Neosurf vs. MasterCard Credit

Wandering the planes of the online gambling world, we don’t doubt many people will run into payment options like Neosurf and MasterCard. While these methods have seemingly nothing in common, one being a prepaid card and the other a bank card, they share many similarities that users might find surprising. Mainly, both of these payment methods focus on convenience and safety. They try to offer users a smooth experience, no matter where they end up. On top of this, they aim to keep players protected from the many shady dealing happening in the online and offline world alike through high-end security. Of course, there are a few stark differences between the two services, which is why up next, we’ll try to answer an important question. Why choose Neosurf or MasterCard as an online casino payment method?

About Neosurf and MasterCard

Let’s start by separating the two methods more clearly. Neosurf is a prepaid voucher, while MasterCard is a bank card. From this, it’s already easy to tell that these methods function differently at their core. While this might not mean too much to some, as both are aiming for the same goal, how they get to it matters. In the online gambling space, both of these methods are insanely popular, with MasterCard, of course, taking the lead. Here’s a bit more about them, respectively.

Surprisingly enough, Neosurf was launched much earlier than some think. The service debuted in 2004, released by a French company with plans for global expansion. As we already mentioned, this service is a voucher. Users can purchase the solution from several different outlets and use it to make one-time payments for various online shops and services. The payment method started gaining traction and expanding mainly throughout Europe. Today, it’s available in European countries like Malta, Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Spain, and more! The company’s expansion didn’t stop there. The service soon touched international waters, now boasting availability in China, Canada, Colombia, Australia, and beyond.

It’s easy to see that Neosurf has managed to reach a big international audience. Players can find over 135,000 authorized Neosurf resellers globally, in everything from local marts to gas stations. To make things better, it can be also be used in most of these places! While online purchases are its primary target, the voucher is available offline too.

There are many reasons why casino users are enamored with this service, but we’ll focus on the few that truly make it a standout. Since Neosurf is a prepaid voucher, users don’t need to disclose any personal information to obtain it. Subsequently, this grants them anonymity when transacting with various operators! Another big reason is its use as a credit card alternative. While bank cards are still going strong in most fields, credit cards, in particular, have been running into issues in online gambling venues. Their use has been banned in countries like the UK and Germany, leading many to search for other deposit methods that fit the bill. Thanks to its speed and lack of fees, for a large chunk of players, Neosurf seems to be the obvious choice!

MasterCard is a service most of the world is well-acquainted with. Its beginnings date to 1966 in the USA, where the method started as a membership organization. The service was much different than what we know today. It was founded by several well-known financial institutions, including Wells Fargo, United California Bank, Crocker International, and the Bank of California. Things escalated quickly for MasterCard. The service grew to include over 25,000 financial institutions as shareholders, making its network popular far beyond just the United States. Following the natural progression of things, it spread internationally, amassing incredible success all over the globe.

As you can probably guess from the previous paragraph, what makes this service such a well-rounded contender in a market brimming with options is its incredible coverage. The service has an unmatched network that reaches over 180 countries, making it one of the convenient choices you can currently go for. Naturally, this network extends to the world of online gambling as well. By using MasterCard, players gain access to nearly every online casino in existence. Yes, the method is that widespread!

Something players should note about MasterCard is that the method offers several card options to choose from. Of these options, credit and debit cards take the lead. We imagine many of you already know what these individual cards have to offer, but just in case you don’t, here’s what makes them unique. Debit cards are pretty much the standard at this point. They allow users to access as much money as is available on their accounts. Credit cards operate a bit differently. Users can overdraw money, going into debt.

In the online gambling space, the choice between credit and debit cards can influence your experience. Mainly, credit cards have been running into issues in this field lately. They’ve been banned in a few countries, making it necessary for players to search for alternatives. These countries currently include Germany and the UK, but others might follow in their footsteps.

Getting Started with the Two Methods

Both of these methods are known for their convenience, and this extends to the getting-started process. It should be relatively easy for users to learn the basics of how these services work and use them like pros. Here’s how they work, respectively.

With Neosurf, there are two ways to approach getting started. The first one is purchasing a voucher from a physical location. To start, you can visit the method’s official website and open the locator tool. Once it pins down your current location, it will give you a list of the nearest authorized resellers where you can purchase the voucher. These can be gas stations, local stores, supermarkets, etc. The process is pretty simple and works just like any other purchase. Ask the clerk for a voucher and proceed to pay for it.

The online option works in one of two ways. You can purchase a standard Neosurf voucher for one-time use or go for the reloadable MyNeosurf card. The first option is the equivalent of buying a voucher as you typically would, only online. Find a reseller, pay with a cheque, bank transfer, or bank card, and proceed to use it. The second option is a partnership with, surprisingly enough, MasterCard. You can reload it online or offline, making it a convenient tool to have.

If you’re wondering what denominations this service comes in, you’re in luck. For casual casino fans, the €10, €15, and €20 options should be more than enough to get you on your way. If you’re more of a high roller, however, you can choose the €30, €50, €100, and €250 options. One thing that stays the same between all of these options is the safety measure Neosurf implements. Users will be given a 10-digit code by the seller. It’s important to keep this code secure and handy as it’s a crucial tool in the depositing process later on.

