Credit Card Casinos: 2025 Bank Policies, MCC Codes & Smart Deposit Solutions

Despite having lower acceptance rates than other options, credit cards remain a cornerstone for many players in 2025. Visa and Mastercard, in particular, remain the most widely used brands for funding player accounts at Canadian online casinos. Below are 7 brands with solid credit card approval rates and how they each perform for deposits.

Best Credit Card Casinos in Canada

Casino	Best For
Spin Casino	Best overall approval rates, especially in Ontario
Jackpot City	High Visa acceptance rate
Ruby Fortune	Consistent MasterCard processing
Luxury Casino	Good for premium credit cards
Grand Mondial	Reliable Visa processing
Lucky Nugget	Better with debit cards
Spin Galaxy	APMs

However, credit card usage has recently been declining in favor of newer deposit options like e-wallets and Interac-based solutions. Still, almost all modern online casinos feature the Visa and Mastercard logos prominently on their websites in 2025, highlighting their continued strong adoption.

Authored by Dana Nikolic and updated in February 2025, this guide examines how credit cards perform at online casinos. We examine why some transactions are declined, including the impact of bank policies and merchant category codes (MCCs).

For players encountering these issues, we’ll provide practical solutions and highlight alternative payment methods like Interac, eChecks, and prepaid cards. Read on to learn more about the top online casinos that support CCs.

Table of Contents

• Introduction to Credit Card Casinos in Canada
• Best Credit Card Accepted Casino
• Using Visa Credit Cards
• Using MasterCard
• Bank Policies and MCC Codes
• How to Fix Credit Card Declines
• Best Credit Card Networks
• Choosing a Credit Card
• Alternative Payment Methods
• Conclusion

[Update 2025] Hi, Dana Nikolic here. I updated this article on February 18th, 2025, to ensure it reflects the latest trends and standards in the iGaming industry. I’ve been researching credit card casinos and credit card networks a lot this year. I’ve also been working on my new project “Credit Card Casinos Canada”, a website which specializes on exactly that. You’re welcome to visit my new project at CreditCardCasinos.ca.

Introduction to Credit Card Casinos in Canada

Canada’s online gambling market has evolved significantly since Ontario opened its province to legal iGaming in 2022. Despite the rise of alternative payment methods like Interac and Instant eChecks, credit cards have stood the test of time.

Why Credit Cards Are Still Popular

Credit cards have long been a preferred method to fund an online casino account. Their appeal lies in their simplicity: players can fund their accounts instantly without needing additional tools or apps. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most online casinos, making them reliable options for both domestic and international gambling sites.

Challenges with Visa & Mastercard Deposits

Things aren’t always straightforward in iGaming. Despite their popularity, credit card usage in online gambling is not without challenges. Approval rates for transactions have declined in recent years due to stricter banking policies and the introduction of Merchant Category Code (MCC) 7995, which flags gambling-related payments. This has led to frustration for players whose deposits are rejected or delayed.

Best Credit Card Accepted Casino Brand

Spin Casino is an excellent iGaming site that shows strong credit card acceptance rates, particularly in Ontario’s regulated market. Visa cards perform notably well with an 85%+ success rate for Ontario players and 70% for rest-of-Canada (ROC). MasterCard transactions have lower but still reasonable approval rates at 55%+ in Ontario and 40% in ROC. The higher success rates in Ontario reflect the province’s regulated status. In contrast, ROC players face typical offshore approval rates.

In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at Visa credit cards, exploring their popularity and why they remain a trusted option for millions of players worldwide despite these challenges

About Visa Credit Cards

Visa is the world’s most popular brand of credit card, for consumers and merchants alike. From North America to Europe, Asia to Australia, Visa is accepted by more than 61 million merchants across more than 200 countries and territories.  As the old motto goes, it’s everywhere you want to be, including the online space. And we found this to be true in the iGaming sphere as well.

How to Make Online Casino Deposits with a Visa Card

To get started, you’ll need an account with an operator that accepts Visa credit card deposits. Follow the directions to register an account, supplying a user name, password, email address, and whatever personal details are required; (name, address, date of birth, etc.) Note that this information must match the information on your credit card, or you won’t be able to use it.

