POLi vs. bank card: convenience vs. speed

1. Main difference of methods

POLi is a payment gateway that connected the bank and the operator directly, without entering card data. The user logged in to the Internet bank and confirmed the transfer.
A bank card is a traditional method where details are entered (card number, CVV, expiration date) and the transaction passes through the acquiring system.

2. Usability

POLi:

• did not require separate registration;
• no card information needed to be entered;
• access to internet banking was sufficient;
• provided an electronic check immediately after the transfer.

Credit Card:

• the method is familiar to most users;
• Data can be saved in a browser or application
• available in all countries and almost all venues.

Conclusion: for those who wanted to minimize actions and not use the card online, POLi was more convenient. For versatility and familiarity, we won cards.

3. Transaction rate

POLi:

• crediting was confirmed instantly through the bank's system;
• the operator received a notification immediately, the deposit appeared in minutes;
• speed was independent of the card issuing bank.

Credit Card:

• deposits usually pass quickly, but sometimes delays are possible due to verification by the bank or anti-fraud system;
• returns (chargebacks) take longer.

Conclusion: POLi won in terms of stability and predictability of speed, but the difference for most players was minimal.

4. Safety

POLi:

• the user entered data only on the bank page;
• the service did not store logins and passwords;
• the risk of compromising card details was reduced.

Credit Card:

• protected by PCI DSS;
• supports 3D Secure, SMS, or push handshakes;
• these cards are stored by many operators, which increases the risks of leaks.

Conclusion: POLi was considered safer for those who did not want to enter card details on third-party sites.

5. Limits and fees

POLi itself did not charge a commission, the limits were set by the bank or operator.
Cards usually do not have deposit fees, but there may be charges for currency conversions or withdrawals.

6. Current status in Australia

Effective September 30, 2023, POLi ceased operations in Australia.
Online slots and casinos in the country are prohibited by the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
For legal services (bookmakers, lotteries), cards, PayID, Osko, Apple Pay and Google Pay are used.

7. New Zealand: Where the comparison remains relevant

POLi continues to operate in New Zealand. There, users can choose between POLi and cards. In most cases, POLi is more convenient for instant deposits without a card, but cards remain a universal tool, especially for international transactions.

8. Result

POLi won in simplicity and security, as it did not require entering card details and confirmed transactions instantly. Bank cards are stronger in versatility, as they are available at all sites and in any country. Today, there is no choice for Australians: POLi is closed, and cards and PayID have become the main ways to top up. In New Zealand, both methods are relevant, and players choose between the convenience of POLi and the versatility of the cards.