How Pay N Play Works with Trustly: Process, Security & GGL Rules

Pay N Play with Trustly combines deposits and identification via Open Banking interfaces. In Germany, the original registration-free model is not permitted due to GGL requirements. Trustly serves here as a fast A2A payment method at licensed providers. Identity verification (KYC) and connection to OASIS must be completed before gameplay begins.

The Technology Behind Pay N Play: Open Banking and A2A

How does Pay N Play Trustly work at its core? The system uses Open Banking interfaces to use bank data directly for identification and payment. This eliminates separate registrations in an international context. These A2A (Account-to-Account) transactions run via Trustly. The company is a licensed institution under the supervision of the Swedish Finansinspektionen. While this enables anonymity internationally, the GGL in Germany prohibits this practice due to strict identification requirements before gameplay begins.

What is Open Banking and How Does Trustly Use It?

Open Banking is a concept based on the European PSD2 directive. It allows third-party providers access to bank accounts under strict security requirements. Trustly uses this infrastructure to process payments directly from the user's online banking. A separate wallet like Skrill or Neteller is not needed. The user authenticates via their usual banking procedure, such as via TAN or app. This actively confirms every transaction and excludes unauthorized access. This direct connection ensures high security, as no sensitive data is stored with an intermediary. The bank retains control. In Germany, this technology is available, but the original Pay N Play model with delayed identification is no longer permitted here due to GGL requirements.

The Difference Between A2A Payments and Classic Transfers

The decisive advantage of A2A (Account-to-Account) payments over classic transfers lies in speed and direct account connection. While a normal SEPA transfer often takes one to three business days, A2A transactions via Trustly are processed in real time or within seconds. The payment is not manually checked by a bank employee, but runs automatically via API interfaces. For players, this means deposits are credited to the account immediately and withdrawals occur significantly faster than with traditional methods. Unlike e-wallets like PayPal, funds are not "parked" with A2A. The money flows directly from account to account, which increases transparency.

The Role of Trustly AB and Founder Johan Tjärnberg

Behind the technology stands Trustly AB, a Swedish company. It was founded in 2008 and is now listed on the stock exchange. The company has established itself as a leading provider of Pay by Bank solutions and connects millions of consumers with merchants. Johan Tjärnberg serves as CEO and drives the strategic direction. He brings extensive experience from the payment industry, as he previously founded Bambora. Under his leadership, Trustly AB has further expanded the A2A infrastructure to remain compliant even in regulated markets like Germany. Although Trustly is globally known for Pay N Play, the company adapts its services locally. Thus, it meets the strict requirements of the GGL and GDPR.

Legal Framework: Pay N Play and the GGL in Germany

The question of how Pay N Play Trustly works in the German market can only be answered by looking at regulatory hurdles. Trustly as an Open Banking service provider enables fast transactions. However, the GGL (Joint State Gaming Authority) strictly prohibits the classic, anonymous Pay N Play model. Licensed providers like Löwen Play use the technology instead for accelerated but fully compliant identification. It fulfills all KYC obligations before the first spin.

Why Classic Pay N Play Does Not Work in Germany

The original concept of Pay N Play envisaged that players could start playing immediately through a simple deposit via Trustly. A separate account registration was not necessary. Identity was thereby implicitly verified via bank data. However, this model collides directly with the requirements of the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021. The GGL (Joint State Gaming Authority) insists on complete identification of all players before their first participation in the game. Anonymous registration or subsequent verification is thus legally untenable. From a compliance perspective, this means that the convenient "No-Account" experience, as is common in other markets, may not be offered in Germany. The GGL prioritizes player protection and money laundering prevention. Any form of anonymous access is blocked.

Trustly as a Compliant Payment Method at GGL-Licensed Casinos

Despite the ban on real Pay N Play, Trustly remains a central pillar in the payment portfolio of German providers. Platforms like Löwen Play integrate Trustly firmly into their cashier area to ensure fast deposits. Here, Trustly does not bypass registration, but rather accelerates the process within legal limits. The provider Löwen Play is characterized by a clear focus on the German market and a valid GGL license. Players use Trustly to transfer funds directly from online banking. The transaction is additionally secured by the login in the banking portal. Unlike e-wallets like Skrill or Neteller, no separate user account with Trustly AB is required. This lowers barriers without violating regulatory requirements for identity verification.