Once logged into your casino account, head over to the banking section. Choose to make a deposit (we always recommend to start with the minimum deposit) then select Visa Credit from the list of available payment methods. Next, enter your card details, including the 16-digit card number, expiration date, and 3-digit CVV security code (found on the back). Double check that all the info is correct. Finally, enter the amount of money you wish to deposit and submit the payment.

Within a matter of seconds, you should receive a notice stating whether your casino transaction was successful or not. Upon approval, your funds are immediately available for play in the casino. If the payment is not approved, you should be given some indication as to why the payment was rejected.

What to do if your Visa Credit Payment is Rejected

Common rejection issues include typos during input, insufficient credit balance, or an issuing bank’s refusal to transfer money for gambling purposes. If it’s a typographical error, fix it and try again. If you’ve reached your credit limit, try making a smaller deposit. Rejection by the card issuer means you’ll need to choose an alternative payment method.

Here in Canada, depositing with international online casinos can be problematic. Online gambling is not illegal, but to avoid issues for branch offices in other countries where it may be illegal, banks may enforce a blanket-ban against all transfers flagged for “gambling purposes”.

See solutions to fix this issue here

Advantages of Depositing with Visa

There are several advantages to using a credit card to deposit into a casino account, and at least one advantage that’s specific to the Visa brand. Perhaps the most attractive reason for iGamers is that you don’t have to divulge any information about your bank account (as opposed to issuing an electronic check. All the site sees is your credit card number.

Speed is another major benefit. Credit card deposits are instantaneous. The moment you submit a deposit, the money will appear in your casino account. Additionally, they offer users a ‘buy now, pay later’ option, similar to the recent introduction of direct carrier billing. Not that we recommend betting on credit, but if you pay off the card in a timely manner, your deposits will be free of charge, too.

Visa has the Highest Acceptance Rates

Visa cards have another advantage over other credit cards. They generally have the highest acceptance rates of any credit card brand. This is especially true when it comes to making deposits at online casinos. While individual banks may choose which transactions to allow or block, by and large, Visa cards issued by Canadian banks tend to be accepted at more online casinos.

Seeing all the above, it’s clear Visa offers many benefits for online casino deposits. However, MasterCard also plays a significant role in the iGaming industry. Let’s take a brief look at its history and how it compares.

About MasterCard Credit Cards

MasterCard Worldwide was first founded in 1966 by a compendium of banks in California. Its purpose was to compete against another credit card issued by Bank of America (which eventually became the Visa card). Today, more than 25,000 banks offer MasterCard-brand cards to their customers. It’s an especially popular brand in Europe, where its brand’s include MasterCard, Maestro, Mondex and Cirrus.

Like Visa, MasterCard Worldwide doesn’t directly set most of the policies for their cards. Instead, individual issuing banks can alter things like interest rates and usage policies. Thus, customers of different banks may be subject to different terms and conditions of use.

How to Deposit with MasterCard

The process is the same as depositing with any other card. First, you’ll need an account with an online casino that accepts MasterCard credit card deposits. Once you register an account, log in and head to the banking section. There, you’ll choose to make a deposit, then select MasterCard Credit as your method.

Follow the instructions to enter the card’s details; 16-digit card number, expiration date, and 3-digit CVV security code (found on the back). You’ll need to provide the name on the card and the address and/or postal code associated with the card. This info must match the information you provided the online casino when signing up, or the deposit will not go through.

Once you submit the payment, you should get an instant response. If the deposit is successful, the funds will be available instantly for wagering. If you receive a rejection notice, it should come with a reason as to why the payment didn’t go through.

What to do if your MasterCard Payment is Rejected

Most rejections are simply a matter of typographical error. If that’s the case, fix the error and submit the payment again. It could also be that you’ve exceeded your credit limit, in which case you can try making a smaller deposit. However, should your bank decline the payment due to it being “for gambling purposes”, you’ll have to choose an alternative payment method.

See solutions to fix this issue here

Benefits of Depositing with MasterCard

MasterCard has its advantages. It’s a widely accepted payment method, and one that a lot of Canadians carry around in their wallets already. It’s extremely easy to use and, if you pay the balance on time, won’t cost any extra fees to deposit with. Fast, easy, free – what’s not to love?

