How To Add Money To Your Riot Account: A Comprehensive Guide
Adding funds to your Riot Games account, commonly used for purchasing in-game currencies like Riot Points (RP) for League of Legends and Valorant Points (VP) for Valorant, is a straightforward process, offering various methods to suit different preferences. Essentially, you’re acquiring virtual currency to enhance your gaming experience with cosmetic items, new characters (or agents), and other in-game benefits. This article provides a comprehensive guide, walking you through the various methods of adding funds and answering frequently asked questions for a seamless experience.
Multiple Avenues to Fund Your Riot Account
The primary way to add money to your Riot account is through the in-game store within each respective game or through Riot’s website. Here are the main methods you can utilize:
- Prepaid Gift Cards: These cards, available both digitally online and at physical retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, Gamestop, 7-Eleven, and EB Games, are a popular choice. They allow you to add funds without needing a credit card or bank account. You simply purchase a card and redeem its pin code in the in-game client.
- Direct Online Payments: You can add funds directly through the in-game store using various payment methods. These often include:
- Credit/Debit Cards: Most major credit and debit cards are accepted.
- PayPal: Secure and convenient online money transfer is available.
- Digital Wallets: Popular digital wallets like Codacash, Gcash, Maya, Coins.ph, and GrabPay are frequently supported in specific regions.
- Direct Carrier Billing: In some regions, you can charge your purchase to your mobile phone bill, options like Globe and Smart.
- Bank Transfers/OTC: Some areas also offer direct bank transfers or over-the-counter (OTC) payments.
- Openbucks Gift Cards: For those without traditional banking options, Openbucks enables cash purchases of gift cards at their retail partners. You can then redeem these gift cards for Riot Points.
- Apple Pay: Using Apple Pay for payment is also supported.
How to Redeem a Prepaid Card
- Purchase: Obtain a Riot Games gift card physically or online.
- Access the Store: Launch your Riot game (League of Legends or Valorant) and log into your account.
- Navigate to Purchase RP/VP: In the in-game store, select the option to buy Riot Points (RP) or Valorant Points (VP).
- Choose Prepaid Card Option: Select the “Prepaid Cards” as your payment method.
- Enter Pin Code: Enter the pin code located on the back of the gift card or provided digitally.
- Submit: Press the submit button to finalize the transaction. The corresponding in-game currency will be added to your account immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help clarify any doubts you may have about adding money to your Riot account:
1. Can I buy Riot Points or Valorant Points without a credit card or bank account?
Yes! Riot prepaid gift cards, Openbucks, and many local options like 7-Eleven and digital wallets allow purchases using cash or alternative payment methods. These are ideal if you don’t have credit or debit cards.
2. How much RP or VP will I receive for a specific amount of money?
The amount of RP or VP you get for a specific dollar amount varies. For example:
- $10: Approximately 1380 RP
- $25: Around 3500 RP (League of Legends) or 2500 VP (Valorant)
- $50: Roughly 7200 RP or a significant VP value for Valorant.
- $100: About 15000 RP.
Note that these values are approximate, may vary slightly, and should always be confirmed via your region’s store.
3. Is it safe to buy RP or VP from unofficial sellers?
No. Purchasing Riot Points from unauthorized sellers carries significant risks. You might encounter scams, identity theft, financial loss, or even a permanent ban on your Riot account. Always use official channels.
4. Can I buy RP or VP with a debit card?
Yes, you can purchase RP or VP with a debit card through the official in-game store or website.
5. Can I refund RP or VP?
Yes. Refunds are typically processed in the same currency you used, and refund tokens are given each year if you are below the cap of three. Note that this will only work on applicable purchases such as champions and skins, not bundles.
6. Can I use Apple Pay to buy RP?
Yes, you can use Apple Pay as a payment method for purchasing RP through authorized online retailers such as Dundle (US).
7. What is Riot Cash?
Riot Cash refers to the digital vouchers or Riot Games gift cards that are redeemed for in-game currency by entering the code in-game. It’s essentially prepaid access to RP or VP.
8. Can I buy RP or VP with a Visa gift card?
Yes, you can redeem Visa gift cards for RP or VP by selecting the “Prepaid Cards” option in the in-game payment method and entering the pin code.
9. Can you get free RP or VP?
Getting free RP or VP directly from Riot is difficult. Tournaments may offer RP as prizes, or you can engage in official giveaways. There is no method to acquire RP or VP free reliably. However, sites like BUFF may offer in-game credit for time played.
10. Can I sell my Riot Points?
It’s highly unlikely you can legitimately sell RP. Some third-party sites may offer the sale of accounts with points, but this is almost always against Riot’s Terms of Service and carries a high risk of being banned.
11. Why are RP prices so high?
Riot adjusts prices based on several factors, including worldwide inflation, currency fluctuations, and costs associated with maintaining its service. Regional differences in pricing are common.
12. Can I use PayPal to buy RP or VP?
Yes, PayPal is a standard payment method for purchasing RP or VP through the game client and online stores.
13. Can I buy RP or VP for a friend?
You can gift skins or content to a friend, but you cannot directly transfer RP or VP. You need to gift from within your client by going to the gifting section.
14. What is the cheapest way to buy RP?
Some players try to acquire RP cheaply by creating accounts in regions where RP is cheaper (such as Turkey or Brazil), buying RP on that account, and transferring it to their main region with a small transfer fee. This is not recommended due to the risk involved and is not officially supported by Riot.
15. How do I redeem a Valorant gift card?
To redeem a Valorant gift card, launch Valorant, go to the store, select “Purchase VP,” choose “Prepaid Cards,” enter the code, and click submit. You can also visit prepaidcards.riotgames.com to find instructions.
Conclusion
Adding money to your Riot account to purchase Riot Points (RP) for League of Legends or Valorant Points (VP) for Valorant is a simple process with numerous convenient methods. Whether you choose to use a prepaid gift card, credit card, digital wallet, or another option, understanding the various methods and adhering to official channels ensures a smooth and secure experience. Be sure to consult the most recent pricing and promotions within your region of play and be sure to only buy from authorized vendors. Happy gaming!