Deposits

How do I add money to my account?
Tap the '+' icon in the top bar, tap 'Add Cash' in the wallet panel, tap 'Add Cash' in your Transaction Log, or go to the Add Cash tab in the bottom navigation.
Enter the amount you'd like to deposit (custom amount, not fixed packs), select a payment method, and tap 'Add $[X].'
On your first deposit, you'll also complete a quick account setup (name + email).

What payment methods does Arena accept?
PayPal
Credit/Debit card (Visa, Mastercard)
Apple Pay (iOS)
ACH / Bank Transfer via Aeropay
The available methods shown to you may vary based on your account status and location.

What is the minimum deposit?
The minimum deposit is $5. This is the standard minimum across the skill gaming industry.

What is Aeropay and is it safe?
Aeropay is a secure bank-to-bank transfer service (ACH) that lets you link your bank account and fund your Arena wallet directly.
It is powered by Plaid, a widely trusted bank-linking platform. Your bank credentials are handled by Plaid directly -- Skillz never sees them.
ACH deposits may take 1-3 business days to clear before the funds are available for cash games.

What is an authorization hold?
When you initiate a card deposit, your bank may place a temporary 'authorization hold' on the amount while the transaction is processed.
This is not a charge -- it's your bank temporarily reserving the funds. The hold typically clears within 1-3 business days whether the deposit succeeds or not.
If you see a hold that doesn't resolve, contact your bank directly.

I deposited money but it's not showing in my balance -- what do I do?
For card and PayPal deposits, funds should appear instantly. If they don't, try refreshing the app.
For ACH/bank transfers via Aeropay, clearing can take 1-3 business days.
If your deposit still hasn't appeared after the expected window, contact Skillz support with the transaction date and amount.

My deposit failed -- what should I do?
Check that your payment details are correct and your account has sufficient funds.
Try a different payment method if the issue persists.
An inline error message will appear on the deposit page with options to retry or change your method. Tap 'Contact Support' if you can't resolve it.
Your card or account is never charged for a failed deposit.

Can I deposit with a prepaid gift card?
Yes. Prepaid Visa and Mastercard gift cards are accepted for deposits.
Important: keep the card on file after depositing. If you withdraw winnings, funds are returned to your original deposit method first -- meaning they will be returned to the gift card before any remaining amount is sent by check. Make sure the card remains accessible.

Are there any bonus offers on deposits?  
Yes -- Bonus Cash is often added to deposits based on the amount you deposit. The deposit page shows a real-time preview of how much Bonus Cash you'll receive as you type your amount.
Bonus Cash cannot be withdrawn -- see the Wallet & Currencies section for how Bonus Cash works.