> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.rivalryze.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.rivalryze.com/gems-and-wallet/how-to-spend-gems.md).

# How to Spend Gems

Once you have a gem balance, here's where it can go.

## 1. Contest entry fees

The main use of gems is joining Contests. Each Contest has an entry fee set by the host. When you click **Join**, the fee is deducted from your wallet and added to the prize pool.

* Entry fees range from free to thousands of gems depending on the Contest.
* If the Contest gets cancelled before starting, your entry fee is refunded.
* If you win, you take the whole prize pool (your fee + everyone else's + donations).

See [Joining a Contest](/contests/joining-a-contest.md).

## 2. Donations to other players' Contests

You can donate gems to any Contest's prize pool — even one you're not playing in. Donations:

* Sweeten the pot for other players (and for the winner).
* Show your username and donation amount publicly on the Contest page.
* Can include an optional message.
* Are non-refundable to the donor if the Contest runs to completion (they go to the winner).
* Are refunded if the Contest gets cancelled.

**To donate:** open any Contest page → click **Donate** → enter amount → confirm.

See [Entry Fees, Prize Pools & Donations](/contests/entry-fees-and-prizes.md) for details.

## 3. The Shop

The Shop sells real-world rewards purchasable with gems:

* [**Gift cards**](/the-shop/gift-cards.md) — Steam, PSN, Xbox, and other platform store credit.
* [**Cosmetics**](/the-shop/cosmetics.md) — RivalRyze profile customization (skins, badges, theme flairs).
* [**Game codes**](/the-shop/game-codes.md) — digital keys for full games.

{% hint style="info" %}
Shop access is exclusive to **Supporter** and **Pro** subscription tiers. On Free, gems can only be spent on Contest entry fees and donations. See [Subscription Tiers](/your-account/subscription-tiers.md).
{% endhint %}

## 4. Hosting bonuses (optional)

When you host a Contest, you can **boost the prize pool from your wallet** to attract joiners. This isn't spending in the strict sense — it pays out to the eventual winner. If that's you, you get it back; if it's someone else, they get it.

Use it strategically to make your Contest more attractive when you're confident in winning it.

## What you can't spend gems on

* **Subscription tier upgrades** — Supporter and Pro require real money, not gems.
* **Cash-out** — gems can't be converted back to cash or transferred to bank accounts.
* **Other players directly** — you can donate to Contest prize pools or tip in supported channels, but you can't send gems person-to-person freely.

## A note on balances

Your wallet balance updates in real time. If you don't see a transaction reflected:

1. Refresh the page.
2. Check the [transaction history](/gems-and-wallet/transaction-history.md) — every gem movement is logged there.
3. If something looks wrong, contact [support](/help-and-faq/contact-support.md) with the transaction details.

## Spend smart

A few rules of thumb:

* **Don't enter Contests you can't realistically win.** Filter by platform and objective mode before joining.
* **Watch the prize-pool-to-entry-fee ratio.** A Contest with 8 players at 50 gems each = 400 gem prize pool, but a 1-in-8 win rate. Compare against your odds of actually winning.
* **Keep a buffer.** Don't spend your entire balance on one Contest — the daily claim and reward programs assume you stay active.
* **The Shop is a long-term goal.** Even a low-priced gift card takes a serious gem reserve. Treat winning gems as the journey, not just the means.