Can You Transfer Bonds from RS3 to OSRS? A Complete Guide

Can You Transfer Bonds from RS3 to OSRS? A Complete Guide


If you’re a RuneScape player juggling both RuneScape 3 (RS3) and Old School RuneScape (OSRS), you might have wondered: Can you transfer bonds from RS3 to OSRS? Bonds are a valuable in-game item that can unlock membership, in-game currency, and other perks, making this a hot topic for players looking to optimize their experience across both versions of the game. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore whether transferring bonds between RS3 and OSRS is possible, how the process works, and what alternatives exist if you’ve made a purchase mistake. Let’s dive in!

Bonds are a versatile in-game item introduced by Jagex to allow players to pay for membership and other benefits using either real-world money or in-game currency. They act as a bridge between free-to-play and premium content, offering flexibility for players in both RS3 and OSRS. However, the way bonds function differs slightly between the two games, which raises questions about transferring them.

Bonds in RS3

In RuneScape 3, bonds can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including:

  • Membership: Access to premium content across both RS3 and OSRS.
  • RuneCoins: Currency for cosmetic items and services in the Solomon’s Store.
  • Treasure Hunter Keys: Extra chances to win in-game prizes.
  • Name Changes: Personalize your character’s identity.

RS3 bonds are initially tradeable when purchased with real money, but they become untradeable once traded or redeemed.

Bonds in OSRS

In Old School RuneScape, bonds are simpler in scope. They can be redeemed for:

  • Membership: Unlocks the full OSRS experience.
  • Name Change Cooldown Bypass: Skip the 28-day wait for a name change.

Like RS3, OSRS bonds start as tradeable when bought with real money but become untradeable after being traded or used. Notably, OSRS bonds cannot be used for RuneCoins or Treasure Hunter Keys, as these features are exclusive to RS3.

Can You Directly Transfer Bonds from RS3 to OSRS?

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The short answer is no—you cannot directly transfer bonds from RS3 to OSRS or vice versa within the game. Jagex has designed bonds to be game-specific, meaning an RS3 bond stays in RS3, and an OSRS bond stays in OSRS. This separation exists because the two games operate on distinct economies and servers, with different in-game currencies (RS3 gold vs. OSRS gold) and redemption options.

Why Direct Transfers Aren’t Allowed

There are several reasons behind this restriction:

  • Economic Balance: RS3 and OSRS have separate Grand Exchange markets with different bond prices. Allowing transfers could disrupt these economies.
  • Game Integrity: Jagex aims to keep the two versions distinct, preventing items from one game from influencing the other.
  • Technical Limitations: The games run on different engines and databases, making direct item transfers impractical.

What Happens If You Buy the Wrong Bond?

It’s not uncommon for players to accidentally purchase an RS3 bond when they meant to buy one for OSRS, or vice versa. If this happens, don’t panic—there’s a solution, though it’s not an in-game transfer.

How to Transfer Bonds Between RS3 and OSRS (The Official Way)

While you can’t move bonds directly between the games yourself, Jagex offers a manual transfer service through their support system. This process allows you to correct a mistaken purchase by moving bonds from RS3 to OSRS (or the reverse) with assistance from the billing team.

Steps to Request a Bond Transfer

Here’s how to get your bonds transferred:

  1. Locate Your Bonds: Log into both RS3 and OSRS to confirm where your bonds are. Check your bond pouch in the game where you think they were purchased.
  2. Visit the Support Page: Go to the official RuneScape support page and navigate to the “Transfer Bonds” section (link).
  3. Submit a Ticket: Provide details about your purchase, including:
    • Which game the bonds are currently in (RS3 or OSRS).
    • The number of bonds you want transferred.
    • Proof of purchase (e.g., email receipt or transaction ID).
  4. Wait for Processing: Jagex staff will manually review and transfer the bonds. This can take a few hours to a couple of days, depending on their workload.

Pro Tip: Double-check your purchase confirmation email from Jagex. RS3 bonds are labeled “RuneScape Bond,” while OSRS bonds are called “Old School Bond.” This can help you confirm the mistake before submitting a ticket.

Limitations of the Transfer Process

While this method works, it has some caveats:

  • Manual Process: It’s not instant and requires Jagex intervention.
  • Purchase Only: Only bonds bought with real money can be transferred this way—not bonds you’ve traded for in-game.
  • Same Account: The bonds must stay within the same RuneScape account; you can’t transfer them to a different account.

Alternatives to Transferring Bonds

If transferring bonds isn’t an option or feels too cumbersome, there are alternative ways to achieve your goals across RS3 and OSRS without moving the bonds themselves.

Use Bonds for Membership

One key benefit of bonds is that membership purchased with a bond applies to both RS3 and OSRS on the same account. If you redeem a bond for membership in RS3, your OSRS account also gains member status, and vice versa. This effectively bypasses the need to transfer bonds if membership is your goal.

Example: You accidentally bought an RS3 bond but want OSRS membership. Redeem it in RS3, and your OSRS account will still get the membership benefits.

Convert to In-Game Wealth

If you’re after gold rather than membership, you can sell the bond on the Grand Exchange in the game where it’s located, then use a third-party service or in-game swapping community to trade the gold between RS3 and OSRS. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Step RS3 OSRS
Sell Bond Sell for ~20-25M RS3 gold Sell for ~5-7M OSRS gold
Swap Gold Trade RS3 gold for OSRS gold Trade OSRS gold for RS3 gold
Buy Bond Use swapped gold to buy an RS3 bond Use swapped gold to buy an OSRS bond

Note: Gold swapping involves trusted third parties or player-run services, so proceed with caution to avoid scams.

Purchase Bonds Correctly from the Start

To avoid the hassle altogether, ensure you buy the right bond initially:

  • For RS3, purchase from the RuneScape website under the “RuneScape Bonds” section.
  • For OSRS, select “Old School Bonds” from the OSRS-specific billing page.

Always double-check the bond type before confirming your payment!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bonds

Can I Trade Bonds Between Players Across Games?

No, bonds can only be traded within the same game (RS3 to RS3 players, OSRS to OSRS players). Cross-game trading isn’t supported.

Do Bond Prices Differ Between RS3 and OSRS?

Yes, bond prices fluctuate based on supply and demand in each game’s Grand Exchange. As of April 08, 2025, RS3 bonds typically cost around 20-25 million gold, while OSRS bonds hover around 5-7 million gold, reflecting the different economic dynamics.

What If I Redeemed the Bond Already?

If you’ve redeemed the bond for membership, the membership applies to both games, so no transfer is needed. If redeemed for RuneCoins or Keys in RS3, those benefits are locked to RS3, and no transfer or refund is possible.

Final Thoughts on Transferring Bonds from RS3 to OSRS

While you can’t directly transfer bonds from RS3 to OSRS in-game, Jagex’s support system provides a workaround for correcting purchase mistakes. For most players, redeeming a bond for membership is the simplest solution, as it benefits both games simultaneously. Alternatively, converting bonds to gold and swapping currencies offers flexibility, though it requires extra steps.

Ultimately, the key to avoiding this issue is careful purchasing. Whether you’re exploring Gielinor in RS3 or reliving nostalgia in OSRS, understanding how bonds work across both games ensures you get the most out of your investment. Have you ever faced this dilemma? Let us know your experience in the comments below!