Once you've downloaded a poker room's software, opened a free player account, and kicked some ass at the tables, it might just be time to try your hand at some real money games.

    Different poker rooms use different banking methods, so what works one place may not work at another. Here are some of the most popular ways to buy chips at the major online poker rooms:

• Credit Card - Lots of people have credit cards, and using credit cards to buy things over the internet is no longer the worry that it once was. For many people, this is the first choice. The problem though, is that many banks don't want you to a credit card they gave you to play poker (or gamble in any way) on the internet. So, they'll decline the transaction.
      That doesn't mean your credit is bad, or that the poker room doesn't want you to play there. It means that your credit card company, Capital One for instance, doesn't want you to play there.
      I've talked to many other players, and some can use their credit cards without a problem, others can't. Try your credit card first, with luck, it'll work just fine. If not, don't be surprised, and don't be worried. There are plenty of other ways to play on the net.
  
  
• Neteller - This is one of those electronic bank account companies, like Paypal (which is so popular with ebay users). It takes a couple of days to set up a neteller account. That's the bummer. The good news is that once you have a neteller account in place, you can use it almost everywhere.
      Neteller seems to be the most popular, convenient way for online poker rooms, casinos, and sportsbooks to receive money from, and send money to their players. This is the option I use. I put so much in my neteller account, and when it's gambled away, I'm done until next payday. For me, that's perfect.
      Visit the neteller site at neteller.com and start the ball rolling. Once you have your account up and running, you'll be set, and you won't have to worry about deposit options again.
  
  
• 900 Pay - is available at Planet Poker. This allows you to put your chip purchase on your phone bill, which is fine for a first time player or a light gambler. If you download a poker room, and your credit card company won't let you play there, 900 Pay will get you through the night.
      But, once you realize they won't be taking your credit card, get a neteller account.
  
  
• other options include:
  • Western Union
  • Pre-Paid ATM - which is a cool program, visit their site at PrePaid ATM and see if this program is right for you)
  • Check or Money Order
  • FirePay
  • Wire Transfer