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What to check before buying games, keys or in-game items

Gaming purchases are often digital, instant and non-refundable. That suits buyers when everything works and leaves them with little recourse when it does not. Before spending, it helps to know how a seller gets its products and what the game publisher allows.

Game keys and digital stores

Official stores sell directly with the publisher's support. Key resellers and marketplaces may sell keys from many sources, some of them gray-market. Risks include keys locked to another region, keys that have already been used, and keys revoked later by the publisher. Check the region, the platform the key works on, and what the seller does if a key fails.

Top-ups, currency and gift cards

• Official routes: buying in-game currency through the game or console store usually keeps your account in good standing.
• Third-party top-ups: some games allow authorized resellers; others ban outside purchases. Check the game's terms before using one.
• Gift card codes: confirm the currency and region match your account.

Accounts, skins and item trading

Many games forbid selling or buying accounts, and some restrict trading items for real money. A purchased account can be reclaimed by the original owner or banned by the publisher. Trading sites differ in how they hold items during a trade. Never log in through a link someone sends you; fake login pages are a common way accounts are stolen.

Accessories

For controllers, headsets and other hardware, check compatibility with your platform, the warranty and the returns window, especially if the item ships from abroad.

Common problems and how to avoid them

• Keys that do not activate: record the activation attempt and contact the seller straight away.
• Purchases by children: use the platform's parental controls and purchase passwords.
• Payment outside the platform: sellers asking for direct transfers leave you with fewer ways to recover money.
• New trading sites: a recently registered domain with no named operator gives you little to go on if a trade fails. The CandorRated company page shows both, plus any contact details found.

Filter this category by country to see stores that sell in your currency and region.

Frequently asked questions

Are cheap game keys legal?

Reselling keys is not automatically illegal, but some keys are sold against publisher terms and can be revoked. Read the seller's guarantee before buying.

Can my account be banned for buying in-game currency elsewhere?

Yes, in games that prohibit third-party sales. Check the game's terms of service first.

How do I get a refund on a digital game?

Each store has its own refund rules, often based on time since purchase and time played. Ask quickly and through the store's own support.