Can You Buy RP with a Gift Card? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, you absolutely can buy Riot Points (RP), the premium currency for League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics, with a gift card. This is a popular and convenient way for players to top up their accounts and unlock a variety of in-game content. However, there are nuances to the process that are worth understanding. This article provides a comprehensive guide to using gift cards for RP purchases, along with answers to frequently asked questions.

How to Redeem a Gift Card for Riot Points

The process of redeeming a gift card for RP is straightforward:

Locate the “Purchase RP” Section: In the League of Legends or Teamfight Tactics client, navigate to the store section. Look for a button or tab labeled “Purchase RP.”
Choose Prepaid Card Payment: Within the payment options, select “Prepaid Cards.” This option indicates that you’ll be using a gift card.
Enter the PIN Code: On the back of your gift card, there will be a PIN code. Carefully scratch off the protective layer (if applicable) to reveal the code. Enter this code accurately into the provided field in the game client.
Submit the Transaction: Once you’ve entered the correct PIN code, click the “Submit” or “Redeem” button to finalize the transaction. The corresponding amount of RP will then be added to your account balance.

It’s crucial to ensure that you are using a valid League of Legends gift card specifically. Standard Visa or Mastercard gift cards, while accepted at some retailers, cannot be directly used as a payment method for League of Legends RP. You need a gift card that is specifically issued for Riot Games products.

Where to Buy League of Legends Gift Cards

League of Legends gift cards are widely available at various retail locations. You can typically find them at places like:

Best Buy
Walmart
Gamestop
7/11
EB Games
Online Retailers: You can also purchase these cards online from sites like Dundle (US), which offer various secure payment methods for convenient digital delivery.

The availability of physical cards might vary depending on your region. Online retailers generally offer digital codes that are delivered to your email inbox instantly.

Gift Card Values and RP Equivalents

League of Legends gift cards typically come in several denominations, each with a corresponding amount of RP:

$10 Gift Card: Approximately 1380 RP
$25 Gift Card: Approximately 3500 RP
$50 Gift Card: Approximately 7200 RP
$100 Gift Card: Approximately 15000 RP

These RP values can be subject to change, so it is wise to verify before purchasing. It is crucial to note that these cards are usually region-locked, meaning a gift card purchased in one region might not be redeemable in another.

Gift RP to a Friend

If you want to gift RP to a friend, the process is different from using a gift card. Instead of a prepaid card, you need to navigate to the gift section in the store. Here’s how:

Open the Store: Launch the League of Legends or Teamfight Tactics client and go to the store.
Find the Gift Box: Locate the gift box icon, usually situated in the top right corner of the store.
Select Friend: Choose the friend you wish to send the gift to from your friends list.
Choose the Gift Type: Select “RP” as the type of gift you want to send.
Select the RP Amount: Choose the desired amount of RP to send to your friend.
Complete the Transaction: Confirm and finalize the transaction. The RP will then be directly added to your friend’s account.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify using gift cards for RP purchases:

1. Can I use a regular Visa or Mastercard gift card to buy RP?

No, standard Visa or Mastercard gift cards are not directly redeemable for RP. You need to purchase a League of Legends specific gift card or a Riot Games gift card. Some online retailers may allow you to use those cards to purchase a digital LoL gift card.

2. Do League of Legends gift cards expire?

Generally, League of Legends gift cards do not have an expiration date, unless explicitly stated at the time of purchase. However, it’s always good to redeem them soon to avoid any potential issues.

3. What if I lose my gift card code?

If you lose your gift card code, you may be able to request a replacement with the original proof of purchase, depending on the retailer and their policy.

4. How can I buy RP as a gift for a friend?

You can buy RP as a gift directly through the in-game store by clicking the gift box icon, selecting your friend, and then choosing the desired RP amount to gift.

5. What if I get an error when redeeming my gift card?

If you encounter an error, ensure the PIN code is entered correctly, your card is valid for your region, and contact Riot Games Support for assistance.

6. What is the cheapest way to buy RP?

The most cost-effective method to purchase RP is often by creating a new account in regions with cheaper prices, like Brazil or Turkey, purchasing RP there, and then transferring the account to your main region. This involves a transfer fee and may not be the most practical solution for everyone.

7. Can I buy RP on my phone?

Yes, you can purchase RP on your phone by accessing the store in the mobile version of the game. You will need to select Mobile Payment as your payment option.

8. Can I buy RP online?

Yes, you can purchase RP online from retailers like Dundle (US) which offers fast digital delivery.

9. Is there tax when buying RP?

Yes, most U.S. states now require Riot Games to collect taxes on digital purchases like RP, including those made through gift cards.

10. Can I get RP without spending money?

There’s no reliable way to earn RP without spending money. However, you might win RP as a prize in some tournaments, although these are very rare.

11. Can I refund my RP purchase?

Yes, you can refund RP purchases but the refund will return the same amount of RP as the purchase. Riot gives one refund token a year if you are below the cap of three.

12. Can I sell my RP?

You may find ways to sell your account with RP, but Riot Games does not condone the sale of accounts or RP directly. Selling your account could result in a ban.

13. How much RP does a $25 gift card give me?

A $25 gift card typically gives you approximately 3500 RP.

14. Why has RP become more expensive?

Riot Games has increased prices due to global inflation, currency fluctuations, and other associated cost increases. These changes affect prices differently depending on the region.

15. What is a Riot PIN?

A Riot PIN is a digital code, like a gift card code, that can be redeemed for RP. These are often delivered digitally when purchased online.

By understanding these details, you can confidently use gift cards to purchase RP and enhance your League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics experience. Whether you are treating yourself or gifting to a friend, this method is a secure and convenient option.

Can you buy RP with a gift card?