International Supervision by Finansinspektionen and GDPR Compliance

The security of data processing at Trustly is guaranteed by strict international standards. Trustly AB is subject to the supervision of the Swedish financial supervisory authority Finansinspektionen as well as the UK Financial Conduct Authority. This double regulation ensures that the payment service provider adheres to high compliance standards. In addition, Trustly hosts its data on servers that are fully GDPR compliant. This is crucial for German players, as their personal and financial information is protected according to European law. Trustly never stores bank account access data, which minimizes security risk. The combination of supervision by the Finansinspektionen and adherence to GDPR creates a trustworthy environment. However, the specific Pay N Play functionality is still not usable in Germany due to GGL requirements.

Security and Data Protection with Trustly Payments

The question of how Pay N Play Trustly works in terms of security can be answered clearly. Trustly AB acts as a regulated payment institution. It never stores sensitive bank data, but forwards it encrypted directly to the home bank. By using Open Banking standards and complying with GDPR, it is ensured that PINs and TANs remain exclusively in the protected environment of your own online banking. The Swedish supervisory authority Finansinspektionen strictly monitors compliance.

Encryption and Certifications Overview

Trustly, a Swedish payment service provider, relies on technical standards that correspond to those of leading banks. The transmission of all data takes place via SSL/TLS encryption. It offers the same security level as the native online banking of users. As a licensed financial institution, Trustly AB is subject to strict regulatory requirements. Supervisory authorities check these regularly. The server infrastructure on which the data is hosted is designed to be GDPR compliant. This guarantees a high data protection standard for users in the EU and Germany. This combination of technical encryption and legal conformity ensures that every transaction processed via Trustly meets the highest security criteria.

How Trustly Protects Your Bank Data (No Storage)

A central security feature is that Trustly never stores complete login data or access credentials. When making a payment, the entered information is transmitted directly and encrypted to the user's bank and processed there. Sensitive data such as PINs or TANs are thus not stored at Trustly. They only serve for authentication within the familiar online banking procedure. This means that even in the unlikely event of a data leak at Trustly, no information is available with which third parties could gain access to the bank account. The responsibility for releasing the payment thus lies solely with the user through confirmation in the banking app or via TAN.

Fraud Protection and Transaction Monitoring

The Finansinspektionen, the Swedish financial market authority, monitors Trustly AB as a licensed payment institution. It ensures that strict anti-money laundering and fraud prevention guidelines are complied with. Every transaction requires active confirmation by the user. This effectively excludes unauthorized payments. Since Trustly does not run its own wallets, but each booking is a direct bank transfer, the risk that funds are "parked" on an intermediate account and stolen by third parties is eliminated. This direct coupling to the bank account, combined with regulatory supervision by the Finansinspektionen, creates a transparent and secure environment for digital payments.

Trustly Compared: Alternatives like Skrill, Neteller and PayPal

The question of how Pay N Play Trustly works in direct comparison to established e-wallets can be answered clearly. Trustly uses the Open Banking protocol to process payments without a separate wallet account. Unlike Skrill or Neteller, registration with a third party is eliminated. Authentication takes place directly via the online banking of the home bank. This direct A2A (Account-to-Account) connection not only enables faster transactions. It also significantly reduces the fee structure for players, as no intermediate steps are necessary.

Advantages of Trustly over E-Wallets (Skrill & Neteller)

Trustly, a Swedish payment service provider regulated by the Finansinspektionen, differs fundamentally from classic e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller. While users first load funds onto a separate account and go through an additional registration with Skrill or Neteller, Trustly acts as a pure conduit. The direct connection via online banking increases convenience. App installation or wallet management is not necessary.

