Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

still working at Pokerstars. You can load from MC/Visa but don't know if you'll be able to either load or withdraw to or from your bank account, which if the case besides having ridiculously exoribtant fees it also will be worthless as a means to get the money. There is no reason to believe that Epassporte wiil do EFT's if nobody else does, however, one can alwys hope. BTW, Powerball is over $200 million for tomorrow's drawing might be EV+ to pick up some tickets.

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

Definately.

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

OK, some clarification on Epassporte.

You can load from either a bank account or credit card. With credit cards, your funds are immediately available. With your bank, it takes 7 business days for funds to be available.

The $5 per $100 fee is for inital load and any eventual reloads from your bank account or CC. There is no fee assessed when you cash out from a poker site back to Epassporte. Wish it didn't have the fee, but if you are a winning player, it should only be a one time initial start up expense for the account.

Epassporte does not charge for EFT cash outs back to your checking account. If you want to cashout at ATM's, their Electron card is available for $35 per year. You load it from your regular account, and Epass charges $2 per ATM withdrawal.

As for whether Epassporte will continue to have EFT's available, they have one thing in their favor that Neteller never had. They are a prepaid Visa debit card, and marketed as such. In addition to personal accounts, they offer business acounts, gift cards, etc. It seems unlikely ACH's will start blocking EFT's to prepaid Visa card companies, as there are a large number of them, and prepaid cards are popular.

And no, I don't work for Epassporte. All the above info is on their site, available to anyone who will take the time and make the effort to do some thorough research.

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

Malo -

Thank you.

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

Thanks for the info Malo, doesn't look as bad as I had first thought, I take it they do not charge fees to load your debit card like Neteller did?

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

[ QUOTE ]


The $5 per $100 fee is for inital load and any eventual reloads from your bank account or CC. There is no fee assessed when you cash out from a poker site back to Epassporte. Wish it didn't have the fee, but if you are a winning player, it should only be a one time initial start up expense for the account.

Epassporte does not charge for EFT cash outs back to your checking account. If you want to cashout at ATM's, their Electron card is available for $35 per year. You load it from your regular account, and Epass charges $2 per ATM withdrawal.

[/ QUOTE ]

From what I saw on their site, they charge $2 per withdrawal to a bank, period...and they have a 1K max on account balance meaning it's a $2/1000 fee. In addition, although it's hard to read, it sure looks like a poker site cashout is a 'load' of the account. Did I miss something?

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

When I was using Epassporte, there was never a fee assessed when moving money back to them from a poker site.

I never cashed out back to my checking account--that option has only been available a couple months. It is certainly possible they could charge $2 per cashout. If that is the case, would make sense to minimize cashouts, and take them in larger sums.

In my experience, their email support was lousy, but phone support good. Here is the number: 1-877-372-7790 (1-877-EPASS90)

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

Aside from the fees, Epassporte has been fine for me, due to a block on my cards I have had to use them for the last couple of years. Everything seemed good, straight transfers to my bank account and it loaded just fine on almost any credit card.

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

sounds great. So epassporte better than click2pay or just the same.

I like the idea that epassporte is part of visa, and pays to all merchants where visa is accepted, i.e. not just gambling, but i wonder if they'll also jump on board and block americans from interacting with gambling sites.

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

Nice to see some good news floating around amid all the mess today. Thanks all for the clarification on ePassporte.

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

[ QUOTE ]
Aside from the fees, Epassporte has been fine for me, due to a block on my cards I have had to use them for the last couple of years. Everything seemed good, straight transfers to my bank account and it loaded just fine on almost any credit card.

[/ QUOTE ]

Was there a $1000 limit to your bank account? Was there a $2 fee each time?

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

[ QUOTE ]
Aside from the fees, Epassporte has been fine for me, due to a block on my cards I have had to use them for the last couple of years. Everything seemed good, straight transfers to my bank account and it loaded just fine on almost any credit card.

[/ QUOTE ]

FWIW I've loaded two cards onto ePass. USAA no problem. Chase freaked and locked my account completely after just the verification charges, though they claim this was due to the whole picture ie recent address change, not using card much in addition to the verification charges.