Starting with MasterCard is a different process in contrast to the previous method. Fortunately, most people already have an idea of what it entails. The first step towards using this service is getting a card issued through a qualifying bank or financial institution near you. Knowing of the method’s popularity, finding one of these places shouldn’t take long. Once you find a bank you like, start the application process by filling out the required forms and choosing whether you want a credit or debit card. Something we should note about these forms is that they do require private information players might be uncomfortable sharing. It’s good to note that this data is usually used exclusively by the bank to set up your account, and for no other purpose.

Once you’ve completed the forms, it’s time to verify your identity. In most cases, this means showing a valid photo identification document to the bank clerk. This shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. Everything should be approved and ready in a couple of days. You’ll likely receive a call, text message, or email from the bank informing you that your card is ready. When you do, you have the option to pick up the card yourself in the location it was issued or have it mailed to you. Note that the latter option might incur some postage charges.

Using Neosurf and MasterCard Across Online Casinos

Now that the service of your choice is set up, you can move onto the good part – using it at an online casino. The first thing you need to do here is to choose a venue that accepts these options. Luckily, you should have a plethora of options! Neosurf is currently available in over 300 online casinos worldwide. MasterCard exceeds that number, covering nearly every operator you’ll run into on the market. In any case, finding a supported casino is no problem. Once you’ve made your pick, you can proceed to deposit.

If you’ve decided to use Neosurf as your go-to online casino deposit method, here are the steps you’ll need to take:

1. Go to the casino’s Cashier/Banking page, and from the list of accepted methods, find Neosurf’s logo and click on it. 
2. When the new window appears, enter the 10-digit code you received upon purchase. 
3. Specify how much you wish to deposit and confirm the transaction. 
4. The deposit will be instantly processed and the money will be available on your balance right away. 

Withdrawing with Neosurf can be a complicated subject, but we’ll try and keep it simple. As it’s a run-of-the-mill prepaid voucher, withdrawing through the classic service isn’t an option. Many fans might be disappointed to learn this, but there is some good news. You might not need to add an alternative method for withdrawals, instead, you can use the Neosurf reloadable card from the start! This service is a viable withdrawal option, although it’s a bit rarer in online gambling venues in this capacity.

MasterCard is the perfect pick for players that prefer a more traditional deposit option. If you’ve gone with this method, here’s how you can start depositing:

1. Choose the “Deposit with Credit/Debit Card” option.
2. From the list of offered credit/debit cards, select MasterCard as your deposit option. 
3. Enter the card’s number, expiry date, your name as the cardholder, and the CCV2 code on the back of the card. 
4. Specify how much you wish to deposit and confirm the transaction. 
5. In an instant, the funds will arrive on your balance!

Withdrawing with MasterCard is a possibility, but it’s also somewhat complicated. Before we get into that, it’s best to explain how to withdraw with the method. Essentially, the process is no different than depositing, with some minor changes. At the start, choose the “Withdraw with Credit/Debit Card option” instead. Follow the same steps listed above, and enter the desired amount you want to cash out. Your withdrawal request should be processed by the casino soon after.

The complicated part of using this service for withdrawals is its availability. The option is much scarcer than depositing and could make it harder for players to withdraw using their cards. Unfortunately, the negatives seem to pile on after this. A big downside of withdrawing with MasterCard is the waiting times. Processing withdrawals can take a long time with the service. While most modern payment options only take up to 48 hours, this one can take anywhere from 5-7 days! Naturally, this isn’t ideal if you’re in a hurry to use your casino winnings.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Neosurf and MasterCard are undoubtedly some of the best payment services currently available for online casino transacting. While they might be near the top of the payment method food chain, that doesn’t mean they’re perfect. Both options have pros and cons that players should consider carefully before proceeding with either of the two. You should be able to make up your mind with the information we’ve laid out in this text, but just in case you need more time, here’s a brief review of the key points we’ve talked about.

With Neosurf, the biggest pro is the safety stemming from its anonymity. The service needs practically no personal user data to operate, making it perfect for players preferring to stay in the shadows. Of course, this isn’t the only positive the service offers. The method comes with practically no fees, instant deposits, and is an excellent form of money management! Since the denominations it comes in are separated into smaller chunks, players can easily stick to a budget that won’t dent their wallets. The negatives of this method are pretty apparent. First, the lack of withdrawals for the classic prepaid vouchers is a big downside. Additionally, its availability is limited. While it does reach many locations, Neosurf isn’t as widespread as some might hope.

Seeing the positives of MasterCard isn’t hard. The service is a pioneer in the field, remaining one of the most widespread payment options globally. Its reach is unparalleled, giving users everywhere a chance to play in any casino they wish. The bad news is, the service can seem a bit outdated compared to most modern payment options. Its processing speeds are slower, the withdrawal option isn’t as widely accepted, and it’s been having some trouble with bans in specific countries.

One thing we can say about these two methods is that you can’t go wrong, no matter your choice. Sure, they come with a few flaws that might put a damper on your online gambling experience, but overall, they’re more than good enough to keep you happy when gaming online.