We’ve covered most of the major online payment methods favored by online casino gamers as you may have seen elsewhere. These include VISA Debit and Maestro as well as e-banking solutions such as Interac and Instadebit. All of these specialists are well-established and trusted outfits. And while some don’t enjoy quite the same coverage as others, each one is safe to use and works well with iGaming websites. This is however one online casinos deposit/withdrawal method we’ve yet to evaluate – eCheck.

What is eCheck?

eCheck is a type of online payment option in which funds are electronically withdrawn from your checking account and transferred into the payee’s checking account. It’s been in operation for around twenty years and is accepted by a good number of online casinos in Canada. The transfer takes place over the EFT Network.

What is the EFT Network?

The EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) Network is the Canadian equivalent of America’s ACH Network. It’s basically an automated clearing house (hence the US abbreviation) for the transfer of funds electronically. As such, the EFT process online casino, merchant/consumer and business transactions.

How does eCheck Work?

Using eCheck to deposit funds into your casino account is pretty straightforward. First of all, we’ll assume that you’ve at least got yourself a basic bank account. If this is the case, you then need to find an operator that’s deserving of your money and accepts eCheck deposits. Then register an account. From here, go the payments/banking page and select eCheck as your chosen method of deposit. You should then input your account details with the routing number as well as the amount you’d like to spend. Hit submit to complete the transaction and verify the process. If all goes to plan and you’ve got sufficient funds in your account, you’ll be able to get your hands on your funds within a matter of…days. Yep, not seconds. eCheck is sadly not an instant casino deposit option.

Is eCheck Safe to Use at online casino?

Nope, it’s incredibly dangerous – we’re just kidding. eCheck is perfectly safe to use and is actually more secure than using a paper check because there’s no physical document that can be pilfered. What’s more, all transfers of funds are fully encrypted with 128bit SSL technology. For those of you unfamiliar with SSL, it stands for Secure Socket Layers – this has become an absolute necessity for websites that allow their visitors to make transactions and provide personal information online.

An assortment of established security measures are in place as well. While there’s no such thing as a completely water-tight online transaction, the chances of a data breach or theft are miniscule. So you’ve got little to worry about in this area.

Are There Extra Fees?

Many online transaction specialists apply small charges to deposits and withdrawals. Certain casinos like to add their own little fees too. Sadly, it’s the price one sometimes has to pay for convenience. But this isn’t the case with eCheck payments – absolutely no charges are applied to deposits, provided of course that you’ve got sufficient funds in your account. If an eCheck bounces, so to speak, then your bank might impose its own fines.

Minimum Deposit Limits

In addition many online casinos apply a minimum limit to deposits– this is often around $20.00. Be sure to check the small print because this will tend to differ between individual operators.

Do All Online Casinos Work with eCheck?

Some online casinos accept eCheck although not all. With that said, coverage is certainly better when compared to the likes of companies such as iDebit and InstaDebit. Although these are gaining ground by the day, you’re far more likely to find an operator that allows you to make a deposit using an electronic check. Unfortunately, eCheck still isn’t anywhere near as commonly accepted as the good old bank transfer.

Can I use eCheck to Withdraw My Winnings?

Yes it’s possible to use eCheck you make a withdrawal should you win any money. The process will however take a bit longer – usually between 3 and 6 business days. You should also keep in mind that any sum you withdraw will get credited to the debit card that you may have previously used to make deposits.

How Does eCheck Stack up Against Specialist Online Transaction Services?

eCheck stacks up pretty well in comparison to many of the established and newer online payment/withdrawal services. In fact, the ease in which deposits can be made means it’s often a better option than traditional payment methods such VISA and Mastercard. All you’ve got to do is provide your bank account details, routing number and then verify your purchase.

Pros and Cons

So let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of using eCheck.

Pros

• No Set-Up Required
• Very Easy to Use
• Checking Account is All That’s Required
• Safe and Secure
• A Fair Number of Online Casinos Accept eCheck
• No Fees or Charges are Applied

Cons

• Deposits Can Take Several Days to Clear
• The Service Isn’t As Widespread as Bank Transfer
• Delays Can Arise from Failed ‘Insufficient Funds’ Transactions
• Double Withdrawals Sometimes Take Place due to Online Errors

Conclusion

eCheck is safe and secure to use. Simplicity is another advantage that the service has over other more traditional payment options. The lack of any charges or fees is a plus point too. There are a few shortcomings though. It’s kind of a drag that you’re not able to make withdrawals. And although a reasonable number of online casinos do accept eCheck, there’s certainly room for improvement in terms of coverage. Having to wait around a couple of days for your funds is frustrating as well, especially for players who just can’t wait to play the latest online slots. Nonetheless if you’re looking for a simple and easy way to transfer funds to an online casino that accepts eCheck (see the operators listed on this page), this particular payment option should be perfectly suitable.