Newbie in US...what does and doesn't work?

I'm sorry for the potentially dumb question, but I'm confused. I'm in the US and thinking about starting to play online for the first time. I've done a lot of reading online, here and elsewhere, and I'm just having trouble determining what is up to the date information on what currently will and will not work for depositing and withdrawing to a poker site (I'm currently registered and plan to play at PokerStars, if that makes a difference.)

When I click on the cashier at PS, I see options listed for E-check, Visa, Mastercard, and Money Order/Cashier's Check. However from what I can tell from my research, credit cards don't work. I have read of certain 'special' credit cards, and/or prepaid credit cards, but from what I can tell they work sporadically at best or perhaps not at all any longer. I also read here about inconsistent results using electronic transfers (delays, failures, etc.), but I thought banks doing direct transfers would fall under UIEGA/Wire Transfer laws anyway, and therefore would never work under any circumstances???

I'd be grateful if anyone can give me the lowdown on what (legal...I don't want to break the law) methods work from the US as of today, 1-15-2011

As far as I know, your only options are Echeck, no cards work anymore, or send in a money order.

Thanks Pooffy. Isn't an Echeck considered a wire transfer, and isn't that what is regulated by UIEGA/Wire Transfer Law?

I don't know how Stars is able to do an echeck but it worked for me back in October. I haven't heard anything stating it's not working.

they work on ftp but withdrawals are taking a very long time....its been almost 2 montsh now

somehow, echeck still works and is legal somehow, so this would be your best bet

E-checks works for me. I'm a U.S player

^^^LOL @ the spam/first post ^^^

I used Western Union to deposit on Stars a few days before Christmas, so I know that is an option that will work for players in the USA. I haven't used any of the other options though.

Thanks everyone for the input. It seems like somehow the echeck is the most reliable method.

Vfranks, is the Western Union option considered an Echeck or a Money Order/Cashier's Check? If you recall and don't mind sharing, how much did it cost in fees to use Western Union, how did you do it (online, cash, credit card, etc., etc.) and how long did it take to be credited to your account?

Thanks again!

Yes please what were the fees and what the lowest limit you can send to them. Thanks

do you guys not have the option to use UKash in the US ??

not sure how long the Uk have had it but its simple hand over cash at the counter and then you get a 14 digit code to input in say Pokerstars etc

works well its in a lot of countries

No, that is probably why it is called UKash, lol
Cool idea though, I wish we had it.

are you a fool ??
it works in loads of countries

it works cananda

its stand for yourcash - ukash


and its a south africa business but cheers for your rubbish reply

chill brah

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukash

Ukash is a brand of SmartVoucher Ltd and was created in 2005 to provide online cash-payment services.[1] It is available in 33 countries, through payment terminals in retail outlets across Europe, South Africa, South America, Canada and Australia and it is also issued online from the company’s website. [2] Ukash is a trading name of Smart Voucher Ltd.[3]


Founded in the UK, Ukash is regulated by the Financial Services Authority.[4]


South African-based Blue Label Telecoms Group became a strategic partner of Ukash in September 2008.

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So, let's review. Yes, it works in other countries besides the UK. No, it is not a South African business, it is indeed a UK business.. hence the name - UKash. A South African business by the name of Blue Label Telecoms Group partnered up with the UK business 3 years after it's launch.

So, what have we learned? Don't attempt to insult someone with knowledge of something that you haven't even researched yourself. Especially when someone was just making an observatory comment.


Fool.

Wow, I hope you feel better soon.
fwiw I only make rubbish replies

Western union... u had to use cash... could not use a cc or check/debit card to pay for the WU... and when i sent the money via western union.. it took under 2 hours to be credited to my pokerstars account once i sent it... but i think it costs 5$ per 50$ u send.. so i think it was a 10$ fee for the 100$ i deposited.. which is the least you can deposit throught WU onto stars... hope that help some... and sorry i didnt respond a bit ago