eChecks / Instant e Check Accepted Poker Rooms & Online Casinos

eChecks, often termed Instant Checks or Instant eChecks, are "Electronic Checks" used to securely transfer funds over the Internet. eChecks work just like a normal paper check, except that the writer of the check fills out the information online to pay a merchant, or make a deposit, as the case may be at online gambling sites. Both Canadian and US players frequently use eChecks at online gambling sites. Below we've listed all of the US poker rooms accepting echecks and non-US sites.

When using an eCheck to deposit at an online casino or online poker room, it can take as many as 10 days for the eCheck to clear your bank, however, most online gambling sites will accept the eCheck instantly, allowing the player to use the funds immediately. The player will not, however, be allowed to cashout the deposited amount until the eCheck clears.

Instant eChecks fall under the payment options category of EFT (electronic funds transfer), a widely used payment method that is as secure as they come. To make an eCheck deposit at an online gambling site, log into the cashier section and click the appropriate payment methods - eCheck, Instant Check or EFT.

You will be required to supply your 'Account Number', the 'Routing Number' and the 'Check Number', each of which are depicted on your paper checks.

You must use the Check Number from a real, unused personal check. The online gambling site will provide graphical instructions to help you find the required information on the paper check. The paper check may then be filled out for your records or thrown away. In either case, it is recommended to write "VOID" across the check.

There is usually no fee charged by an online gambling site to deposit via eCheck, though your bank may charge a fee, which you would be responsible for paying. You would also be responsible for any 'insufficient funds' fees for an eCheck that does not clear your bank account (i.e. a hot check).

When depositing via Instant eCheck, the most common withdrawal option is to have the cashout returned directly into the same bank account.

Echeck / Instant Check FAQ

We receive a lot of questions about using echecks to play poker online. Here are the most common questions we receive and our answers.

Are echecks the best deposit method? Is there a better method that I can use?

That depends on you and the options you have at your disposal. For most people I’d say no, credit, debit or prepaid cards are better. (That’s assuming both options will leave footprints between your bank and the poker room, of course. If not, I’d go with the option that won’t leave any.)

However, if you don’t have a credit/debit card, then echecks would be the next best option. All you need is your checkbook and ID to make a deposit.

How fast will my money be available?

An echeck is no different than a paper check. They still take 5-7 days to clear.

However, the best answer is that it depends on the poker site.

Often poker sites will make the funds available to you, giving you the benefit of the doubt that you made an honest deposit, that there is actually money in your account for them to debit. The poker sites will float the money to you in the meantime.

In doing so, though, you won’t be able to make a withdrawal for the amount you deposited until the funds have cleared your bank.

Can I withdrawal my winnings using an echeck?

Not at this time. US players are limited to options such as paper checks, wire transfers, money transfers (like Western Union or MoneyGram) and, in rare case, player-to-player (PTP) transfers. Of these options money transfers are the fastest.

Are echecks safe?

Relatively speaking, yes. They’re no worse than using a debit/credit card or a wire.

Keep in mind that you always face risks when banking online. However, all the sites we recommend are safe and have the (bank grade) technology in place to keep your information protected. Beyond that, it’s up to you to ensure that no one has access to your account details, passwords and so on.

What are the benefits to using echecks?

The benefits to echecks include:

• Convenience – All you need is a checking account and blank check to get started. It will only take you a couple of minutes to punch in the numbers and click submit. Compare this to other options, such as money transfers or bank wires, where you need to collect additional details first, and even leave the house to complete the transaction.
• Fast – Deposits made by echecks are available right away in a lot of cases. You don’t have to wait hours/days for your money to be available.

What are the downsides to using echecks?

The downsides to echecks include:

• No withdrawals – Echecks are for depositing only. You may also have to wait to request a withdrawal (for the amount of the deposit) until it clears your bank.
• Your bank knows about it – You involve your bank when you use echecks. That means you run the risk of having your bank account closed, with no appeals process or warning. It’s somewhat rare, but I have read cases about it happening to players. If this is a concern for you though, I recommend opening a second account for online poker funds only.

How much can I deposit at a time using an echeck?

That depends on the poker site. Sometimes they’ll have a general limit, regardless of the option you use, and other times they’ll have different limits for each option. Minimum limits will start around $10 and maximums can be as high as $25,000.

The thing to remember about checks is that the first concern of the poker site is whether or not the check will clear. So, many sites will lower the maximum for the first deposit (or few deposits) until they’re sure you can be trusted. Once trust has been established they’ll raise your maximum. If your money has cleared no problem and you’re a regular customer, you may be able to request even higher limits not available to all players. Just contact support to find out.