Another decisive advantage is data transparency. Since Trustly uses the bank data directly, the casino sees the name and IBAN. This is not the case with anonymous e-wallets. This supports compliance with German regulations, as the identity of the player can be clearly assigned. Skrill and Neteller remain popular alternatives, but often require additional steps for verification. Trustly automates this through the bank connection.

Trustly vs. PayPal: Speed and Fees

Compared to PayPal, the market leader in e-commerce, Trustly positions itself as a specialized solution for iGaming. PayPal is no longer available as a direct payment method for gambling in many German online casinos due to regulatory restrictions. Trustly becomes the primary alternative. Trustly convinces here through lower cost structures. Very few casinos charge fees for Trustly payments, while PayPal transactions are often associated with higher merchant fees.

The withdrawal speed is high with both providers. However, Trustly benefits from the direct A2A (Account-to-Account) connection. Funds flow back to the current account without detour via a wallet. PayPal, on the other hand, often holds funds in the system until the user manually transfers them to their bank account. That means an additional step. For players who prefer fast access to their winnings, Trustly thus offers a smoother workflow without "parking money" in a digital wallet.

Why A2A Payments Are the Future of iGaming

The A2A (Account-to-Account) model used by Trustly is the current standard in modern payment traffic. It is based on Open Banking. In contrast to traditional card payments, which entail high interchange fees and long processing times, A2A (Account-to-Account) enables real-time transfers directly between accounts. This efficiency lowers operating costs for casinos and enables faster withdrawals for players.

In addition, A2A (Account-to-Account) increases security, as no sensitive card data needs to be stored with the merchant. Authentication takes place securely via the user's bank app, which reduces fraud. While card providers like Visa or Mastercard are often blocked for online casinos in Germany, A2A (Account-to-Account) via Trustly remains a fully compatible and legal option within the framework of the GlüStV 2021. This direct connection between bank and casino is becoming the standard. It combines transparency, speed and compliance in one process.

Player Protection and GGL Requirements in Germany

The German gambling market has been subject to strict requirements since the entry into force of the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021. They place player protection at the center. The GGL (Joint State Gaming Authority) consistently monitors compliance with these rules. For users of Trustly and other payment methods, this means concrete restrictions that serve security.

OASIS Blocking System and Identification

Every player must identify themselves before their first participation in a game of chance. The data is stored centrally in the OASIS blocking system. This prevents players from registering with several providers in parallel to circumvent limits. Trustly can use bank data for quick verification. However, it does not replace the mandatory registration and reconciliation with OASIS. Anonymous gameplay, as envisaged by the original Pay N Play concept, is thus excluded in Germany.

Deposit Limits and Stake Limits

The GGL has defined clear financial limits to prevent gambling addiction: Deposit limit: Players may deposit a maximum of 1,000 € per month on all licensed gambling accounts. This limit is provider-independent and monitored via OASIS. Stake limit: The maximum bet per spin on virtual slot machines is 1 €.

Trustly payments are integrated by providers so that these limits are technically enforced. Attempts to deposit higher amounts are automatically rejected by the system. These measures ensure that the speed of Trustly does not lead to uncontrolled gambling behavior.

Practical Guide: Deposits and Withdrawals with Trustly

The functioning of Trustly is based on the direct link with your online banking. This allows payments to be processed without prior registration with a third party. This process uses the infrastructure of Trustly AB, the Swedish fintech company behind the technology. It processes transactions securely and in real time. For players in Germany, it is crucial that the GGL (Joint State Gaming Authority) enforces strict identification regulations. The original anonymous Pay N Play model is not applicable here 1:1. Instead, Trustly serves as a fast channel for deposits and withdrawals. Bank data is used for authentication without sensitive information being passed on to the casino itself.

Step-by-Step: How to Deposit with Trustly

The deposit process is designed to keep barriers between bank account and game balance minimal. Your existing current account is completely sufficient.

