Upfront Summary: Is Kinguin worth it?

Kinguin is a popular online marketplace that sells Windows and game keys for under €30. The company partners with third-party sellers and does not check whether the keys are legit or not. Buyers take full responsibility for any potential defects that come with the keys. However, Kinguin offers buyer protection that gives peace of mind should the buyer get a non-working key refunded instantly up to €30. The buyer protection program serves as a fallback, raising the credibility to shop on Kinguin. Should you plan to shop at their online store, do it with caution. Get buyer protection if there is a quality issue with the key and check the seller’s rating first.

Online video game marketplaces such as Kinguin sell AAA titles, popular games, and Windows keys at a deep discount. Sometimes you can snatch the keys for as much as 80% off the original price tag. So, the million-dollar question here: should you shop at Kinguin? If you are wondering whether Kiguin is a legit or scam site. This article will inform you of details about their store and experiences shared online. Here’s what we found:

Kinguin company information

Official Website:https://www.kinguin.net/
Founded:2013
Owner:Viktor Wanli
Location:Ursynow, City in Poland
Contact:https://www.kinguin.net/app/dashboard/rc
Social Media:Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Discord

What is Kinguin?

Kinguin is an online Windows and game key store based in Poland. Founded in 2013, they have grown to almost 200 employees, over 30 game genres, and serve 15 gaming platforms. Kinguin does not directly sell software or game keys. Instead, they provide a platform for third-party sellers to sell keys.

In addition, Kinguin features seller ratings that measure trustworthiness based on buyer’s feedback and experience. This way, the buyer can rest assured knowing they are purchasing a key from a trusted seller. As a result, avid gamers buy keys from Kinguin for killer deals at minimal risk of being scammed.

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Is Kinguin legal and safe or a scam?

For the most part, it is legal and safe to shop at Kinguin all around the world. However, it does not mean all the keys are working. Because Kinguin provides a platform for third-party sellers to sell keys, buyers should be vigilant about it and inspect the seller’s rating and badges first that indicate trustworthiness before purchasing.

The likelihood of being scammed is as low as 0.5%. That means if you bought 200 keys, one of the keys will be defective. Kinguin does not contain any viruses or malware. The company also does not steal or sell customer’s data to third parties, except for marketing purposes (i.e., newsletters and promotions) with the user’s consent. There are plenty of alternatives that we will talk about later in the article.

Is Kinguin reliable and trustworthy?

Currently, Kinguin stands at an overall 4.1 out of 5 stars. There are more buyers with a positive experience that accounts for 70% of the overall rating. Kinguin does not have a refund process for buyers that do not purchase the buyer protection along with the key. The buyer can request the seller to debit refunds to their account if the key turns faulty.

However, with buyer protection, Kinguin will refund instantly up to €30 if the buyer receives a defective key. Their customer support is reliable. But keep it in your mind that they will not refund you no matter what if you do not have buyer protection. Ensure you purchase the key from a trusted seller with a high rating and multiple sales.

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The pros and cons of Kinguin

Pros:

  • Deep discounted Windows and game keys as much as 80% off.
  • See seller ratings that indicate trustworthiness.
  • Customer service is accessible via live chat and support tickets.
  • Wide range of genres and platforms to choose from.

Cons:

  • Refunds aren’t guaranteed without a buyer protection policy.
  • Additional fees i.e., payment gateway fee and platform developer contribution fee.
  • Getting your order can take a long time if it is on hold.

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Is Kinguin a good and ethical company?

If getting a game key at a great deal so that you can play is essential to you. Then, Kinguin is an excellent online store to buy popular games. Sellers get the game key code directly from the publisher or developer, which then sells on Kinguin.

It is one of the few companies that do not offer refunds to buyers without a buyer protection policy, making it quite dubious about shopping at their store. Kinguin provides a platform for sellers to sell Windows and game keys at a deep discount with a meager chance of being scammed. It is a win-win for the sellers and gamers to get their hands on popular games without paying the full original price.

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How does Kinguin make money?

Kinguin makes money by charging fees to the seller for each successful sale. Third-party sellers purchase game keys at meager prices and sell them to buyers at street price. Every time a seller sells a key, they are charged an 11% + €0.35 fee. Additionally, there is a €0.35 fee to list any game keys on the platform and is valid for 60 days.

If the seller wants to change the price, they get three free price changes per day for each product. Afterward, sellers have to fork out €0.05 to perform additional price changes. In addition, Kinguin charges €5 through buyers who add a buyer protection policy and a game key. Also, buyers have to pay a small Platform Development Contribution fee to support the platform.

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Are there any hidden fees?

Yes, there are two hidden buyer fees once you create an account on Kinguin. First, You will have to pay a Platform Development Contribution fee to cover operating expenses for the platform.

Secondly, an additional fee is charged on top of the original price to cover the payment gateway. However, if you are a United States citizen and live outside of the European Union, you do not pay taxes.

Kinguin Payment Methods

Here’s a list of payment methods that you can use to purchase keys on their store:

  • PayPal
  • MasterCard
  • Visa
  • Skrill
  • PaySafe
  • CVS Pharmacy
  • Bitcoin
  • Ethereum
  • Litecoin
  • Ripple
  • Bitcoin Cash
  • Z Cash
  • Bitcoin Gold

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Best Kinguin Alternatives

Not everyone wants to shop at Kinguin. If you find both Platform Development Contribution and payment fees outrageous or uncomfortable. Below are the best Kinguin alternatives you can head over right now:

  • G2A
  • Eneba
  • Gamivo
  • Humble Bundle
  • GOG
  • GamersGate
  • GamesRocket
  • CDKeys
  • Green Man Gaming
  • MMOGA
  • Instant Gaming
  • GamesPlanet
  • GamesDeal
  • G2Play

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Additional FAQs

How come Kinguin is so cheap?

The Kinguin platform enables sellers to buy keys from a publisher or a wholesaler individually. These game key prices are usually low because the sellers don’t have to pay for their store, servers, advertising, or support.

Can you trust Kinguin?

There is a growing consumer base and high demand for affordable keys at low prices compared to original game software. More than 70% of customers are happy with their purchases. Every seller has an overall rating and total sales that establishes trust and buyer’s confidence.

Can you get a refund from Kinguin?

If you purchase a buyer protection policy and obtain a defective game key, You will be eligible for a refund of up to €30. Otherwise, you are out of luck.

How long does it take for Kinguin to reply?

Usually within a few hours for support live chat. Support tickets through e-mail typically take a few days, with some cases of customer support’s response taking as long as 5 to 7 days.

How long does it take to get a game key from Kinguin?

You should get your game key within 15 minutes of your purchase order. If you have not received your game key, check to see if it is for a pre-order game — which will become available at the release date. If you are still waiting to get your game key after the 15 minutes waiting period, reach out to Kinguin for support.

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