Maestro stands shoulder to shoulder with some of the most widely used payment methods like VISA and MasterCard. In fact, it is a brand owned by MasterCard, which allows you to make quick and secure payments all around the world, with the funds you have put on it.
Essentially…
…you can use it as a prepaid card or link it to your existing bank account, and top it up with the amount of money you want to have on it. So, the question is now: do many online casinos accept Maestro? And the short answer is yes.
However…
…while most online casinos accept it as a payment method, they usually do it for deposits. Withdrawals with this banking option are rather rare. Unless your Maestro card is connected to your bank, and the operator is willing to wire your winnings to your bank account, you cannot use it for withdrawals. But we’ll talk about that in length, shortly.
Maestro…
…is an incredibly convenient service introduced by MasterCard in 1992. It is, in essence, a debit card that can be obtained from banks all around the world, so you can access your money both at home and abroad.
The thing is, it is accepted in more than 100 countries and over 9 million outlets, online casinos included. To make a transaction, all you need to do is enter your PIN code and voila! The fact that it allows you to access your transactions from anywhere in the world makes it a reliable, fast and safe option.
Using Maestro
As introduced, you can either link it to your current bank account or use it as a prepaid card. Several denominations are offered when purchasing it as a prepaid card. If you choose to link it to your bank account, you would need to transfer the money you wish to have, from your bank account to your card.
Once you do that…
…you can start using your card as any other debit card. In land-based establishments, to pay with the card, you would need to swipe it. For online transactions, such as those to online casinos, you would need to enter the number of your card and allow the casino to verify it. Then, you need to enter your bank-issued PIN code, which is usually a 4-digit but sometimes a 6-digit number, to confirm the transaction.
As evident…
…you can make card transactions with incredible ease. All you need to do is have your card filled with money, either by purchasing it as a prepaid card for a certain denomination or by topping it up with funds from your bank account directly, enter your PIN code and finish your transaction. As easy as 1, 2, 3. The money will be on your casino account, ready for you to start playing your favourite online casino games, such as slots, table games, Live Dealer games or other instant-play games.
Adding Another Layer of Security to Transactions
As if the fact that it is a MasterCard brand wasn’t enough, Maestro provides you with the chance to further secure your transactions.
When you’re purchasing your card, you get a code that only you and the issuing financial institution know. This is a MasterCard SecureCode which further secures your transactions, as no one else can know your code and take advantage of your card. This code protects you against fraudulent use of your card.
When you process transactions online, such as to or from online casinos, you are requested to provide this code. Now, when making a deposit, for instance, after you’ve been asked to provide your PIN and CVV number, the MasterCard SecureCode will become active. You’ll need to provide this code before you press Submit.
Benefits for Online Casinos Transactions
One of the many benefits you get by using it as your preferred deposit method is that Maestro is a world-class payment method. In many countries, European in particular, it is MasterCard’s premier ATM and debit card.
The fact that it is a MasterCard brand makes it more reliable. Given MasterCard’s reputation, you can be sure that your money is safe and secure.
Secure transactions…
…especially when playing at safe portals are important. But, safety is this method’s strongest suit. When playing with it, you know that your transactions are perfectly safe, protected with the SecureCode that only you know, and no one else can tamper with it.
The authentication process keeps your personal and financial data safer than any other payment method could ever do. You know your money is in expert hands, given the fact Maestro is a MasterCard brand. There’s a triple layer of SSL encryption used, so there cannot be any possible problems.
Processing times…
…are instant, too, and that’s what makes it an excellent option for online casino deposits. When playing at online casinos, you’re looking for speed, you’re looking for efficiency, and that’s what you get with Maestro. You don’t need to wait for approval by neither your financial institution nor the casino, and once you’ve confirmed your deposit, the money is available on your casino account in a matter of seconds.
Money management…
…is also important when playing at online casinos, because you can easily get carried away and spend more than you initially planned.
When playing with this deposit method, that can never happen to you. Once you purchase your prepaid card or load your card via your bank account, the money you have on to it is all you have. This helps you manage the money you have and prevents you from spending more than you can afford, which is extremely important if you’re developing a problem gambling habit, for instance, and you want to practice responsible gambling.
