What is Open Banking (Pay by Bank) and how it works in casinos
Open Banking emerged from the EU's second Payment Services Directive (PSD2), in force since 2018, and the parallel UK regime, which require banks to let licensed third parties initiate payments from customer accounts with the customer's consent. Casinos integrate it through providers such as Trustly, TrueLayer, Volt, Brite, Token and others, which is why the cashier may show a generic Pay by Bank button rather than a brand.
The flow is the same regardless of provider: select Pay by Bank, choose your bank, get redirected to your banking app, approve the pre-filled payment with biometrics, and the casino credits the balance instantly. Open Banking casino payments are used in the UK, Germany, Austria, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Spain, Italy, Poland and Czechia.
Depositing with Open Banking (Pay by Bank)
Choose Open Banking or Pay by Bank at the cashier, enter an amount of at least 10, pick your bank, and approve the payment in your banking app or online banking. The deposit is credited instantly through instant payment rails such as Faster Payments in the UK or SEPA Instant in the euro area. Limits follow your bank's transfer limits and the casino's caps, and are generally higher than card or wallet limits.
Withdrawing winnings to Open Banking (Pay by Bank)
Most Open Banking providers used by casinos support payouts, and the casino returns winnings to the account you deposited from under the closed-loop rule. Transfers use instant rails, so funds typically arrive within minutes and at most within 24 hours of approval. Minimum withdrawals are usually 10. A few providers are deposit-only, in which case the casino pays by standard bank transfer; the cashier page will say which applies.
Fees
Open Banking deposits and withdrawals are free at the casino, and providers do not charge players. Money moves in your bank account's currency, so conversion only arises if the casino account is in a different currency, where your bank's rate applies. Play in your local currency and the method is free end to end. Open Banking earns a perfect fee score in our rating for this reason.
Bonus eligibility
Open Banking deposits are eligible for welcome bonuses everywhere. The payment is authorised from a verified bank account in your name through strong customer authentication, which makes it the opposite of the anonymous multi-accounting that led to e-wallet exclusions. Many UK casinos now actively prefer Pay by Bank deposits for bonuses because they also satisfy affordability checks more easily.
Pros
- Withdrawals in minutes to 24 hours
- No fees
- Approve in your banking app; no card details
- Always eligible for bonuses
Cons
- Casino appears on your bank statement
- Provider and bank coverage varies by country
- Some providers are deposit-only
- Not yet offered by every casino
Verdict
Open Banking is the best bank-based method for UK and European players who want fast, free payouts and full bonus eligibility without opening a wallet. It suits everyone except players who want privacy from their bank or who live where their bank is not yet connected. If both Trustly and a generic Pay by Bank option are listed, they are functionally equivalent.
Side-by-side comparison
| Open Banking (Pay by Bank) | Trustly | Interac e-Transfer | BLIK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 8.3/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 |
| Withdrawal speed | Minutes to 24 hours | Minutes to 24 hours | Up to 24 hours | Not available (paid out by bank transfer) |
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free | Free | Not available |
| Currency conversion | Your bank's exchange rate | Your bank's exchange rate | Not available | Not available |
| Withdrawals supported | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Bonus eligibility | Eligible | Eligible | Eligible | Eligible |
Frequently asked questions
Is Open Banking safe for casino payments?
Yes. Payments are authorised in your own banking app under PSD2 and UK open banking rules, the provider is regulated, and the casino never sees your credentials or account number.
Can I withdraw casino winnings via Open Banking?
Usually yes. Most providers support payouts to the same account within minutes to 24 hours; a few are deposit-only, in which case the casino pays by bank transfer.
Are there fees for Pay by Bank casino deposits?
No. Deposits and withdrawals are free, with no conversion if you play in your bank account's currency.
What is the minimum Open Banking casino deposit?
Typically 10 in local currency for both deposits and withdrawals.
