UnionPay is now one of the most popular methods of processing payments online, with an increasing number of casino sites available to Canadian players also utilizing it as a result. With UnionPay having now been in operation for almost 20 years, this page will deliver useful information surrounding UnionPay casino sites, including just how it works, along with its main advantages and disadvantages. So, let’s start by outlining the casino sites that currently offer UnionPay as a method of payment.
Best UnionPay Casino Sites 2023
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LICENSEDWhat is UnionPay? A Brief History
UnionPay was founded back in 2002, quickly becoming one of the leading payment providers in the world. Having initially started by focusing on the lucrative Chinese market, UnionPay partnered with many leading banks in order to help issue debit cards to customers, which can then be used at a variety of both land-based and online outlets. Both credit and prepaid cards have since been added as UnionPay products, while they have also branched out significantly in terms of locations, with those in North America, Europe and the Middle East all potentially qualifying. UnionPay now operates in over 170 countries, however their headquarters are still located in Shanghai, China.
UnionPay in Canada
Despite gambling being somewhat of a grey area in Canada, residents face no restrictions when it comes to operating on casino sites that accept UnionPay as a method of payment, as long as they have a valid license from a respected authority, such as the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. A UnionPay card is required in order to deposit funds on casino sites, which can be found relatively easily due to the increase in the number of Bank of China outlets that are now located in Canada. Meanwhile, a large number of ATM’s allowing users to top up their UnionPay cards has increased dramatically, making depositing on casino sites easier than ever before.
Pros and Cons of Using UnionPay as a Payment Method
The following are the main pros and cons discovered by the testing of UnionPay as a payment method at casino sites:
- UnionPay certainly enables customers with the chance of depositing funds easily, whilst always keeping a close eye on just how much they are spending. With certain limits being applied to deposits made using UnionPay, along with self-limitation options, it is difficult for players to go over their budget, which promotes irresponsible gambling in the process.
- Despite having initially focused on the Chinese market, UnionPay is now a global brand, working with around 65 different financial institutions around the world. As a result, card holders can process payment in different countries and outlets, including casino sites.
- Payments processed using UnionPay are nothing but secure, with a number of protection technologies being in place to ensure that this remains the case at all times. Encryption certificates mean that all transactions are safe, with the threat of fraud being minimal.
- Those looking to use UnionPay to process payments at casino sites must agree to their terms and conditions beforehand, which includes the sharing of personal and bank details. While this may put some potential customers off, a number of security measures at both UnionPay and casinos mean that this is not as big of an issue as it appears.
- UnionPay does come with some small fees, while their limits are also low in comparison to other payment methods.
How Does UnionPay Work?
UnionPay works in a relatively similar way to other debit, credit or prepaid cards, with the financial institution working alongside banks in offering such products. Those operating on casino sites must select UnionPay as their preferred method of depositing funds, before entering the relevant card details. Deposits are normally approved and processed in just a matter of seconds, making for one of the most convenient and quick methods of banking online today.
How to Set Up UnionPay
Those looking to get started with UnionPay must first follow a few steps, which will determine your eligibility, as well as which product best suits your needs.
- Visit a local branch office or make an online application.
- Complete the relevant information, before specifying which UnionPay product it is that you are applying for.
- Whether it be a debit, credit or prepaid card, your bank will process your application, before potentially issuing a card immediately. This step may include a credit check.
- In some cases, players will receive confirmation at a later date, either by mail or email.
Does UnionPay Charge Any Fees?
Fees can potentially be incurred when using UnionPay, however this will depend on the specific bank, card issuer and casino site. Meanwhile, those who fail to use their UnionPay account for over 12 months will be charged C$4.95. Deposits made using UnionPay on casino sites are generally processed free of charge.
UnionPay Alternatives
For those who are not 100% convinced by the information surrounding UnionPay in which you have read on this page, it may be worth considering some of the other payment platforms available to Canadian players today, with the following being among the best options:
Debit Card – If UnionPay cards do not suit your needs, alternative debit cards may well be a better alternative, with there being a huge number of options available to players in this area.
PayPal – PayPal is perhaps the best-known e-wallet platform on the web, with the American organization supporting online money transfers internationally, as well as offering an alternative to the traditional forms of payment.
Interac – Interac helps to facilitate e-commerce transactions, with a Canadian bank account being required in order for customers to utilize this option. Interac has been around since 1984, with those based in Canada likely to be familiar with what they have to offer.
Best Alternative Casinos with Interac Payment Options
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Casino Bonus Connected to UnionPay Deposits
Deposits made using UnionPay are likely to qualify for any potential welcome bonus offered by casino sites, which are often one of the biggest factors behind players signing up in the first place. Ranging from matched deposit bonuses to free spins, promotional terms and conditions often state that deposits made using ewallets including Netleller and Skrill are ineligible, however they do not surrounding UnionPay in most cases, which will come as good news for potential users.
Tips and Tricks for Using UnionPay
For those considering using UnionPay, there are certain tips and tricks that will help to ensure that you make the most out of this particular payment method, including the following:
- Never share your UnionPay bank details with anyone, including casino site support agents, who should never ask for such information.
- Set a limit when it comes to depositing funds using UnionPay, as this will help you to stick to a sensible budget.
FAQ
Unfortunately, UnionPay cannot be used to withdraw winnings from casino sites, meaning that an alternative payment method must be chosen by players here.
A large proportion of the casino sites discussed on our site now accept UnionPay as a payment method, with the complete list being found at the top of this page.
UnionPay is accepted in over 60 different countries today, including Canada.
Those based in Canada can call UnionPay toll free on 1-877-470-6287.
Yes, cryptocurrencies are accepted at UnionPay, including Bitcoin.
Final Words on UnionPay Casino Sites
UnionPay may not have the same reputation as some other card services in operation today, however the fact that they have been in operation since 2002 and work alongside a number of leading banks demonstrates just how far they have come. The speed and convenience of transactions made using UnionPay means that it is now the preferred method of payment for many players today, whether it be through a debit, credit or prepaid card.
