Visa Credit vs. MoneyGram

Leading online casino sites make sure players get the best payment method choices at their disposal, and that’s why most of them offer VISA and MoneyGram to their customers. These are two extremely popular payment solutions, available all across the globe, with a renowned reputation. There’s rarely a person in this world who hasn’t heard of or used them at least once in their lifetime. Their logos can be recognized by people from any country in the world, and that speaks volumes about their integrity and popularity worldwide. Why use VISA or MoneyGram as an online casino payment method?

About VISA and MoneyGram

Neither VISA nor MoneyGram needs any introduction; as we just said, the two are some of the most well-known and recognized payment methods in the world. The former is a card issuing company, while the other a money transfer service. Even though fundamentally different, they both collaborate with banks to enable their services and deliver them to users. And even though offering different services, the two have immense popularity among users from all across the globe.

VISA's story began in the US way back in 1958, so it is one of the oldest and actually one of the leading credit card brands. It started out as a credit card program, accidentally invented by a project manager who worked at the Bank of America. This person wanted to figure out a way to facilitate banking for users. The manager wanted to create a solution that, instead of people doing it manually, would use the bank’s computer systems for billing. The idea the manager presented was a success, and that’s how the way billing and banking functioned changed for good, with the creation of the first credit card program we now know as VISA.

As mentioned, VISA does not need any special introduction. You know that it is a credit card processing company, and you know that in addition to credit cards, it also issues all kinds of debit, prepaid, gift cards, and many different types of each. VISA cards are used by billions of people from all continents across the globe, as well as governments, financial institutions and businesses, on a daily basis. It is a brand that holds one of the biggest payment networks on a global level, so its reputation is really something.

Its remarkable track record, especially when it comes to the security it offers, has never been shaken. The company ensures users' money is always 100% safe, protected with two-factor authentication measures that allow no one else but the cardholder to use the money on the card. This, and the fact that the services it offers are unrivalled, have helped it scoop some of the most prestigious industry awards.

For all of these reasons, it should come as no surprise that VISA is an accepted method at basically any online casino. Its logo is displayed across most, if not all, online casinos because it is one of the most convenient methods to use. Every second, if not every single, person in this world has a VISA card in their wallet. So, to start depositing at an online casino, all they need to do is take out their card and make the transaction. The convenience is unrivalled. Sure, there are such countries that forbid gambling with credit cards, like Germany and the UK, however, those players who are free to use them, are always opting for a VISA credit card.

Even though today, it is one of the leading P2P digital money transfer services, MoneyGram's roots are in the land-based markets. Its story began way back in 1940, even earlier than VISA, when the Travelers Express was formed, a money order company based in Minneapolis. Laying the grounds for the money transfer service provided today, Travelers Express made a merging deal with Integrated Payments Systems Inc. in 1998 to launch the MoneyGram service you know of today. The service proved successful across the US, so the companies involved decided to go with a global expansion strategy, rebranded the solution to MoneyGram International in 2004, and with that, the money transfer service became available to literally anyone, from anywhere across the world.

Just like VISA, MoneyGram is a brand even the birds on the trees have heard of. Even though you may have not used its services as of yet, you must have seen its logo on the corner of your street, as the money transfer service has hundreds of branches in all 200 countries and territories across the globe. Its customer network counts over 150 million, and that number keeps on growing. Especially now, as the solution has also become available digitally.

On that note, previously, you could have only requested a money transfer with it if you went to one of its land-based branches. Giving the desk clerk cash and the transaction details was enough to make a successful money transfer. But today, you can pay using your bank account or any card issued by your bank, entirely online. You would need to create an account with the solution, either via your website or its app, available on any smartphone, tablet and desktop device. Then, you would need to enter the needed transaction details, which will be explained soon, and you’ll be done with it, without ever leaving your home.

Naturally, being so effortless to use, and giving you two options for transacting, MoneyGram is a payment method offered across the best online casinos. Players appreciate the added benefits it comes with, such as the Plus Rewards with every transfer and the 20% off the fee for the following transfer when you first get started with it. That’s why you will see its logo displayed across the finest online casinos.

Getting Started with the Two Solutions

To get started with VISA and MoneyGram, you’d have to go through two different procedures, considering how different the solutions are.

You would need to go to your bank…

… to start your VISA journey. The chance that your bank does not issue VISA cards is slim, but if it really doesn’t, you’d need to open an account with a bank that does. You would need to fill out an application, given to you by the desk clerk, specifying personal details about yourself, as well as the type of card you’re applying for. As said, there are plenty of VISA cards you can apply for, so consider your options and apply for the one that suits you best. Along with the application, you'd need to provide proof of identity and proof of income. You'd need to wait for a couple of weeks for the bank to approve your card after you submit the application. Once approved, the card will arrive on your doorstep, along with the accompanying verification codes. You can choose to pick up your card at the bank, too, if that's more convenient for you.