Disadvantages of Using Mastercard

The disadvantage to MasterCard credit card deposits is that they have a below average acceptance rate. While Visa card deposits make it through to international gambling sites at least 50-60% of the time, MasterCard payments succeed in only about 40-50% of cases. As stated previously, online gambling is perfectly legal in Canada, both at domestic and international websites. It’s the banks that issue these cards that may or may not reject a payment flagged for “gambling purposes”.

How Bank Policies and MCC Codes Impact Deposits

Let’s first look at the policies of Canada’s major banks, then explore how MCC codes affect credit and debit card transactions differently.

A Look at Canadian Bank Policies

Below is a comprehensive overview of major banks’ stances on gambling-related payments. This is refected by the deposit success rates in the table for general credit card use:

Bank	Local Casino Payments	Global Casino Payments
BMO (Bank of Montreal)	100%	98%
CIBC	100%	50%
RBC (Royal Bank)	100%	20%
Scotiabank	100%	0%*
TD Bank	100%	0%*

*Note: While these banks officially restrict payments to global casinos, some transactions may still get through. Local refers to provincially-regulated or government-run casinos in your province.

In summary, BMO is the most gambling-friendly bank with a 98% success rate for international deposits, while CIBC offers mixed results at 50%. RBC permits only provincially regulated sites, with a limited 20% success rate for other transactions. Scotiabank and TD Bank are the most restrictive, blocking nearly all offshore casino deposits.

Merchant Category Code (MCC) 7995 Explained

(MCC) 7995 is specifically designated for transactions related to betting and casino gambling. This code is used by financial institutions to identify and categorize payments made to gambling merchants, including online casinos, sportsbooks, and other gaming platforms. When a transaction is flagged with MCC 7995, it signals to the bank or payment processor that the payment is associated with gambling activities, which may trigger additional scrutiny, restrictions, or outright rejection depending on the bank’s policies.

Why Debit Cards Fare Better for Casino Deposits

Debit cards are a more reliable option than credit cards for online casino deposits in Canada. Here’s why:

1. No MCC 7995 Transmission: Credit card transactions are flagged with Merchant Category Code (MCC) 7995, which identifies gambling-related payments. This often leads to blocks or rejections by banks due to regulatory concerns. Debit card transactions bypass Visa and Mastercard networks entirely, routing directly to the customer’s bank account. This eliminates MCC transmission, making them less likely to be flagged.
2. Transaction Routing: Debit card transactions are processed directly to the customer’s bank account. This bypasses Visa or Mastercard networks. Using this direct approach reduces the chances of rejection, as it avoids the additional scrutiny that credit card transactions face.
3. Shorter Data Formats: Debit card transactions involve less data transmission compared to credit cards. The absence of detailed merchant information in debit transactions means fewer checks are generally applied, leading to higher approval rates.

How to Fix Credit Card Deposit Declines (2025 Solutions)

Top 3 Credit Card Networks for iGaming in Canada

Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are the three main credit card providers available to Canadian players. Each has unique strengths depending on what you value most—acceptance rates, rewards, or security features. We will review each brand below.

Visa: Widely accepted at online casinos, Visa offers strong anti-fraud measures and moderate transaction fees (1.5%-2.5%). It’s ideal for players looking for broad acceptance and reliable performance.

Mastercard: Slightly less accepted than Visa but still a solid choice. Mastercard provides robust fraud protection and great rewards for premium cardholders.

American Express (Amex): Limited acceptance at online casinos but excellent for high rollers due to its premium rewards programs and strong buyer protection.

Our pick: Visa is the best option for general use due to its high acceptance rates, followed by Mastercard. Amex is recommended for players seeking exclusive perks and loyalty rewards.

In the next section, we take a closer look at the specific features of the four major credit card categories—Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover—and evaluate their adaptability for Canadian iGaming

Selecting a Credit Card That Allows Online Gambling

Several options stand out, although please note that the following examples are for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as endorsements or recommendations for iGaming use. The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card is highly regarded, with an annual fee of $120 and offering up to 60,000 bonus points. It is recognized as the best BMO card on CreditCardGenius.ca . For online transactions, cards issued by BMO are often noted for their higher acceptance rates compared to some Mastercard options.

BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card is another solid card provides rewards on everyday spending. These rewards can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, and gift cards. Additionally, the card offers a $50 annual lifestyle credit and comprehensive insurance benefits for mobile devices, purchase extended warranty, and travel.

Another strong contender you might want to consider is the BMO World Elite Mastercard, which comes in various versions such as Cashback and AirMiles. This card earns BMO Rewards points that can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, and gift cards, while also providing travel insurance coverage and access to airport lounges.

Lastly, the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Card offers a first-year annual fee waiver and up to 45,000 bonus points. Similarly, the CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card has a low-income requirement and offers up to 45,000 bonus points.

Alternative Payment Methods (APMs)

Alternative payment methods, or APMs for short, make up the majority of todays iGaming deposit options. They come in a variety of classifications; direct banking, prepaid, eWallets and more. Within each class is an array of types. Below is a detailed list of many of the common options available to Canada’s iGaming community. If you aren’t able to use a Visa or MasterCard credit card, or want to play online casino games differently, here are the most popular alternatives:

Prepaid Cards & Virtual Counterparts

Physical prepaid cards and virtual vouchers are a great option when you want to pay with cash, and/or keep your banking details private. The biggest difference between them is that physical cards can be used to make purchase in person and over the internet, whereas a virtual voucher can only be used online.

You can purchase a gift card or print-out voucher at most retail outlets; (department stores, grocery stores, convenience marts, gas stations, etc.) Alternatively, virtual gift cards and vouchers can only be used to make purchases online. Either one is an acceptable form of payment at online casinos. Find more information about:

• Virtual Visa Deposits
• Virtual Mastercard Deposits
• Neosurf prepaid vouchers
• PaysafeCard
• Vanilla Visa (review soon)

Direct Banking Payments

The direct banking category generally refers to any form of payment in which the funds are debited directly from the users bank account. They include everything from debit cards and Interac deposits, to eChecks and bank wire transfers. Because they are direct debits, you never have to worry about credit card bills or account overdrafts. You can only spend what you already have available in the bank.

Thanks to the power of EFT protocol, the majority of these payments are nearly instant; credited to your casino account within a minute or two, at most.

An electronic funds transfer (EFT) is one in which the two financial institutions correspond to confirm the payment in advance. The receiving bank asks for the funds. The sending bank responds whether the funds are available. If so, a second message confirms initialization of the payment. Thus, the casino credits the user with that money, even though it will take a few days to arrive. This is the payment gateway that Canadians use when playing at eCheck casinos.Find more information about the different EFT types here, which includes Interac solutions:

• eCheck
• Bank wires
• iDebit
• InstaDebit

Interac based:

• Loonio
• Payper
• PayBilt
• Gigadat
• PayDirectNow

Web Wallets / eWallets

Web wallets, or eWallets for short, have been around since the turn of the millennium. It all started with Paypal. When the online gambling industry took off, Neteller and Moneybookers (now Skrill) jumped into the fray. Despite immense popularity, not every casino supports these brand names for online gambling payments. Thankfully, there are other web wallets available that will. They are just as secure and trustworthy, if not as well known.

Find more ewallet information here:

• Jeton Wallet
• Mifinity
• MuchBetter
• eZeeWallet

Our Pick for the Best APMs: Here at eCheckCasinos.ca, we rate electronic checks as the #1 alternative to credit cards, followed by Interac e-Transfer, and then iDebit. This ranking is based on accessibility, transaction limits, and reliability from a Canadian perspective.

Conclusion: Balancing The Use of Credit Cards with Smarter Alternatives

Credit cards remain a cornerstone of Canadian iGaming in 2025, but their role is evolving. While Visa and Mastercard still dominate casino lobbies, the reality of MCC 7995 flags and tightening bank policies means players need to adapt. Approval rates vary wildly by bank (BMO: 98% vs. TD/Scotiabank: 0%), with Ontario’s regulated market offering higher success rates than offshore-facing provinces. eChecks resist such volatility however (85-95% approval) and debit cards now outperform credit cards in reliability. Here at eCheckCasinos.ca, we believe the future of Canadian iGaming lies in a balanced approach: pairing credit cards for convenience with alternatives like eChecks for guaranteed success. As banks tighten policies, players who diversify their payment strategies won’t be left out of the Canadian iGaming action.

Frequently Asked Questions