AstroPay is one of the most popular payment methods among players in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain. But many Gulf users are unaware that AstroPay charges different types of fees — including purchase fees, FX conversion costs, and hidden spreads. This guide breaks down every type of fee and shows you how to avoid them.

This article is part of the Gulf Payment Methods series. For country-specific how-to guides: How to Buy AstroPay in the UAE • AstroPay Saudi Arabia

Are AstroPay Fees the Same in Every Gulf Country?

No. Fees vary significantly depending on:

  • Your country (UAE vs Saudi vs Kuwait, etc.)
  • The payment method you use inside the app
  • The currency you choose for your AstroPay wallet
  • Your bank’s own FX and processing policies

Most fees don’t appear as a direct line item. Instead, they are baked into the purchase amount or the exchange rate.

All AstroPay Fees Explained (GCC-Friendly Breakdown)

Fee Type When It Applies Important Notes
Card Purchase Fee When buying a new virtual card Amount depends on the payment method
Currency Conversion Fee Paying with a currency different from your card Often the largest fee GCC users pay
FX Spread Hidden inside the exchange rate Can be 2%–6% depending on the bank
Platform Deposit Fee Mainly casino or app deposits Rare — most casinos don’t charge this

Typical AstroPay Fees in the GCC

Saudi Arabia (KSA):

  • Purchase fee: ~1–4% depending on method
  • FX fees: higher when using SAR
  • Best choice: Use USD to reduce conversions

United Arab Emirates (UAE):

  • Purchase fee: ~1–3%
  • Currency conversion occurs when using AED
  • Best choice: Use USD for most casino deposits

Note: These figures vary depending on the payment provider inside the app.

Which Currency Should Gulf Users Choose?

For online entertainment and casino deposits, the best option for GCC users is almost always USD. Reasons:

  • Most international websites list balances in USD
  • Fewer currency conversions = fewer fees
  • More predictable deposit amounts

Are There Fees When Depositing at Online Casinos?

In nearly all cases, casinos do not charge AstroPay deposit fees. The only fee the user may see is FX conversion if the casino uses a different currency.

How to Reduce AstroPay Fees (Highly Recommended)

  • Choose USD instead of AED, SAR, OMR, or KWD
  • Use payment methods inside the app with low processing fees
  • Avoid buying many small cards — buy one larger card instead
  • Always check the final amount before confirming the purchase

AstroPay Alternatives with Lower Fees

Mada (Saudi) STC Pay Apple Pay Crypto Payments

FAQ – AstroPay Fees in the Gulf

Are AstroPay fees high?
Not usually. The FX spread is what increases the total cost the most.

Does AstroPay charge withdrawal fees?
AstroPay is mainly a deposit method. Most platforms do not support withdrawals.

Can I see all fees before paying?
Usually yes — the final amount appears on the last confirmation step.

Why did my bank charge extra?
Your bank may have applied its own currency conversion or international processing fee.