Is it safe to link my credit card to my gaming account?
22 August 2025
Luckily, there are safer alternatives. On MobileTopUp, you can easily buy prepaid cards like Paysafecard, Neosurf, or Transcash. These let you pay for games and gambling sites without needing to use your credit card.
Discover the reasons why many gamers link their credit card, the risks involved, safer alternatives and secure payment methods, and how UK regulations handle credit card use for online gambling.
Why Do So Many Gamers Use Credit Cards?
Most major gaming platforms — such as the PlayStation Store, Xbox Live, Steam and Nintendo eShop — accept credit cards by default. Many mobile games on iOS and Android do too. So, for lots of gamers, using a credit card is the obvious choice.
The advantages:
- Quick payments: link once and pay instantly.
- Purchase protection: fraudulent transactions can often be reversed.
- Widely accepted: use your card on international platforms.
But this ease of use does come with some downsides.
What Are the Risks of Linking Your Credit Card?
Credit cards make it very easy to spend money — sometimes without realising how much. This is especially true in games with loot boxes or in-app purchases. Because you only pay later, it’s easy to lose track of your spending until the bill arrives.
The bigger risk, however, is fraud. If your gaming account is hacked, someone could immediately access your credit card. This risk is even higher if you use the same password across different websites.
Safer Alternatives to Using a Credit Card
Want to pay anonymously and with more control? A prepaid credit card is a much safer option. You buy a code for a fixed amount and use it to pay, without sharing your bank details.
Popular prepaid cards include:
- Paysafecard – a 16-digit code accepted by many gaming and entertainment platforms.
- Neosurf – similar and widely supported.
- Transcash – accepted anywhere in the world within the Mastercard network.
You can purchase these cards quickly and securely at MobileTopUp. Choose an amount, pay your way, and you’ll instantly receive your code on-screen and via email. This gives you more control — especially when using online gambling sites, an area where government attention is increasing.
UK Law on Gambling with Credit Cards
In the UK, the use of credit cards for online gambling was banned in 2020 by the Gambling Commission. This includes casinos, betting websites, and even buying lottery tickets online. This aims to reduce the risk of people gambling with money they don’t actually have.
Licensed gambling operators are required to help prevent harmful gambling. Although credit cards used to be popular, their use often led to people spending more than they could afford and building up debt.
Today, more players are turning to safer options like Paysafecard, Neosurf, or Transcash, where you can only spend what you have already loaded onto the card — helping you stay in control of your spending.
Do Online Casinos Track Player Activity?
Yes, licensed gambling websites are now required to monitor player behaviour. They look for signs of problem gambling or unusual patterns to offer support or restrict access if needed. If you play frequently or spend large sums, you may receive warnings or face temporary blocks.
Some see this as interference, while others view it as necessary protection.
Can You Get Rich from Online Gambling?
Technically, yes — but the odds are very low. Casino games are designed with a built-in advantage for the house, meaning that over time, the casino usually wins. Gambling should be seen as entertainment, rather than a reliable way to earn money.
Will You Get Blocked for Winning Often?

Do UK Banks Block Gambling Transactions Made with Credit Cards?
Most UK banks now block credit card payments to gambling sites by default, following the legal ban. However, they often allow debit card payments and may let you set your own limits or block gambling transactions entirely if you choose.
What If You Also Use Your Credit Card for Other Online Purchases?
If you use your credit card for subscriptions like streaming services, apps, or other digital content, a prepaid card can still be a smart and secure alternative. For example, Paysafecard can be used with services like Twitch, YouTube Premium, and many others — without needing to share your banking details.
This also helps you stay in control of your spending outside of gaming, while keeping your financial information private.
Can You Withdraw Cash Using a Credit Card?
You can, but it’s usually a bad idea. Withdrawing cash using your credit card is called a cash advance, and it often comes with high fees — a percentage of the amount plus a fixed charge — and interest starts building immediately from the day of withdrawal.
If you need money quickly, there are usually cheaper and safer options.
How to Pay Safely Without a Credit Card
Using a credit card for gaming or online gambling might be convenient, but it comes with serious risks. You can overspend without realising, fall victim to fraud, and lose track of your finances — especially since payments are made after the fact.
If you want to keep control of your spending and protect your financial information, prepaid cards like Paysafecard, Neosurf, or Transcash are a smart and safe choice. You decide how much to spend, don’t share your bank details, and can enjoy your gaming or gambling experience without surprises.
With growing focus on responsible payments and stricter regulations, it makes sense to choose safety and control.
Explore all available prepaid cards now on MobileTopUp