The best banking and internet payment options
There’s no doubt about it – the way we shop and spend money in general is changing thanks to the internet. Whilst many continue to enjoy the physical experience of purchasing goods and services in store, more and more customers are preferring to shop online owing to the convenience of being able to complete a transaction from the comfort of their own home.
There are plenty of ways to pay for your stuff online – from booking your flight to topping up your online casino account – and it depends on entirely on what you’re wanting from your experience as to what method you choose.
With shopper protection, security, convenience and fees amongst the things to be considered when purchasing anything online, choosing the correct method for you can be difficult. With that being said, below is a brief overview of some of the most popular methods which will leave you better informed when it comes to making your next online payment when your order some goods or want to play some casino games.
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Debit cards for all your needs
Debit cards are a favourite online shoppers due to the fact that they pull funds directly from your account. Unlike credit cards, there’s no risk of running up any sort of debt and you don’t need to be approved for one or pay any kind of annual fee. They are accepted by the vast majority of online shops and online casinos.
In addition to this, most debit card issuers such as Mastercard offer “zero liability” protection which means that you won’t be held responsible for any charges made on your account should you card be stolen, lost or fraudulently used without your knowledge. The downside to this however is that it can often take up to 10 days for the money to be credited back to your account, which can be a pain if you’re in need of the cash.
Payment services and digital wallets for gaming and gambling
These services often offer a certain level of “buyer protection” for an added layer of security and by keeping your information in one central location as opposed to re-entering your details at every website you visit, you reduce the chance of your information being misused. What’s more, digital wallets such as Google Wallet are now being accepted by industry giants such as Nike and Panera bread now allowing payment from these services.
There are even a number of online casinos accepting PayPal which use high-end encryption software and make depositing money to play your favourite casino games a doddle. The popularity of online casino is on the rise, with slots in particular proving to be a big draw with their progressive jackpots and gamification elements. Paypal casinos are ultimately a clear indicator to players that online casinos continue to operate in a fair and safe manner, whether you’re playing the slots or banking on the river bringing home the bacon in a game of Texas Hold’em.
Credit cards – still a gamble?
Credit cards get quite an unfair rap but if managed properly, they can be a viable options when it comes to online shopping and other purchases. Credit cards have some of the best fraud protection on the market and it’s often extremely straightforward to get charges reversed if you simply report any suspicious activity on your account.
Of course, there are often charges associated when paying with a credit card and the interest can sometimes be extortionate so it’s important to shop around for the best deal. Despite this, credit cards are seen by many as the way to go when shopping online and as long as a certain amount of responsibility is exercised from your end, there’s no reason why that can’t be true.
Personal preference
It’s important to note that there’s no right or wrong way to purchase anything online and you should always go with the method which is most comfortable for you. Also, the method you may well depend on what it is you’re paying for. If it’s online slots you’re after then you can go straight from the source and deposit your money safely and securely with the methods offered to you whereas if you’re purchasing a pricey Valentine’s Day gift, then perhaps using your debit or credit card could be the way forward. As long as you do the required research, you’re all set to log on to the internet and start your shopping. Enjoy.
By George Hutchinson
