the deposit method cannot receive withdrawals.
Comparing methods
When a site offers several methods, we compare them on the same withdrawal so readers can see the trade-offs.
This is an illustrative example only. The methods, fees and times are not taken from any real brand. It compares a withdrawal of 500 in local currency.
| Method | Operator approval | Delivery time | Fee | Amount received |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Method A | Same day | Up to 1 hour | 0 | 500 |
| Method B | Same day | 1 to 3 business days | 0 | 500 |
| Method C | Up to 2 business days | 1 business day | 5 | 495 |
Method A is the fastest and has no fee, so it scores highest. Method B costs nothing but is slower. Method C costs 1% of the withdrawal (5 / 500 = 1%) and takes up to three business days in total. A site whose only withdrawal option looked like Method C would score lower in our Payouts test.
Deposit limits are a payment feature and a responsible gambling tool at the same time. We check them under both tests, and a site scores higher when lowering a limit takes effect immediately. See our responsible gambling page for support in your market.
How payment checks fit the review
- Market rules. We confirm which methods are permitted for gambling in the reader’s market.
- Banking page. We record methods, times, fees and limits from the operator’s own pages, using a connection from the target market.
- Terms. We read the withdrawal, verification and same-method rules in the operator’s terms.
- Score. These findings set the Payouts sub-score, which is weighted at 20%.
- Re-check. A change to banking terms triggers a re-check and a new “Last verified” date.
We do not open accounts or make deposits to produce these reviews, and commercial partnerships do not change how payment methods are scored; see our advertiser disclosure and editorial policy.