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

[ QUOTE ]
sounds great. So epassporte better than click2pay or just the same.

I like the idea that epassporte is part of visa, and pays to all merchants where visa is accepted, i.e. not just gambling, but i wonder if they'll also jump on board and block americans from interacting with gambling sites.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, it appears they are a private company based in St Kitts. Also, my understanding is that it is not Visa International that requires their cards to block gambling transactions. That decision is made by the financial entity (usually bank or CU) that issues the card. Cards issued on European, Canadian, Australian banks can be used to deposit at poker rooms--which I guesss is why they continue to be listed as a deposit option. It is American banks that choose to decline gambling purchases for the credit cards they issue.

At one point, I had the bright idea of just opening up a Canadian or Euro based Visa, but couldn't find one that took Americans. Epassporte appears to be the only one accepting customers from any country.

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

I tried loading my account, but my credit card got declined. I then got a call from my bank saying it's a gambling site and they cant allow transactions to these type of sites because of new U.S Legislation.

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

[ QUOTE ]
I tried loading my account, but my credit card got declined. I then got a call from my bank saying it's a gambling site and they cant allow transactions to these type of sites because of new U.S Legislation.

[/ QUOTE ]

I am trying very hard not to lose complete hope....
trying very hard.

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

Epassporte question - do you get a visa number associated with your account so you can use that visa number to shop online?

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

[ QUOTE ]
I tried loading my account, but my credit card got declined. I then got a call from my bank saying it's a gambling site and they cant allow transactions to these type of sites because of new U.S Legislation.

[/ QUOTE ]

epassporte is NOT a gambling site, and unlike neteller is really used by other folks besides gamblers and can be used all over the net to buy stuff. The usual reason for an initial decline is that they are offshore, and you have to verbally authorize the security department of your credit card issuer to allow the transaction.

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

If you want (it also can be used at atms) but it costs 35 a year

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

Seems like it's been labeled a gambling site with Bank Of America. Anyone able to load using one of their cards?

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

[ QUOTE ]
I tried loading my account, but my credit card got declined. I then got a call from my bank saying it's a gambling site and they cant allow transactions to these type of sites because of new U.S Legislation.

[/ QUOTE ]

I just loaded 200 american dollars from my Chase card to ePassport. Just as in 5 min ago. Your results may vary but Chase currently works. I hope the $10 vig is worth the mucho piece of mind this will bring to all [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] If anyone feels the need to pay my vig for being a hero, please pm

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

[ QUOTE ]
Epassporte question - do you get a visa number associated with your account so you can use that visa number to shop online?

[/ QUOTE ]

I use it all the time for this very matter and I love it. I purchased everything from Nike sneakers to a hotel stay in London. It's ideal for that very purpose.

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

[ QUOTE ]
Epassporte question - do you get a visa number associated with your account so you can use that visa number to shop online?

[/ QUOTE ]
Yes, you get a standard Visa number to use for online purchasing. If you get the Electron, it has a different number.

I have heard of one other bank declining Epassporte--believe it was Washington Mutual. Something to kick around---consider opening a second account at a credit union for funding any online wallet, or for using paper checks to deposit/cash out from poker sites (if it comes to that.)

My theory is this: while some CU's have grown into large entities, most are still fairly small compared to banks. They operate on smaller budgets and with smaller staffs. They are not likely to go above and beyond the call of duty to prevent gambling transactions. They will do what any future regulations require in the least expensive (meaning most bare bones) way possible. Since at this point the regulations are not in place, CU's are not trying to block transactions.

It does seem that the DOJ has a real bug up its butt on this issue, and it seems some of the large banking institutions seem more than willing to aid and abet the DOJ's efforts. CU's have very different philosophical underpinnings, and think that alone makes it likely they would not jump on any DOJ bandwagon.

FWIW, I bank at a credit union, so my theory is based on my interactions there and how that CU operates.

Edit: My initial Epassporte load was on a USBank CC.

