How to Buy Bonds in Old School RuneScape A Step-by-Step Guide

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers players a unique way to access premium membership and in-game benefits through OSRS bonds. These in-game items allow you to fund your membership, change your display name, or trade for gold without spending real money directly. Whether you’re a free-to-play (F2P) player looking to unlock members-only content or a veteran wanting to optimize your in-game wealth, understanding how to buy bonds is essential. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, explore trading options, and provide tips to maximize your bond purchases, all while keeping your gameplay efficient and secure.

Bonds are versatile in-game items in OSRS that act as a bridge between real-world currency and in-game benefits. Introduced in 2015, they allow players to purchase membership, RuneCoins, or Treasure Hunter keys using either real money or in-game gold (GP). For many, bonds are a game-changer, enabling F2P players to access premium content without a direct subscription and providing a legitimate way to trade wealth.

Key Benefits of OSRS Bonds

• Membership Access: Redeem one bond for 14 days of membership, unlocking exclusive quests, skills, and areas.
• Name Change: Use a bond to bypass the 28-day cooldown for changing your display name.
• Tradeable Wealth: Bonds can be sold on the Grand Exchange or traded directly for GP or items.
• Gold Sink: Buying bonds with GP removes gold from the game, helping control inflation.

Who Should Buy Bonds

Bonds are ideal for players who:

• Want to maintain membership without recurring real-money payments.
• Have excess in-game gold and prefer trading for premium benefits.
• Seek a safe, Jagex-approved method to convert real money into in-game wealth.

How to Buy Bonds with Real Money

The most straightforward way to acquire bonds is by purchasing them directly from Jagex using real-world currency. This method is secure, quick, and ensures your bonds are delivered instantly to your bond pouch.

Steps to Purchase Bonds from the OSRS Website

1. Log In: Visit the official Old School RuneScape website and log into your account.
2. Navigate to Bonds: Go to the “Store” section and select “Buy Bonds.”
3. Choose Quantity: Select the number of bonds you want to buy. Prices vary by region and quantity (e.g., $8.99 for one bond in the US).
4. Payment Method: Pay using credit/debit cards, PayPal, or other supported methods like Google Pay or Apple Pay. Note that Steam wallet payments may face issues, so ensure sufficient funds if using this method.
5. Confirm Purchase: After payment, bonds are added to your in-game bond pouch, accessible via the Account Management interface.

Tips for Buying Bonds with Real Money

• Check Regional Pricing: Prices differ by country. Some players use VPNs to access lower prices in regions with weaker currencies, but this may violate Jagex’s terms and carries risks.
• Monitor Payment Issues: If your payment is declined, ensure your bank allows international transactions (Jagex is UK-based) or clear space in your bond pouch (max 100 bonds).
• Bulk Discounts: Buying multiple bonds at once may offer slight savings, and redeeming multiple bonds grants bonus membership days (e.g., two bonds = 29 days, three bonds = 45 days).

Buying Bonds with In-Game Gold

For players with substantial in-game wealth, buying bonds through the Grand Exchange or direct player trades is a popular option. This method allows you to sustain membership without spending real money, making it a favorite among F2P and ironman accounts.

Purchasing Bonds on the Grand Exchange

The Grand Exchange (GE) is the primary marketplace for buying bonds with GP. As of May 2025, the average GE price for a bond fluctuates around 11–14 million GP, depending on market demand.

1. Access the GE: Visit the Grand Exchange in Varrock or use the GE interface in your bank.
2. Search for Bonds: Type “Old School Bond” in the search bar and select it.
3. Set Buy Offer: Enter the quantity (one bond per GE slot) and set your price. Check the current GE price on sites like GE Tracker to avoid overpaying.
4. Wait for Completion: Once the offer is matched, the bond appears in your inventory or bond pouch.

Trading Bonds with Other Players

Direct trades offer flexibility, as you can negotiate prices or exchange bonds for items. This is especially useful for ironman accounts, which can only receive tradeable bonds via direct “use on” trades.

1. Find a Seller: Use OSRS forums, Discord servers, or in-game trade worlds (e.g., World 302) to find players selling bonds.
2. Negotiate Terms: Agree on a price in GP or items. Bonds typically sell slightly below GE prices in direct trades.
3. Complete the Trade: Meet in a safe location (e.g., a bank) and trade the bond. Ensure it’s tradeable (untraded bonds require a 10% GE value fee to become tradeable again).

Cost of Bonds in GP

To help you plan, here’s a table showing the approximate cost of maintaining membership via bonds, based on GE prices (assuming 13 million GP per bond):

Bonds Used	Membership Days	Total GP Cost	GP per Day
1	14	13,000,000	~928,571
2	29	26,000,000	~896,552
3	45	39,000,000	~866,667
20	365	260,000,000	~712,329

Note: Prices fluctuate, so monitor the GE regularly. Earning ~800k–1M GP daily is necessary to sustain membership via bonds.

Making Gold to Afford Bonds

For F2P players or those low on GP, grinding gold to buy bonds is a viable strategy. While it takes time, several methods can help you reach the 11–14 million GP needed.

Top F2P Money-Making Methods

• Mining Runite Ore: Mine runite in the Wilderness or F2P mining spots for ~500k–700k GP/hour.
• Fishing Lobsters: Fish lobsters in Catherby or Karamja for ~200k–300k GP/hour.
• Flipping Items: Buy low and sell high on the GE with a modest starting capital for ~100k–500k GP/hour.
• Killing Hill Giants: Farm big bones and limpwurt roots in Edgeville Dungeon for ~150k–200k GP/hour.

P2P Money-Making for Bonds

Once you have membership, higher-profit methods become available:

• Zulrah: Kill this boss for 1–2M GP/hour with decent combat stats.
• Blast Furnace: Smelt bars for ~500k–1M GP/hour with low requirements.
• Herb Runs: Farm high-value herbs like ranarr for ~300k–500k GP/hour.

Pro Tip: Combine skilling and combat to diversify income. For example, alternate herb runs with bossing to maximize hourly GP.

Avoiding Scams and Third-Party Sites

While bonds are a safe way to trade wealth, scams and risky third-party sites can jeopardize your account. Stick to Jagex-approved methods to protect your progress.

Common Scams to Watch For

• Fake Trades: Scammers may offer bonds for items but disconnect or alter trade terms. Always double-check trade windows.
• Phishing Links: Avoid clicking links promising cheap bonds, as they may steal your account details.
• Third-Party Sellers: Sites like PlayerAuctions or Eldorado.gg offer bonds at discounts but risk account bans, as Jagex prohibits real-world trading outside their platform.

Why Avoid Third-Party Sites

Buying bonds from unofficial sources can lead to:

• Account Bans: Jagex monitors real-world trading and may ban accounts involved in unauthorized transactions.
• Payment Fraud: Some sites may fail to deliver bonds or charge hidden fees.
• Data Theft: Sharing account details with third parties risks hacks or phishing.

Safe Alternative: Buy bonds directly from Jagex or trade via the GE for guaranteed security.

Final Thoughts on Buying Bonds in OSRS

OSRS bonds are a powerful tool for enhancing your gameplay, whether you’re chasing membership, wealth, or convenience. By purchasing bonds with real money or grinding GP for GE trades, you can tailor your experience to your playstyle. For F2P players, bonds offer a path to premium content without upfront costs, while P2P players can leverage high-profit methods to sustain membership indefinitely. Always prioritize safety by sticking to Jagex’s official channels and the Grand Exchange, and monitor market trends to get the best value.

Ready to dive into the world of OSRS bonds? Start by checking the GE price or visiting the Jagex store, and you’ll be enjoying members-only perks in no time!