How to make money in Star Citizen
Every money loop, which to start with, and the bonus that funds your first runs.
There is no single best way to make money in Star Citizen, there are several good loops, and the right one depends on what you enjoy. Here is the map of the main earners, from safe and steady to high-risk, plus the head start that gets you going faster.
Your head start: sign up with STAR-JTV7-FXLR and your new account gets 50,000 UEC of in-game currency, real seed capital for whichever money loop you pick. Start from $45.
The main money loops
| Loop | Risk | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Trading | Low | Buy commodities cheap, haul, sell high. |
| Mining | Low | Crack mineral rocks, refine and sell ore. |
| Salvage | Low to medium | Strip wrecks and hulls into sellable materials. |
| Bounty hunting | Medium to high | Accept contracts, hunt targets, get paid. |
| Cargo hauling | Low to medium | Move goods for contracts. Overlaps with trading. |
Which should a beginner start with?
For a calm, reliable start, pick trading or mining, both are low-risk and beginner-friendly. Move into salvage or bounty hunting as you get comfortable and want more action or income.
How to start earning the cheap way
You do not need an expensive ship for any of these. Start with the Citizen Starter Pack at $45, take the 50,000 UEC from code STAR-JTV7-FXLR as seed money, run a beginner loop, and reinvest into bigger ships in-game. Ships by role.
Best money-maker = the one you enjoy. Start cheap, take the 50,000 UEC head start with STAR-JTV7-FXLR, and pick a loop above.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make money in Star Citizen?
Through gameplay loops: trading (buy low, sell high), mining (crack rocks, sell ore), salvage (strip wrecks), bounty hunting (hunt contracts), and cargo hauling. Pick what you enjoy. Start cheap with a Starter Pack and the 50,000 UEC bonus from code STAR-JTV7-FXLR as seed capital.
What is the best way to make money in Star Citizen for beginners?
Trading and mining are the low-risk, beginner-friendly earners. Both just need a cheap starter and some seed capital, which the 50,000 UEC referral bonus (code STAR-JTV7-FXLR) provides. Move into salvage or bounties as you grow.
Do you need real money to earn UEC in Star Citizen?
No. You earn UEC by playing the money loops. The only thing real money buys is optional ships, and you never need them. The 50,000 UEC referral bonus gives you a free head start.
Ready to claim the 50,000 UEC?
One click pre-fills STAR-JTV7-FXLR into the RSI signup form. Finish the account, buy a $40 or larger Game Package, the bonus is yours.
Enlist with code STAR-JTV7-FXLR