American Express betting sites in Illinois

Which sportsbooks in Illinois accept American Express?

There is currently 1 sportsbook in Illinois that accept American Express: DraftKings. This means that you can deposit funds using American Express on this sportsbook.

About American Express

American Express (AMEX), as a company, was founded in 1850. But it was not until 1958 that the first AMEX card was issued. The brand is headquartered in New York, United States, with a couple of branches.

AMEX is a secure payment method that many Illinois residents use to perform transactions. It has more than 110 million cards worldwide, and several online sports betting sites in IL now accept it as one of their primary payment options.

Types of AMEX Cards

There are different types of AMEX cards available: credit cards, debit cards, and gift cards. You can apply for the card of your choice either through a supported bank or the American Express website. Make sure you have all the necessary information and a good credit score when applying, as this goes a long way to determining whether you will get the card.

However, the most common type of American Express card used in the United States is the credit card. Many online betting sites in Illinois accept this card, making it a favorite choice for many players.

Processing Speed and Fees

Transactions performed using American Express cards are usually processed quickly. When you use the method at an IL sportsbook, it will be processed almost instantly. Besides that, the payment provider does not charge users any fees. The retailer is responsible for paying the fees.

However, some retailers like online casinos and sportsbooks may add small fees on deposits using AMEX to cover this. So make sure you check the payments section and terms and conditions of the merchant or retailer before using your card.

Security and Safety

American Express has several security measures in place to ensure that users' money is safe. One such is the two-authentication required for online transactions. When you use the option to make payments online, a unique code will be sent to your phone to authorize the transaction. This way, nobody can have access to your funds besides you.

In addition to the 2FA, there is an AMEX mobile app for iOS and Android that you can install, which comes with further security features. You can connect to the app using your fingerprint or face ID for stronger encryption. American Express also detects compromised cards and takes necessary measures to protect users.

How to use American Express on Illinois sports betting sites

Now that we've explained how you can get an American Express card, let's talk about how to deposit at AMEX betting sites in Illinois. Impressively, the deposit process is easy, and it involves three main steps:

1. Find an Illinois Sportsbook that Accepts American Express

The first step is to find a reputable IL sports betting app or site that accepts AMEX method. You have to consider different factors when selecting a betting operator. This includes licensing and security, a variety of sports events, odds and pricing, betting markets, customer support, and so on.

You can read reviews of a sportsbook to know what to expect before deciding to join. Alternatively, you can check out our suggested top Illinois sports betting sites that have been fully vetted and know to offer the best services to players.

2. Create an account and choose American Express as payment method

Once you've found the sportsbook of your choice, the next thing is to create an account. This usually involves providing your basic details like your name, email address, last four digits of your social security number, and so on.

After filling out the sports betting site registration form and accepting the terms and conditions, an activation link or code will be sent to your email or phone. With the link, you can activate the new account.

After that, go to the My Account section of your betting account and click on the Deposit button. This will take you to the cashier page, where the available deposit options will be displayed.

Here, choose American Express as your preferred payment method and enter the amount you want to deposit. However, note that every sportsbook has a minimum and maximum deposit amount it allows.

So if you enter a value below the amount, the transaction will not go through. You can check the minimum and maximum deposit amount of your sportsbook on its banking page.

3. Enter Your AMEX Details

After selecting American Express and specifying how much you want to deposit, you will need to provide your AMEX card details. Enter the 15 digits on your card, as well as the expiry date and CVV code.

Once you click Pay/Submit, the money will be deducted from your AMEX card and appear on your betting account. You can then start betting on your favorite sports games.

Can I withdraw using American Express?

Illinois sportsbooks do not accept American Express as a withdrawal method. This means that you cannot cash out your winnings using the option.

You will need to use a different method such as PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Bank Transfer, or any other payout option that the operator accepts. However, make sure you do due diligence checks to choose the best payout method to use.

Pros & cons of using AMEX when sports betting in Illinois

Several things make American Express a good payment method to use when playing at an Illinois sportsbook. First, it is a safe and fast banking option, so your deposits reflect quickly, and you don't need to wait several hours before placing your bets.

There are also membership rewards you can enjoy as you continue using the option. Below are some pros of using AMEX:

Despite being a good option, American Express also has some drawbacks you need to be aware of. Since the most common AMEX cards are credit cards, you can end up spending too much, which can eventually affect your credit score.

Besides that, the option cannot be used to withdraw winnings from betting sites, which means players will need to find an alternative payout method. Therefore, the cons of using AMEX includes:

American Express alternatives

In situations where you cannot use American Express, there are several alternatives you can consider using. These are also card-based payment methods, but note that they may have different features compared to AMEX.

So before settling for which one to use, take your time to read reviews about them online. You can also check their website to see how they work and the fees that apply. Below are some popular American Express alternatives: