Betting Payment Methods Guide
Overview of Payment Methods
Choosing the right payment method for your betting account affects how quickly you can deposit, how fast you receive withdrawals, and whether you incur any fees. Australian bookmakers support a wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods, each with different speeds, limits, and availability.
This guide covers every major payment method accepted by Australian betting operators, compares their speeds and costs, and recommends the best options for different situations. For a detailed comparison, see our payment methods hub.
PayID
PayID is Australia's fastest payment method for both deposits and withdrawals. It uses the New Payments Platform (NPP) to process transfers in real time, 24/7, including weekends and public holidays. You link a memorable identifier (phone number, email, or ABN) to your bank account, and transfers settle in seconds.
Most major Australian bookmakers now support PayID deposits. PayID withdrawals are growing in availability and typically process same-day. Minimum deposits are usually $5-$10 with no fees. PayID is the recommended method for punters who value speed above all else.
Visa and Mastercard
Debit and credit cards are the most universally accepted deposit method. Every Australian bookmaker accepts Visa and Mastercard. Deposits are instant and minimums are typically $5-$10. However, withdrawals to cards take 1-5 business days, which is significantly slower than PayID or e-wallets.
Be aware that some Australian banks classify gambling deposits as cash advances on credit cards, which may incur additional fees and higher interest rates. Using a debit card avoids this issue entirely. Check with your bank before depositing with a credit card.
PayPal
PayPal is accepted at many major Australian bookmakers. Deposits are instant, and withdrawals to PayPal typically process within 24 hours, significantly faster than card or bank transfer withdrawals. PayPal adds an extra security layer between your bank account and the bookmaker.
The main limitation is that not all bookmakers support PayPal. Those that do include bet365, Ladbrokes, Unibet, and several others. Minimum deposits vary but are typically $10-$50. There are usually no fees for PayPal deposits at Australian bookmakers.
Bank Transfer
Traditional bank transfers (also called EFT or direct deposit) are accepted at all Australian bookmakers. You transfer funds using the bookmaker's BSB, account number, and a unique reference number. Deposits take 1-3 business days to clear (though PayID has made this faster at some institutions). Withdrawals also take 1-5 business days.
Bank transfers have no fees and work with any Australian bank account. They are best suited for larger deposits where speed is not critical, or for punters whose banks do not support newer methods like PayID.
POLi
POLi is an Australian online payment system that lets you pay directly from your bank account without needing a card. It redirects you to your internet banking portal to authorise the payment. Deposits are instant, but POLi is deposit-only, it cannot be used for withdrawals.
POLi has been gradually phased out by some operators and banks. If your bookmaker and bank both support it, POLi is a convenient fee-free option. Otherwise, PayID is a better alternative for instant bank-based deposits.
Apple Pay and Google Pay
Mobile wallet payments are growing in popularity. Apple Pay is accepted at a growing number of Australian bookmakers for deposits. Transactions authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID and process instantly. Google Pay has more limited availability but works similarly.
Both are deposit-only methods at present. They are ideal for mobile users who want quick deposits without entering card details. The underlying payment uses your linked debit or credit card.
BPAY
BPAY is a standard Australian bill payment system. The bookmaker provides a Biller Code and a Customer Reference Number. You enter these into your internet banking BPAY section. Deposits take 1-2 business days to clear and BPAY is deposit-only. Minimums tend to be higher ($10-$200 depending on the operator). BPAY is best for planned deposits where speed is not a priority.
Choosing the Best Method
For most Australian punters, the optimal setup is: PayID for deposits (instant, free, available 24/7) and PayID or PayPal for withdrawals (same-day processing at most operators). If your bookmaker does not support PayID, Visa/Mastercard debit is the best alternative for deposits, with PayPal as the preferred withdrawal method.
Responsible Gambling
Fast deposit methods make it easy to add funds impulsively. Use the deposit limit tools provided by your bookmaker to cap how much you can deposit per day, week, or month. This builds a structural barrier against impulsive top-ups. For support, call 1800 858 858.
Recommended Betting Sites
Based on our testing, these bookmakers offer the best experience for this type of betting:
Remember to gamble responsibly. Set limits before you start and never bet more than you can afford to lose. Call 1800 858 858 for support.