As one of the biggest online poker sites in the world, PokerStars remains a prime option for poker players across Canada, however Ontario should be treated as a separate regulated market. PokerStars allows players to deposit real money into their accounts quickly and efficiently via a wide range of payment methods, ranging from traditional credit cards to e-wallets and Apple Pay.
In this guide, we will walk you through the deposit process, teach you which payment methods guarantee the fastest and most affordable deposits, and show you how to claim your PokerStars welcome bonus.
How to Deposit at PokerStars – Step-by-Step Guide
Making your first PokerStars deposit is very easy, and it won’t take more than a couple of minutes. Follow these simple steps to start playing with real money:
- Sign Up with PokerStars: Before you can make a deposit, you need to have an active account. Download the PokerStars app and go through the registration process to create your PokerStars account.
- Verify & Log In: PokerStars will send you an email to confirm account ownership. Confirm your account and log in using your chosen credentials.
- Go to the Cashier: Once you are logged in, open the cashier section and click the deposit button to start the deposit process.
- Choose a Payment Method: Select one of the PokerStars deposit methods for Canada.
- Enter the Deposit Amount: Enter the amount you want to deposit. Keep in mind that a bigger deposit may get you a bigger deposit bonus as well.
- Complete the Transaction: Depending on the payment option you chose, you may have to take additional steps, such as logging in to your Skrill account or completing the 2-step verification.
- Play Real Money Poker: Your deposit will be processed instantly, and you are ready to join the action. Open a real money poker table and start playing with your newly deposited funds.
PokerStars Deposit Options for Canada
Canadian players can choose from a variety of payment options to process their PokerStars deposits. The following options are available:
| Payment Method | Min Deposit | Withdrawal Fees | Available for Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interac E-Transfer | C$10 | None | Yes |
| MuchBetter | C$10 | None | Yes |
| Visa | C$10 | None | Yes |
| MasterCard | C$10 | None | No |
| Payz | C$10 | None | Yes |
| Apple Pay | C$10 | None | No |
| Paysafecard | C$10 | None | No |
| Instant E-Check | C$10 | None | Yes |
| Luxon Pay | C$10 | None | Yes |
Players can make deposits using any of these methods without having to verify their accounts, and a C$10 minimum deposit limit applies to most payment options. Regardless of the payment method you choose, your deposit will be processed near-instantly, which means you can start playing right away.
Along with these payment options, players can also use the P2P transfers, which allow one user to transfer funds to another within the platform. For example, if your friend has a PokerStars balance, and you want to try the platform, they can make a transfer and allow you to play without having to make a deposit yourself.
Unfortunately, PokerStars does not accept crypto deposits, but many other sites do. If you are looking to deposit crypto to play online poker, check out the sites below.
Claim Your PokerStars Welcome Bonus
New players can pick up a valuable first deposit bonus at PokerStars. The bonus matches your first deposit 100%, up to C$600, which is a major boost to any bankroll. In order to trigger the welcome offer, all you need to do is deposit at least C$10 into your account using any of the available deposit methods.
The welcome bonus is triggered using promo code STARS600, but is not paid instantly into your real money balance. Instead, up to C$600 in bonus money is added to your account and cleared at a rate of C$5 per 75 redemption points. 4 redemption points are awarded for every C$1 you pay in cash game rake or tournament fees. The bonus is available for a period of four months, during which you can generate the points needed to redeem the bonus in full.
PokerStars Rewards can return up to 40% in cashback-style rewards for many regular players, while the highest-volume players may qualify for Select or Select+ deals with higher returns, up to 50–60% depending on game type. The program rewards all real money players, with regular players and high-volume grinders given some of the best rewards around. However, if PokerStars is not available in your region or their system is simply not to your liking, below are some of the best promotions available on the market.
If you are not sure about making a deposit at PokerStars, creating an account still makes a lot of sense, as the platform offers many freeroll tournaments, which you can play for free to train your tournament poker skills before risking real money at the tables. Below, you will also find a dedicated page with freerolls available at other poker rooms, which is worth checking out if you want to explore more free-to-play options.
Start Your PokerStars Journey with GipsyTeam
As one of the leading online poker operators in Canada, PokerStars is ready to welcome you with its rich offer of cash game and tournament tables. Whether you prefer playing Texas Hold’em cash games, or Omaha 8 or Better Tournaments, or Jackpot SNGs, PokerStars has you covered.
Yet, PokerStars is far from the only option to play online poker, and there are many amazing alternatives:
- GGPoker offers a bigger international player pool, a wider selection of tournaments, and some of the most valuable player rewards in online poker. It is a strong choice for players who want more traffic, large guaranteed events, and regular promotions.
- CoinPoker is an excellent option for players looking to deposit and withdraw using cryptocurrency. The platform supports fast crypto transactions, offers poker games in USDT, and may be a better fit for players who prefer blockchain-based payments over traditional banking methods.
- WPT Global offers a steady stream of WPT qualifiers for players looking to potentially win their way into live poker tournaments. Along with regular cash games and online events, the platform is especially attractive for players who enjoy the connection between online poker and major live WPT festivals.
If you still prefer to play at PokerStars, make your first deposit using one of the secure payment options available, and make sure to reach out to us if you need help with any of it. Our customer support department is at your service around the clock, with trained agents ready to help with any issues you may experience with deposits, withdrawals, bonuses, or any other part of your PokerStars journey.
