I really hate it when this happens: I write up what I think is a great blog post about USA payment processors; then a bit of news happens and derails the whole thing. Of course I'm talking about the news that Pokeraddict first reported last week regarding ewalletxpress leaving the USA market (yeah, it's not official but I think we see the writing on the wall -- I really hope we are wrong though). Anyway, my original blog post had to be updated. So not only am I mourning the loss of another ewallet (lucky me I have had balances in Neteller, ePassporte and ewalletxpress when they essentially locked accounts- do I get a cookie?), but I also had to drastically edit my blog post.

In my years maintaining online poker content, the most difficult item to keep up with is indeed USA payment processor information. As evidenced by eWalletXpress, the payment methods offered by poker rooms seem to constantly be changing, and between outdated websites and occasional uneducated support reps, it can be quite challenging to find reliable information. The live chat reps from eWalletXpress still claim that they are experiencing "technical difficulties," for instance. So for the last couple weeks I have made a new effort to gather the latest payment processor information in the online poker world. I have been working on this content mostly for our rakeback site Rake Tracker, but I thought it also might be helpful to those of you who have a prominent US user base or are just a US player who likes to play online poker.

My first general thought about depositing and withdrawing for the US poker player is that while it is not as free and easy as it once was -- I don’t want to dwell on Neteller too much in fear my tears of anguish might fry my laptop – four years after UIGEA, without positive legislative, it’s somewhat remarkable -- in my opinion -- that it is still relatively easy to deposit and withdraw as long as you are willing to be a bit flexible in your methods you use. Sure, there are some delays, the occasional bounced check and some higher fees, but we’re getting by, and when a payment processor such as ewalletxpress goes down, another option is found for most sites in a relatively timely manner.

Depositing

e-wallets- Ah, the old standby for many players who got their start in poker almost half a decade ago. Yeah, they still exist. Sure they aren’t available at every site like Netell… give me a moment….ok, I’m good….as Neteller used to be, but an e-wallet option is available at many sites. eWalletxpress was probably the most Neteller-esque amongst current e-wallet options but others exist as well. Usemywallet, for instance, is available upon invitation. Once you qualify to use it at one room, you can use it anywhere Usemywallet is accepted. One complaint is that fees are higher when withdrawing from the ewallet to your bank account or check, but creative players find ways around that such as depositing with one method and withdrawing by a less costly method. Note that withdrawing from a poker site to the ewallet is still usually free.

There are also a few miscellaneous e-wallet options that are occasionally available. For example, some players who were lucky enough to sign up for a Click2pay account early enough (circa 2007) can still use their account. Pic-Club is also available at a couple small rooms but their severing of relationships with many rooms (True Poker, Merge, Doyles) doesn’t instill confidence for me.

eChecks- This option has become a favorite amongst the new school because it’s actually easier than using an ewallet. Players can deposit, and sometimes withdraw, using their bank account, essentially cutting out the e-wallet middleman. There are generally not any fees with this option.

Credit Cards- It’s becoming increasingly difficult to use these things with any success. Most sites will offer them, but good luck getting them to work. Occasionally you might get lucky by calling your credit card company and ask them why a particular deposit didn't go through and then authorizing it. By doing so though, you may get involved in an uncomfortable conversation.

Miscellaneous options: Each site, of course, is going to be quite a bit different in their deposit methods. Other notable options include Money Transfers where you go into a local grocery store, for example, and send money internationally. At some sites you may be able to deposit via check or some kind of bank draft.

Check here for Part 2.