Making Online Casino Transactions
The only disadvantage when playing at online casinos with Maestro prepaid card is that you cannot withdraw money with it. However, that happens with any prepaid card, due to its nature. Prepaid cards are created for the purpose to be used in one way only, for transactions that require no withdrawals.
If interested in using this service for both deposits and withdrawals, you can always opt for the card that can be refilled via your bank account. This way, the casino will have a destination where to send the money, if you wish to withdraw.
Withdrawals…
…therefore, are impossible, unless your card is linked to your bank account. If it is, then you can make a withdrawal in a pretty simple way. You need to log in to your online casino account, go to the Banking/Cashier page, and go to the Withdraw section. Find Maestro, if offered, click on it and enter the amount you want to withdraw. Then, provide the casino with your bank account number, and wait for the casino to process your request. You should expect your winnings on your bank account in a matter of days.
Deposits…
…are, of course, even simpler. Once logged in at the casino, go to its Banking/Cashier page, choose Deposit, and look for Maestro as your deposit method. Click on it, enter your card number and some other required personal details, and then enter the amount you would like to play with and deposit. Enter your PIN and wait for the money to get to your online casino account.
When it comes to fees…
…just like with MasterCard and VISA, sometimes, your bank may charge you a fee, but this depends on your bank’s policy. It is not always the case, but for withdrawal transactions, it may charge you a certain symbolic fee. Before you request a withdrawal via Maestro, make sure you’re informed about this issue, by reading the Terms and Conditions on your bank account agreement to see if fees apply and in which case.
Deposit and withdrawal limits…
…may also apply, so before you decide to play at an online casino site, you better read the rules written in the Banking section. Sometimes a payment method or the casino itself may implement limits to deposit or withdrawal amounts that can go in and out of the casino.
Therefore, you must be familiar with these terms, and if the limits do not work for you, look for an alternative method. Sometimes, players who opt for Maestro for deposits, choose a different method for withdrawals just because of the limits.
Customer Support
If you have any issues with your Maestro transactions, the first thing you can do is contact the online casino’s Customer Support. Operators have a highly responsive team when it comes to solving financial questions. If you don’t know how to deposit with this method, your transaction was cancelled or failed, or you have another question or experience a different problem, the agents at the casino should be able to help you out.
In addition, you can contact the Customer Support at MasterCard. The service can answer all your questions and problems via email and phone. You would have to go to the company’s official website to find further information.
Finally, if that doesn’t do the job either, then you should contact your bank or the issuer of the prepaid card. Considering Maestro cards are not issued directly by MasterCard, but by these institutions which are authorized to issue them, you could always contact them and find the solution to your problem or the answer to your question.
Is this method available in my country?
To find out whether Maestro is accepted in your country, you would have to consult with your bank or do a little research online to see whether you can use it. Considering it is an option in more than 100 countries, with 9 million authorized issuers, you should have no problem. But before you join a Maestro casino, make sure you find out whether it is available in your country.
What are Maestro casinos and where can I find them?
These are all those online casino sites that accept transactions with Maestro. The majority of casinos accept it, though, so it won’t be difficult for you to find one to join. However, if you’re uncertain how to find one that is trustworthy, you can always check our recommended sites.
Can I use the card more than once?
Yes, of course. Once you’ve spent the money on your card, all you need to do is reload it via your bank account and in no time, you’ll have money on your card again, to use it again.
Will the casino charge additional fees?
Operators rarely charge fees for any method you choose to use, so the same goes for Maestro transactions. Fees can be charged by banks and other financial institutions, so if you’re uncertain, you better discuss this with them.
Which are great alternatives when it comes to withdrawals?
While most players use VISA or MasterCard as their alternative withdrawal methods because they are worldwide-known and accepted, proven to be safe and secure, others choose to use entirely different options such as eWallets or cryptocurrencies. Therefore, it is only up to you to decide which method to choose as an alternative for withdrawals.
Can I get special promotions and bonuses for using Maestro?
As a matter of fact, yes. Many major online casinos create promotional offers that apply to players who deposit with certain methods. You may get a Bonus Match, a Cashback offer or better deposit or withdrawal limits if you register Maestro as your payment method.