Our highest rating in this category goes to 888 Poker for non-US players, a perennial victor in banking-related rankings. For US poker players, we suggest Bovada. Why 888 or Bovada? When you think about a quality room through the prism of deposit options, you're considering things like security, efficiency and support. You want to know that you're trusting a reputable company with your information, and that said company has the right tools in place to secure your information. You also want to know that your banking transactions will be handled quickly yet correctly - no one likes to wait for a deposit or cash out to process, and the only thing worse than waiting is waiting and then finding out there was a mistake.
No company is perfect, and we won't pretend otherwise, but 888 has assembled a pretty impressive track record in the decade or so that the company has accepted online wagers: Top ratings from major industry groups. Excellent grades from watchdog organizations and responsible gambling interests. High marks from one of the toughest regulatory jurisdictions in online gambling. When you take that record and then further consider the massive variety of games and stakes available at 888 Poker, it's a clear pick for the best site to deposit at using a MasterCard.
Using MasterCard Versus Other Credit Cards
How does MasterCard stack up against competing cards like Visa and American Express? MasterCard falls right in the middle when it comes to acceptance rates at online poker rooms; higher than Amex but lower than Visa. Of course, as is always the case with credit card deposits, acceptance rates are going to vary by location, but overall MasterCard ranks a solid second on this score.
How to Deposit Mastercard into US Poker Sites
To begin playing at a MasterCard friendly US poker site you will first need to create an account. This should only take a few moments and will only require some minor personal information. You will then have to go to the Cashier or Banking area of the website and find the MasterCard area to make your deposit. Your deposit should clear within moments and then you will be free to play online MasterCard poker.
Many sites also offer you with a bonus for signing up a new poker account and making your first MasterCard poker deposit. The bonus funds will be anywhere from twenty to a hundred percent and be available for play in your US MasterCard Poker account immediately. You will have to play a certain amount of real money poker hands before you are able to withdraw these funds, but they are a nice bonus for new MasterCard US poker players.
Funding Your USA Poker Account with Mastercard & MyPalinQ
While some poker sites might not accept MasterCard, they might accept MyPaylinq which is an e-wallet that allows you to use your MasterCard for deposits. MyPayLinQ works similarly to PayPal or NETeller which was once the top way to deposit and withdraw funds for US pokers players before the UIGEA. You simply deposit your funds into your MyPaylinQ account with your MasterCard and then transfer the funds into your poker room to begin playing. While MyPaylinQ is not widely available at US friendly poker rooms right now we have hopes that it will begin to be shortly.
Should You Use Credit Cards for Online Poker?
Our advice is to only use credit cards at reputable rooms. Think of it this way: If you wouldn't buy a pair of jeans using your credit card from a site, you shouldn't use your credit card - MasterCard or otherwise - to play poker there. If you stick to reputable rooms, you should have no problems whatsoever. Still have concerns? Then read on for a few thoughts on alternatives to using a MasterCard to deposit at an online poker room.
Alternatives to Credit Cards for Poker Deposits
For players that worry about the security of depositing at an online poker room using a MasterCard, there are alternatives that carry less exposure. For example, pre-paid debit cards are a way to absolutely limit the amount of money you put at risk - the most you can lose is what's loaded on the card. The same can be said about money transfer services like Western Union and MoneyGram, which are both also good alternatives for players using sites that don't accept their credit card.
Another issue players sometimes raise regarding credit cards are the somewhat low deposit maximums enforced when players use cards like MasterCard or Visa. If you're looking to jump right into the high stakes, you should probably investigate an option such as a bank wire or an ewallet like Moneybookers. In all cases, should credit cards not be a viable deposit option, your best bet is to contact support and see what alternatives they can arrange for your deposit.
One of the powerhouses of the credit card industry, MasterCard is a strong force in the realm of online poker banking as well. Card holders enjoy a wide range of options, with many of the top online poker rooms making MasterCard deposits easy, fast and - best of all - free. If you're a MasterCard user looking to play some real money poker online, keep reading for all of the facts, tips and tricks to playing online poker with a MasterCard. 