When it comes to fees, you should know that the bank will probably charge fees, at the rate established in its policies. However, be aware that the casino you’ve chosen to play at may also charge fees for using VISA. These fees vary, so before you start using it, make sure you find out more about the extra charges, by contacting both your bank’s and your online casino’s Customer Support team.

The process with MoneyGram can be done both offline and online…

… as you first need to decide whether you’d want to visit the nearest branch or do it on your mobile or desktop device. If you go with the offline option, you’d need to provide the desk clerk with the transfer details and cash. If you go with the online option, you would need to create your account with MoneyGram first. You can do that via the website, on any browser, or by downloading its app. The app is free and available for both Android and iOS devices, which can be downloaded from Apple App and Google Play Store, respectively.

Once you’re at its website or you’ve installed the app, the registration procedure will begin. You’d need to enter some personal details about yourself, such as email address, password and mobile phone number. After you accept the Terms of Use, your account will be up and ready. From here, you are all set to make the transfer. Specify to whom you wish to send money, how much and the payment method the receiver would like to use to pick up the money. The solution will calculate the fee you’d need to pay, which will depend on the methods used and the amount of money being sent. Pay the total using your bank account or card, and you’ll get a reference number which you need to send to the receiver so that they can successfully pick up the money.

Using VISA and MoneyGram Across Online Casinos

The number of casinos you could consider joining that accept either VISA or MoneyGram is absolutely enormous. VISA is accepted across over 1,200 sites, while MoneyGram across more than 60. Therefore, your next task would be choosing the proper casino for you to join, a licensed site, which offers casino games by the very best software developers. Join one and you’ll be ready to make your first deposit.

Funding your casino account with VISA would involve the following steps:

1. Go to the online casino’s Cashier/Payment Methods/Deposits page.
2. Find VISA’s logo and press it.
3. A new window will open where you’ll need to enter your name as the cardholder, the card’s number, the CCV2 number, and the expiry date.
4. Enter the amount of money you’d like transferred to your casino balance.
5. Confirm the transaction and you’ll see the money arriving immediately.

VISA withdrawals are quite popular across online casinos, even though there's a 3 to 5-day wait until the money arrives on your bank account. You would need to go through a similar procedure, this time choosing VISA from the Withdrawals list, and specifying how much you'd like to cash out. The casino will need to approve the request, and allow you to cash out the amount you requested.

With MoneyGram…

… the depositing procedure was actually explained previously, but let’s go over the steps together again:

1. Go to the casino’s Cashier/Payment Methods/Deposits page.
2. Find MoneyGram’s logo and press it.
3. Enter your account sign-in credentials in the pop-up window.
4. Enter the amount that needs to be sent and the receiver's (casino's) details, if not pre-entered.
5. Wait for the solution to calculate the fees and pay the total sum.
6. Send the casino the reference number and after it confirms it, the money will arrive on your online casino balance in an instant.

As a withdrawal method, MoneyGram is particularly popular among USA players. Considering the procedure is similar, only done the other way around, after you request how much you’d like to cash out and how, and you receive the reference number, the money will be available for you to withdraw as it suits you.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The list of advantages you'll receive, regardless of whether you choose to use VISA or MoneyGram, is huge. They have several things in common that would come in handy for you. First of all, they are both global solutions. This means that you can use them for online gambling transactions, regardless of your country of residence or where the casino is based. This is a major advantage. Secondly, they are both renowned, popular and well-known payment solutions, with massive networks. Thirdly, they are both convenient to use, both across land-based establishments and online, and this is another plus. Four, they are easy to get started with and use. And last but not least, they are both accepted for deposits and withdrawals, and across many online casino sites. What else could one online casino player ask for?

However, the fees they both come with can be tricky. VISA’s fees will depend on both your bank and your casino’s policies. They are usually around 2%-2.5% of the amount. MoneyGram’s fees depend on many factors, such as the amount being sent and the payment methods used. Other than these, you will barely find any flaws in VISA and MoneyGram. They are two fundamentally different yet equally remarkable solutions to use, especially for online gambling purposes. So, consider your options with either and choose the one that suits you better, start using it and you'll experience smooth online gambling.

Written by ShellyS

Senior Content Writer

Expert On: Casino Banking reviews Gambling Regulations US Sports Betting

8 years of experience

537 Written reviews

Shelly has been writing for LCB since March 2018, with a strong focus on banking reviews. Her work helps players understand payment methods, fees, limits, and transaction processes across various casinos. She also covers gambling regulations, offering insights into licensing and player safety. Her goal is to deliver trustworthy, well-researched content that supports smart, secure gambling decisions for players and LCB members.