How to use Sofort in online casinos
Sofort is one of the most popular bank transfer providers in Europe. It is supported by many online casinos catering to European players, particularly those from Germany and Austria.
Sofortüberweisung is actually one of the top payment methods in these countries. This comes as no surprise, given that it was founded in Munich, Germany, in 2005. Keep reading to learn more about Sofort as an online casino payment option and find out whether it fits your needs.
Pros & cons of using Sofort at online casinos
Here are some of the reasons why you should consider going for Sofort.
- Sofort enables you to make fee-free direct payments via online banking, so no credit or debit cards are needed.
- As a middleman between your bank account and the casino, Sofort does not access or store your sensitive information.
- All transactions must be verified with a confirmation code (TAN) sent via SMS, ensuring a high level of security.
- You don't need another account to use Sofort, nor can the online casino operator access your online banking details.
Unfortunately, Sofort comes with a few disadvantages we must mention as well.
- Sofort is available in 13 European countries at the moment, so if you don't live in any of them, you won't be able to use it.
- Not all online casinos allow for withdrawals with Sofort.
Summary of pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Secure payment option for European casino players | Withdrawals not always supported |
| Two-factor authentication | Deposits limited to €2,000 per transaction |
| No registration or account needed | Payments may not be processed immediately |
| Direct payments via online banking are enabled; no credit/debit cards are needed | |
| No fees |
Sofort fees
The good news is that Sofort does not charge fees for providing its services. Instead of charging customers, the payment service provider (PSP) charges merchants, in this case, online casinos, with a small fee.
Given the popularity of this banking method, most gambling sites do not impose fees on Sofort transactions either.
Create a Sofort account: a quick guide
As mentioned earlier, you don't need an account to use Sofort. This means that no registration or memorizing of a new password is required.
Here is what you should do to make online banking transfers via Sofort.
- Open an online banking account with one of the supported banks in countries where Sofort is available (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Finland, Belgium, France, Italy, Poland, Norway, Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom).
- Only current accounts registered for online banking are supported, so if you have a savings, investment, or financial account, you won't be able to use it.
- Since no account is needed, you won't have to log into the Sofort platform. All you need to do is choose Sofort as the preferred payment method, provide your bank ID, and enter the amount you want to deposit.
- Complete the payment by entering a single-use confirmation code received via SMS.
Depositing in a Sofort casino
As you can get from the previous section, depositing with Sofort is quite straightforward. Just follow our step-by-step guide.
- Sign up with a Sofort online casino.
- Go to the cashier and choose Sofort (Pay now in Belgium) as the preferred payment method.
- Enter the desired deposit amount and follow the instructions on the Sofort platform you will be transferred to.
You will complete your payment externally, using the Sofort platform and, eventually, your online banking page. To login into the latter, you simply enter your full name and bank account ID number. A confirmation code you receive via SMS can be used only once, adding an extra layer of security.
If you wish, you can claim a bonus on your deposit made via Sofort. At most Sofort online casinos, players who go for this payment method are eligible to receive bonus cash and/or free spins. So, if you want to give your bankroll a boost and have more fun, make sure to opt in.
Cashing out in a Sofort casino
If you get lucky and want to cash out your winnings through Sofort, this is possible at many Sofort casinos. But note that some casinos might only process Sofort deposits, in which case you will need to choose another payment method for your cash out. The steps will generally be as follows:
- Log in to your casino account
- Go to the cashier and click "withdrawal" (or similar)
- Choose your payment method if it is not automatically selected
- Enter the amount you wish to withdraw and click to confirm.
The withdrawal process is quick and easy, but not as immediate as with deposits. Once you've confirmed your withdrawal request, it usually takes 2 to 3 business days to process.
Sofort transaction limits and timeframes
Another thing you should keep in mind when using Sofort is transaction limits. While the minimum amount sits at €1 only, the maximum may not suit all kinds of casino players. It is limited to €2,000, so you won't be able to send more than that to the casino in one transaction. If you are a high roller, you may have to make several deposits to fund your casino account with the desired amount.
"Sofort" is short for Sofortüberweisung, a German word meaning "immediate bank transfer". In most cases, we can confirm that the provider has aptly named its service. However, payments sometimes take longer to settle and some Sofort users have complained about transactions taking weeks to process.
Some Sofort users have also reported that they could not reverse payments made to online casinos via Sofort. So, keep this in mind and make sure to double-check your transactions.
