How does Pay N Play with Trustly work: 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 specifications. Trustly serves here as a fast A2A payment method with licensed providers. Identity verification (KYC) and connection to OASIS must take place before the start of the game.

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 details directly for identification and payment. This eliminates the need for separate registrations in an international context. These A2A (Account-to-Account) transactions are processed 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 the start of the game.

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 to access bank accounts under strict security conditions. Trustly uses this infrastructure to process payments directly from the user's online banking. A separate wallet, like with Skrill or Neteller, is not necessary. The user authenticates themselves using their usual banking procedure, for example via TAN or app. This actively confirms every transaction and rules out unauthorized access. This direct connection ensures high security, as no sensitive data is stored with an intermediary. The bank retains control. Although this technology is available in Germany, the original Pay N Play model with delayed identification is no longer permitted here due to GGL specifications.

The difference between A2A payments and classic bank transfers

The decisive advantage of A2A (Account-to-Account) payments over classic bank transfers lies in the speed and the 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 a few seconds. The payment is not checked manually by a bank employee, but runs automatically via API interfaces. For players, this means that deposits are immediately credited to the account and withdrawals are made much faster than with traditional methods. Unlike e-wallets like PayPal, no balance is "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 is Trustly AB, a Swedish company. It was founded in 2008 and is listed on the stock exchange today. 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 payments industry, having previously founded Bambora. Under his leadership, Trustly AB has further expanded the A2A infrastructure to remain compliant 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 the 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 the regulatory hurdles. Trustly as an open banking service provider enables fast transactions. However, the GGL (Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States) 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 takes place.

Why classic Pay N Play does not work in Germany

The original concept of Pay N Play envisaged that players could start playing immediately with a simple deposit via Trustly. A separate account registration was not necessary. The identity was implicitly verified via the banking details. However, this model directly clashes with the requirements of the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021. The GGL (Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States) insists on a full identification of all players before their first participation in the game. An anonymous registration or a downstream verification is therefore legally untenable. From a compliance perspective, this means that the convenient "no-account" experience common in other markets must not be offered in Germany. The GGL prioritizes player protection and the prevention of money laundering. 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 firmly integrate Trustly into their cashier section to ensure fast deposits. Here, Trustly does not serve to bypass registration, but rather to accelerate the process within legal boundaries. 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 logging into the banking portal. Unlike e-wallets like Skrill or Neteller, no separate user account with Trustly AB is required. This lowers the barriers without violating the 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 British Financial Conduct Authority. This double regulation ensures that the payment service provider adheres to high compliance standards. Furthermore, 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 in accordance with European law. Trustly never stores bank account credentials, minimizing security risks. The combination of supervision by Finansinspektionen and compliance with the GDPR creates a trustworthy environment. Nevertheless, the specific Pay N Play functionality cannot be used in Germany due to GGL regulations.

Security and data protection for Trustly payments

The question of how Pay N Play Trustly works with regard to security can be clearly answered. Trustly AB operates as a regulated payment institution. It never stores sensitive bank data but forwards it encrypted directly to the house bank. Using open banking standards and complying with the GDPR ensures that PINs and TANs remain exclusively within the secure environment of the user's own online banking. The Swedish supervisory authority Finansinspektionen strictly monitors compliance.

Encryption and certifications at a glance

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

How Trustly protects your bank details (No storage)

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

Fraud protection and transaction monitoring

Finansinspektionen, the Swedish financial supervisory authority, monitors Trustly AB as a licensed payment institution. It ensures that strict anti-money laundering and fraud prevention guidelines are followed. Every transaction requires active confirmation by the user. This effectively rules out unauthorized payments. Since Trustly does not manage its own wallets but rather each booking is a direct bank transfer, there is no risk of balances being "parked" in an intermediate account and stolen by third parties. This direct link to the bank account, combined with the regulatory oversight of Finansinspektionen, creates a transparent and secure environment for digital payments.

Trustly in comparison: 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, there is no need to register with a third-party provider. Authentication takes place directly via the online banking of the house 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 of Skrill or Neteller first have to load funds onto a separate account and go through an additional registration, Trustly acts purely as a conduit. The direct link via online banking increases convenience. No app installation or wallet management is needed.

Another crucial advantage is the transparency of data. Since Trustly uses 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 player's identity check can be clearly matched. While Skrill and Neteller remain popular alternatives, they often require additional verification steps. Trustly automates these 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. Due to regulatory restrictions, PayPal is no longer available as a direct payment method for gambling in many German online casinos. Trustly is becoming the primary alternative. Trustly convinces here through lower cost structures. Only 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 directly back to the checking 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. This means an additional step. For players who prefer fast access to their winnings, Trustly thus offers a more seamless 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 transactions. It is based on Open Banking. Unlike traditional card payments, which entail high interchange fees and long processing times, A2A (Account-to-Account) enables a real-time transfer directly between accounts. This efficiency lowers operating costs for casinos and allows faster payouts 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 banking 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 under 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 specifications in Germany

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

OASIS ban system and identification

Every player must identify themselves before participating in gambling for the first time. The data is stored centrally in the OASIS ban system. This prevents players from registering with multiple providers at the same time to bypass limits. Although Trustly can use bank details for quick verification, it does not replace mandatory registration and comparison with OASIS. An anonymous way of playing, as envisaged by the original Pay N Play concept, is therefore 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 across all licensed gambling accounts. This limit is cross-provider and is monitored via OASIS. Stake limit: The maximum bet per spin on virtual slot machines is 1 €.

Trustly payments are integrated by providers in such a way 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 gaming behavior.

Practical Guide: Deposits and withdrawals with Trustly

The functionality of Trustly is based on the direct link to your online banking. This allows payments to be processed without prior registration with a third-party provider. 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 Gambling Authority of the Federal States) 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. The bank details are 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 the barriers between the bank account and the gaming balance to a minimum. Your existing checking account is completely sufficient.

1. Select the method: Navigate to the payment options in the casino's cashier section 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: Choose your house 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 credentials (PIN) and confirm the transaction, if necessary using a TAN.
5. Crediting: 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.

Data security is crucial here. Trustly AB does not store any access data that could be misused to access your account. The company operates according to GDPR standards.

Withdrawal duration and availability of winnings

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

Technical transfer: As soon as 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 be done as an instant transfer. Actual duration: In practice, players must expect a processing time of 1 to 2 business days before 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 transmission path is optimized.

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

Availability at German providers like Löwen Play

The integration of Trustly depends heavily on the licensing of the provider. The GGL (Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States) strictly regulates the German market. It only allows certain payment methods that meet 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 compliantly under the supervision of the GGL (Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States). Market coverage: Not all international providers offer Trustly. Technical connection to German banks has 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 Gambling Authority of the Federal States) ensures that using Trustly does not bypass player bans (OASIS) or deposit limits. Therefore, the method is firmly anchored on reputable, licensed platforms. With unlicensed providers, it is often missing or risky.

Trustly represents one of the most reliable options at providers like Löwen Play. You can play quickly and securely in compliance with German regulations.

Note on player protection: Only use 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

Expertly reviewed by: Dr. Markus Hoffmann - Senior iGaming Compliance Analyst

Last Update: 2026-06-26.

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

About the Author

8+ years of casino reviews, 200+ personally tested platforms in the EU and internationally. 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 Business Mathematics. Research focus: bonus mathematics, wager analysis, player protection systems (OASIS).

Responsible Gaming

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

Legal Notice

The information in this article is for editorial and comparison purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. The legal evaluation of online gambling without a German license is a gray area and is subject to ongoing adjustments by the GGL (Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States). Players themselves are responsible for complying with local regulations.