For Americans who want to fund their online sportsbook account using credit cards, debit cards, or gift cards, there may be various challenges involved. However, the good news is that although there are challenges, these methods work at most online books. Always check the deposits option menu on the particular site that you want to use, as this area will give you a good sense of what you may use to make a deposit.

Credit Cards

Of the three types of cards, credit cards can be the most problematic for those in the U.S. That’s because U.S. financial institutions in the U.S. are prohibited from transferring money to offshore sportsbooks, casinos, poker rooms, and other such gambling establishments. Most in the U.S. have credit cards that are issued in America.

The best thing to do if you want to use your card is to simply try it. If it is declined, you’ll know quickly. If your deposit goes through, you are golden. Because of the high failure rate with credit cards, some online sportsbooks simply won’t give their U.S. members the chance to use one.

Debit Cards

Debit cards have a much better track record when it comes to funding online sportsbook accounts. Again, success rates can vary. In the U.S., it is best to use a debit card that can be used internationally online. These work just about 100% of the time. You can usually purchase them at a convenience store or supermarket. Because they are good for international purchases, they can take about a week to set up before you can start using them online.

Bank authorized debits and those issued by U.S. money transfer companies, such as PayPal, will usually not work.

Gift Cards

In the past, gift cards tended to work nicely for those in the U.S. But unless they are approved for online, international purchases, there’s a good chance that your gift card will not work, as the provider of the card must approve the purchase. Once again, you can simply try to make a deposit with a gift card and see if it works.

Funding Your Account

To fund your online sportsbook account, you’ll first need to join the book. When making your first deposit, make sure that you take advantage of any first deposit or new member bonuses offered by the book.

Maintaining Your Bank

If you find that credit cards, debit cards, or gift cards work in funding your sportsbook account, keep them loaded so that you can use them whenever you need to reload your sportsbook account. They are a good option due to the fact that they are secure, fast, and convenient.