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Epassporte question - do you get a visa number associated with your account so you can use that visa number to shop online?

[/ QUOTE ]

I use it all the time for this very matter and I love it. I purchased everything from Nike sneakers to a hotel stay in London. It's ideal for that very purpose.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks, that's a pretty sweet option. Gonna go sign up.

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

Washington Mutual allowed Epassporte verification deposits to my account. I have not loaded it or done anything since.

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

Anyone know if the initial account load can be a withdrawal form a Poker Site?

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

Does the prepaid Visa system mean that your epassporte card can also be used on sites that don't specifically list epassporte, but do take visa/mastercard transactions?

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

[ QUOTE ]
Does the prepaid Visa system mean that your epassporte card can also be used on sites that don't specifically list epassporte, but do take visa/mastercard transactions?

[/ QUOTE ]

yes, it is an electronic visa card. basically a credit card. I use wired plastic and still deposit with it at pstars(despite the bank being in U.S.). seems epassport is a better deal and is outside U.S. which is a double plus.

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

[ QUOTE ]
Anyone know if the initial account load can be a withdrawal form a Poker Site?

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't think so based on what I've read and based on what I saw about the ePassporte sign-up process on their website.

My question is this: lets say someone creates a new ePassporte account and is able to load it via a credit card. At that point, as I understand things, they must do two things to get their money OUT of an online poker site: 1.) make a deposit from their ePassporte account to the poker site in question, and 2.) once that transaction clears, make a withdraw from the poker site to the ePassporte account. Once a user has completed 1 and 2, how does s/he get their money from ePassporte back to their bank account? Can they withdraw from ePassporte to a checking account? Can they charge back (I am not sure that is the right verb) from the ePassporte account back to the credit card account they used for the initial purchase?

EDIT: Or is this not possible, and the only way to get the money "out" of ePassporte is to spend it at online retailers?

Anyhow, I am interested in how the ePassporte ---> your bank/credit card process works, how fast/reliable it is, and if there are any pitfalls to avoid. Thanks in advance & lets keep up the productive dialogue.

Mr.K

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

[ QUOTE ]

Once a user has completed 1 and 2, how does s/he get their money from ePassporte back to their bank account?


[/ QUOTE ]

There is a wire option to withdraw apparently. Saw the button, but haven't clicked on it or check anything out. Perhaps someone can comment. This would be a great time for the ePass Rep to show his face again [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

I've used wiredplastic(another prepaid visa) and you can eft from them to your bank. You can also use it as an ATM. This is probably the same deal.

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

[ QUOTE ]
This would be a great time for the ePass Rep to show his face again [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

Methinks they have bigger fish to fry right now, but yes, it would be nice to get some direct commentary.

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

You could deposit via credit card, and then verify your bank account. (Think they do as Neteller did--make one or two small deposits for a few cents.) Once verified, believe you can cashout to a bank account, even if initial load was from CC. Epass has two levels of accounts, standard and select. Standard has a $500 load/trnasaction limit, Select is $1000. You get select by having two verified load options.

They actually offer three load options--CC, US Bank account, and Load with Cash. The latter is buying a book of deposit slips for $9.95 (you will need funds in account from an initial load) and using them to deposit at one of four banks: Bank One, USBank, Wachovia and Wells Fargo. Here is what the Epassporte screen says: (cut and paste)

"In order to load your account with cash, you must first purchase a booklet of 25 deposit slips (printed and coded with your ePassporte Account details) for use at the bank of your choice. The booklet costs US$9.95 and this amount will be deducted from your ePassporte Account when you click the 'Purchase' button below.

Your booklet will be mailed to you and will arrive within 7 business days. Once you receive the booklet, you may load cash on to your ePassporte Account by taking a deposit slip to any Teller at any branch of the bank you selected. Please note: ePassporte charges US$9.95 each time you load cash to your ePassporte account. This amount will be deducted from the amount you load.

Please select a bank below (you do not need to have an account at this bank): "

Obviously not an option for an initial load, but I am guessing a credit card issued by any of those four banks can be used to load Epassporte. Also, these slips, while a bit pricey, might be a way for "recreational" players to easily fund their poker accounts. Very easy if they already bank at one of these places.

