What should I know before making my first deposit on PokerStars? The mistake players make most often at this point is stacking offers without noting what each one asks of them. A welcome offer and a pokerstars promo code can pull a player in, but the conditions behind them matter more than the headline.

The welcome offer and what it asks of you

How does the welcome offer work for a new player?

The welcome offer is the first incentive a new player sees after signing up. It is tied to your first deposit, so the amount you add shapes what you receive. You claim it once per account, and it is built for players who are new to PokerStars online. Check which deposit you want to use before you claim it, because you cannot rerun the claim later.

Where do I enter a pokerstars promo code when I sign up?

There is a field for a pokerstars promo code during registration and again when you make your first deposit. Paste the code exactly as you received it, with no extra spaces, because a small typing error makes it fail. pokerstars.cn.com/ applies the code to your account when the entry is correct. A code that is entered but not confirmed will not reach your account, so confirm the entry before closing the page.

What happens if I forget to use my code at sign-up?

A missed code is a common slip, and there is a way around it. Many offers accept the code at the first deposit instead of at registration. If both chances are gone, the offer simply does not apply to that account. Check the deposit page for a code field before you assume the chance has passed.

Can I claim the welcome offer more than once?

The welcome offer belongs to a new account, so a second claim on the same account is not possible. Players who open another account to claim again break the site rules and risk losing both. Use the one account you have and finish the offer on it. Check that your details match your ID before you sign up, so the account stands from the start.

Does the welcome offer apply to poker and casino play alike?

The offer usually splits between the poker room and the casino side of the site. Each part carries its own conditions, so the way you play decides which part you use. Some parts need play on set games before anything is released. Check which part of the offer fits the games you actually play, and put your effort there.

Your PokerStars account and how to run it

What details do I need to open an account?

Sign-up asks for your name, date of birth, address and an email you can reach. Your name must match the ID you will use later, or the account will not clear a check. Use one email for one account only, because repeats cause blocks. Check the spelling of your name before you submit, since edits later mean a support request.

Why does PokerStars ask for identity documents?

Identity checks exist to keep the site clean and to match your account to a real person. You may be asked for a photo of your ID and proof of address before a withdrawal. Clear photos with all edges visible pass fastest. Keep your documents ready before your first cash-out so the check does not hold up your money.

How do I set up two-factor login on my account?

Two-factor login adds a second step beyond your password, which keeps others out even if your password leaks. Turn it on in the security part of your account settings and follow the on-screen pairing step. Keep the backup codes where you can find them offline. Check that the code from your phone works before you log out for the first time.

Can players in Canada use PokerStars?

PokerStars online serves players in Canada, and sign-up follows the rules that apply where you live. Players in provinces with their own regulated market join through the local version. Registration checks your location, so the account must reflect where you actually are. Check that your address in the account is current, since a mismatch can stall a withdrawal.

I forgot my password — what is the fastest route back in?

Use the password reset on the login screen, which sends a link to your email. Open the link on the same device you plan to play from. If the email does not arrive, check the spam folder before trying again. A reset link that has expired means you start the request once more.

Deposits, withdrawals and getting money in and out

What should I know before my first deposit?

A first deposit unlocks the welcome offer, so decide the amount with the offer conditions in view. Pick a payment method you will also use for cash-outs, because the same route back is the simplest. The name on the payment account must match your PokerStars account name. Check the minimum for your chosen method before you confirm, so the deposit is not returned.

Why was my deposit declined?

A declined deposit usually comes from a name mismatch, a blocked payment type or a card limit. Your bank may also flag a gaming transaction as unusual. Try a method tied to your own name first, since that clears the most often. Check the confirmation screen for the reason given before you try the same payment again.

How long do withdrawals take to reach me?

Withdrawal speed depends on the payment route you pick and on any pending identity check. The first cash-out is the slowest, because the account is checked in full at that point. Later withdrawals on a cleared account move more quickly. Check that your documents are approved before you request a cash-out, so nothing waits on you.

Can I withdraw to a different method than I deposited with?

Sites generally send money back through the route it came in on. If the original method cannot receive a payout, another option tied to your name may be used. Mixing names between a payment account and a player account causes delays. Check the cash-out page for the methods open to you before you plan around one.

Are there fees on deposits or withdrawals?

The site side of a deposit or cash-out typically carries no fee of its own. Your bank or payment provider may add a charge for the transaction, and that sits outside the site. Small test deposits help you see what your provider does. Check your payment statement after a small first deposit so the cost is clear before larger sums move.

Safe play, limits and keeping control

Is my money and data safe on PokerStars?

The site uses SSL to protect data as it moves between your browser and its servers. Your password and two-factor login protect the account itself. Money in the account is held apart from the site’s own funds. Check the padlock on the address bar before you log in, and never sign in through a link from a message.

How do I set a deposit limit on my account?

Deposit limits sit in the responsible play part of your account settings. You choose a period and an amount, and the site holds you to it. Limits are easy to tighten and slower to loosen, which is deliberate. Check your limit after the first week of play so the figure still matches what you want to spend.

What is RTP and does it change how I play?

RTP is the share of stakes a game returns to players over the long run. It is a figure for the game, not for one session, so short runs swing far from it. Games with a higher RTP cost less per play across many hands. Check the RTP of any game before you settle into it for a long session.

Can I close my account or take a break?

A break or a closure is available from the account settings, and both take effect at once. A break blocks play for the period you choose. Closing the account ends access until you ask for it to be reopened. Check that your balance is withdrawn before a closure, so no money is left behind.