Last reviewed September 2026 · How we research · Read the game's rules and enforcement summary first.
Understand the Main Risks
CCP Games is unusually explicit. Its support page says assets acquired in violation of the EULA will be removed even if that takes a wallet negative, that value will be taken from the player's main character, that many buyers face complete confiscation (sometimes billions of ISK), and that ISK sellers are permanently banned without appeal. Its Team Security has said there are no legitimate methods of RMT and that ISK sold on third-party sites comes from fraud, hacked accounts and bot farms. Our EVE buyer's guide quotes CCP's position in detail.
How to Vet an ISK Seller
The usual vetting steps still apply — track record, independent reviews, refund terms — but they cannot address the central risk. A seller may claim its ISK is not bot-farmed; CCP states that none of it is legitimate, and we cannot verify such claims. See the caution flag on our EVE BQ Store review, which explains how a strong Trustpilot record and a serious enforcement risk can coexist. Our EVE vendor list shows category scores.
Safer Delivery Practices
Never provide your CCP account credentials, authenticator codes or remote access, and be wary of anyone who wants your character to accept unusual contracts or trades. Understand that delivery is not the issue CCP cares about: it traces the origin of assets and can remove them whichever way they arrive.
Protect Your Payment Information
Use a method with dispute rights and keep records. Note that CCP says stolen credit cards are used to buy PLEX that is distributed to RMT buyers, which can make your purchase part of a fraud chain.
Red Flags to Avoid
Prices far below the market for PLEX-equivalent ISK; sellers who tell you the worst outcome is a short suspension (CCP describes wallet removal, confiscation and account action); unsolicited in-game mails advertising ISK; requests for your login; and look-alike domains.
Step-by-Step Order Checklist
If you have weighed the rules and decided to go ahead, work through these steps in order. They reduce the avoidable risks; they do not make an order compliant with the game's terms.
- Consider PLEX first; it is the only sanctioned route and CCP itself sells it.
- If you still consider a third party, read CCP's RMT support article in full first.
- Compare the price with the PLEX-equivalent ISK price, and treat large discounts as a warning.
- Never share your login or authenticator codes.
- Pay with a method that allows disputes and keep records.
- Assume purchased assets can be removed and the value taken from your main character.
What to Do After Delivery
Assume purchased assets can be removed and that the value may be taken from your main character. If CCP contacts you, read its RMT support article before responding. Secure your account with two-factor authentication.
Lower-Risk Alternatives
PLEX is the sanctioned route: buy it from CCP and sell it on the in-game market for ISK. The Character Bazaar is CCP's official marketplace for characters, priced in ISK. For earning, see our EVE Online ISK farming guide and leveling guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I end up with a negative wallet?
Yes; CCP says it will remove the value of illegitimately purchased assets even if that leaves a wallet negative.
Are there legitimate ISK sellers?
CCP says no methods of RMT are legitimate; the only sanctioned route is PLEX.
Does CCP publish enforcement figures?
Yes, in monthly ban reports that list ISK buying and ISK selling separately.