1. Select method: Navigate to the payment options in the casino's cashier area and select Trustly.
2. Amount and bonus: Enter the desired deposit amount. If a welcome bonus is available, activate it at this point, provided the wagering requirements allow it.
3. Bank selection: Select your home bank from the list of supported institutions. Trustly is connected to thousands of banks worldwide. Availability in Germany depends on the technical interface of your bank.
4. Authentication via online banking: You will be redirected to your bank's portal. Log in with your usual access data (PIN) and confirm the transaction, possibly using a TAN.
5. Credit: After confirmation, Trustly forwards the payment to the provider. The balance is usually available immediately, as no manual check of the bank data by the casino is necessary.

What is important here is data security. Trustly AB does not store access data that could be misused for access to your account. The company works according to GDPR standards.

Withdrawal Duration and Availability of Winnings

A common misunderstanding concerns the speed of withdrawals. While the deposit is instant, withdrawals are often subject to the casino's internal release processes.

Technical transfer: Once the casino releases the withdrawal, the amount is transferred directly to your bank account via Trustly. Thanks to the integration into the online banking system, this can take place as an instant transfer. Real duration: In practice, players must expect a processing time of 1 to 2 business days until the money is actually available in the account. This is less due to Trustly itself than to the mandatory security checks and manual release by the provider's customer service. Comparison: Compared to classic bank transfers, which can take 3-5 business days, Trustly is still significantly faster. The technical transfer path is optimized.

Players should always check whether all wagering requirements of a bonus have been met before requesting a withdrawal. That can delay the process.

Availability at German Providers like Löwen Play

The integration of Trustly depends largely on the licensing of the provider. The GGL (Joint State Gaming Authority) strictly regulates the German market. It only allows certain payment methods that comply with the requirements of the Interstate Treaty on Gambling.

Löwen Play: As one of the prominent providers licensed in Germany, Löwen Play has firmly integrated Trustly into its payment portfolio. This enables customers to process transactions securely and in compliance under the supervision of the GGL (Joint State Gaming Authority). Market coverage: Not all international providers offer Trustly. The technical connection to German banks poses specific requirements. However, with licensed providers like Löwen Play, the method is standard. It offers the required transparency and security. Regulatory context: The GGL (Joint State Gaming Authority) ensures that when using Trustly, there is no circumvention of player blocks (OASIS) or deposit limits. Therefore, the method is firmly anchored at reputable, licensed platforms. With non-licensed providers, it is often missing or risky.

Trustly represents one of the most reliable options with providers like Löwen Play. You can play quickly and safely while complying with German regulations.

Note on player protection: Use only licensed providers with GGL approval and set personal limits. Information on gambling addiction prevention can be found at check-dein-spiel.de.

About This Article - Editorial & Responsibility

Author: Sarah Weber - Casino Tester & Bonus Analyst Professionally reviewed by: Dr. Markus Hoffmann - Senior iGaming Compliance Analyst Last updated: 2026-06-26.

This article on "how Pay N Play Trustly works" was written by Sarah Weber and professionally reviewed by Dr. Markus Hoffmann. Both regularly update the content regarding regulatory changes, license availability and bonus terms. All statements on licenses, authorities and legal frameworks refer to publicly accessible sources (GGL (Joint State Gaming Authority), Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021)).

About the Author

8+ years of casino reviews, 200+ platforms personally tested in EU and International. Former member of the eCOGRA Player Advocacy Program (2018-2022). Specialization: wagering requirements, withdrawal workflows, customer support evaluation.

About the Reviewer

12+ years in the iGaming industry, including 5 years as a compliance consultant for licensed operators under the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021. PhD in Economic Mathematics. Research focuses: bonus mathematics, wager analysis, player protection systems (OASIS).

Responsible Gaming

Gambling can be addictive. If you feel you are losing control over your gambling behavior, please contact BzgA Gambling Addiction Help, Check-dein-Spiel.de or use the central blocking system (OASIS (central player blocking system)). Set personal deposit and loss limits before playing with real money. Breaks and cooldown functions of providers are not a sign of weakness - they are a tool for sustainable fun with the game.

Legal Notice

The information in this article serves exclusively editorial and comparison purposes. It does not constitute legal advice. The legal assessment of online gambling without a German license is a gray area and is subject to ongoing adjustments by the GGL (Joint State Gaming Authority). Players are themselves responsible for compliance with local regulations.