What is Pay by Bank?
Pay by Bank is a way of paying directly from your current account using Open Banking, the UK framework launched in 2018 that lets regulated providers start payments with your permission. Instead of typing card details or copying a sort code and account number, you're sent to your own banking app with the payment already filled in. You approve it, and it's done.
Different casinos label it differently: Pay by Bank, Instant Bank Transfer, Open Banking or Bank App. The provider running it might be Trustly, TrueLayer, Token, Volt or another regulated firm, but for you the experience is much the same.
How a Pay by Bank deposit works
A typical deposit takes about 15 seconds. You choose Pay by Bank, select your bank, and your phone opens your banking app with the casino, the amount and a reference already entered. You approve it with your fingerprint or face, the app passes you back to the casino, and your balance updates. You never type your bank details, and the casino never sees your login.
Pay by Bank vs traditional bank transfer
| Pay by Bank | Manual bank transfer | |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit speed | Instant | Minutes to 1 working day |
| Details you enter | None, just choose your bank | Sort code, account number, reference |
| Risk of mistakes | Very low (pre-filled) | Wrong reference can delay credit |
| Withdrawal speed | Minutes to 4 hours | 1–5 working days |
| Best for | Everyday deposits and fast payouts | Very large withdrawals |
Is Pay by Bank safe?
It's one of the safest ways to pay. Every payment is authorised inside your bank's own app with Strong Customer Authentication, Open Banking providers have to be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, and no reusable card details are created that could be stolen. You can see and revoke any connections in your banking app.
About gambling blocks: bank gambling blocks were built mainly around card payments. Some banks also apply them to Open Banking payments, and others don't yet. If you use a block to control your gambling, check with your bank, and consider GAMSTOP as well.
Fast withdrawals back to your account
Once a casino knows your verified account from a Pay by Bank deposit, it can send withdrawals by Faster Payments. These usually arrive within minutes of approval, at any time of day. That puts Pay by Bank level with Trustly as the fastest way to get your winnings into your current account.
How to deposit with Pay by Bank
- In the cashier, choose Pay by Bank (sometimes shown as Instant Bank Transfer or Open Banking).
- Pick your bank from the list.
- Your banking app opens with the payment pre-filled.
- Check the amount and approve with Face ID, fingerprint or passcode.
- You're sent back to the casino with your deposit credited.
How to withdraw with Pay by Bank
- Verify your casino account. The bank account must be in your name.
- Choose Withdraw and select Pay by Bank or bank transfer.
- Enter the amount and confirm.
- Once approved, funds arrive via Faster Payments, often within minutes.
Pay by Bank pros and cons
Pros
- Instant deposits approved in your banking app
- Fast withdrawals via Faster Payments
- No card details stored by the casino
- Supported by nearly every UK bank
- Usually bonus-eligible
Cons
- Not all casinos offer it yet
- Requires mobile or online banking
- Gambling blocks may not apply in the same way as for cards
Pay by Bank vs other payment methods
| Method | Deposit | Withdrawal | Fees | Bonus | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Pay by Bank | Instant | Minutes to 4 hours | Free | Usually | 9.3 |
 Trustly | Instant | Minutes to 4 hours | Free | Usually | 9.4 |
 Bank Transfer | Minutes to 1 day | 1–5 working days | Usually free (CHAPS extra) | Usually | 7.6 |
 Visa Debit | Instant | Minutes to 3 working days | Free at most casinos | Usually | 9.2 |
 Revolut | Instant | Minutes to 3 working days | Free (plan limits apply) | Usually | 8.6 |
Our verdict on Pay by Bank
Pay by Bank combines the security of your banking app with the speed of an e-wallet, and it usually qualifies for bonuses. As more UK casinos adopt it, we expect it to become many players' default.
Frequently asked questions
What is Pay by Bank at online casinos?
Pay by Bank uses Open Banking to let you deposit by approving a pre-filled payment in your own banking app, with no card details needed.
Is Pay by Bank the same as Trustly?
Trustly is one of several providers that run Pay by Bank payments. Others include TrueLayer, Token and Volt. The experience is very similar.
How fast are Pay by Bank withdrawals?
After approval, withdrawals are usually sent by Faster Payments and arrive within minutes, and almost always within four hours.
Which banks support Pay by Bank?
Almost all UK banks and building societies with mobile or online banking support Open Banking payments, including the big high-street banks and app-based banks.