I do not know if you can simply verify your bank account and then "load" by cashing out from a poker site. Right now, FullTilt, for example, would cash out to Epass even if you have not deposited that way if your previous ewallet was Neteller. Just don't know how Epassporte would view it.

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

[ QUOTE ]
Once a user has completed 1 and 2, how does s/he get their money from ePassporte back to their bank account? Can they withdraw from ePassporte to a checking account?[ QUOTE ]


From ePassporte's "Questions" page:

[ QUOTE ]
Can I transfer money from my ePassporte Account directly to my checking account?

Yes. If you have a US-based checking account, you will be able to transfer funds from your ePassporte Account and deposit them to your checking account. After logging into your ePassporte Account, please click on “Withdraw” and follow the instructions provided to verify your US-based checking account or to obtain instructions on how to transfer funds to your previously verified checking account from your ePassporte Account.

[/ QUOTE ]

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

is it easier to load with a debit card from my checking account than from credit card, or no difference?

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

There seem to be a major misconception about ePassporte's fees. Here is what I posted in another thread...

From their website:[ QUOTE ]

Deposit/Load
Credit/Debit Card: US$5.00 per US$100.00 load or portion thereof
US Checking Account: US$5.00 per US$100.00 load or portion thereof for the initial load., then US$2.00 per reload regardless of amount reloaded.

Withdraw
ePassporte Visa Virtual Account Holders may transfer directly to a US Bank Account for a flat fee of US$2.00 per transfer. Non-US bank account holders can request a bank wire transfer for a fee of US$50.00. ePassporte Visa Virtual Account Holders who purchased a Visa Card can withdraw funds at millions Visa and/or PLUS ATM locations worldwide for just US$2.00 each transaction.

[/ QUOTE ]

That sure reads to me like it costs 5% for deposits via credit card. $5 for your intitial checking account deposit and $2 for every subsequent deposit transaction. Withdraws to a checking account seems to be $2 per transaction.

Now their definition of a transaction:
[ QUOTE ]
Standard: $500 maximum transaction amount Max 10 transactions, Max 5 loads
Select status: $1000 maximum transaction amount, Max 10 transactions, Max 5 loads

[/ QUOTE ]

But here is the key:
[ QUOTE ]
ePassporte Personal Account Holders may alternatively contact our Account Holder Services Department to increase their limits by providing additional personal information and documentation.

[/ QUOTE ]

You can increase your limits even further than $1000 per transaction. Even at a maximum of $1000/transaction, that equates to 0.2% which doesnt seem too bad to me.

I'm not sure how high they will let you go but if you can get it raised to say $10K. You are only paying 0.02% which is pennies...

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

You can mail a cashiers check to fund your account. I used this method. It took almost two weeks though.

Also, Pokerstars will mail cashout checks.

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

[ QUOTE ]
I tried loading my account, but my credit card got declined. I then got a call from my bank saying it's a gambling site and they cant allow transactions to these type of sites because of new U.S Legislation.

[/ QUOTE ]

Same thing happened to me

edit: this was both with a Bank of America card and a WaMu card.

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

My bank is Citibank. Im interested in using epassporte but Im waiting for more info. Hopefully more people will let me know of their success. I understand the fees and it seems ok to withdraw to ones checking account, im just a little confused on which card to get or whats best. Thanks.

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

[ QUOTE ]
is it easier to load with a debit card from my checking account than from credit card, or no difference?

[/ QUOTE ]

I think no difference, but be aware of the extra protections you get with using a credit card that you don't get when using a debit card.

Re: Epassporte is the only funding option.....
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I tried loading my account, but my credit card got declined. I then got a call from my bank saying it's a gambling site and they cant allow transactions to these type of sites because of new U.S Legislation.

[/ QUOTE ]



Same thing happened to me

edit: this was both with a Bank of America card and a WaMu card.

[/ QUOTE ]

I used my Bank of America card to make a direct Pokerstars deposit two hours ago.