Is buying a PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo account illegal?
Buying gaming accounts
What to check before you pay
PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo: understand what you are buying, how access works and what can go wrong.
Is buying a gaming account illegal?
A breach of platform terms does not on its own establish a criminal offence. The applicable law, the circumstances and the origin of the account all matter.
Platform terms and the law
Breaking a platform’s terms does not by itself establish that a criminal offence has occurred. The legal position depends on the applicable law, the circumstances and how the account was obtained. The platform may restrict or suspend access under its terms. An account obtained through fraud or theft raises separate issues.
- PlayStation terms restrict trading or transferring accounts and account details.
- The Microsoft Services Agreement prohibits transferring Microsoft account credentials to another person or entity.
- Nintendo’s account transfer guidance warns against selling or transferring account information.
What does the offer include?
A key for your own account
You redeem the code on your own eligible profile. Check the console, edition and region.
Access to an existing account
The game remains attached to that account. A suspension or account recovery can cut off access.
What to check before paying
Read the platform terms
Check what the platform allows for account transfers.
Check who can recover the account
Ask who controls the recovery email and what support the seller provides if access is lost.
Read the offer carefully
Check the product type, supported console and region. Keep the receipt if you need help from the seller.
Activation guides
Already have a code?
Use the guide for your own profile to redeem an eligible game key or wallet code.
Example: redeem a PlayStation key or wallet creditFrequently asked questions
Will the game move to my account?
A licence supplied with an existing account stays linked to that account.
What if I lose access?
Contact the seller through your order history with your receipt. Keep passwords and one-time codes private.