Quick Answer: Top up Genshin Impact Primogems through official in-game stores or authorized platforms like BitTopup. Use the first-time buyer bonus for double crystals, consider Welkin Moon for 7x better value, and always verify your UID and server before purchase.
Understanding Genshin Impact's Premium Currency System
Here's something that trips up a lot of new players – Genshin actually runs on two different currencies, and knowing the difference can save you some serious headaches (and money).
Genesis Crystals are what you buy with real cash. Primogems are what you actually spend on wishes.
The conversion? Dead simple: 1:1 ratio. But here's the catch – once you convert Genesis Crystals to Primogems, there's no going back. It's a one-way street.
You can convert up to 320,000 Genesis Crystals at once through Paimon Menu → Shop → Crystal Top-Up. That's... a lot of money, honestly.
Why keep Genesis Crystals around? Two main reasons:
Character outfits cost 1,680 Genesis Crystals (can't use Primogems)
Gift Shop bundles like Starter Supply (300 crystals) and Wayfarer's Supply (980 crystals)
The gacha math you need to know:
Single wish: 160 Primogems
10-pull: 1,600 Primogems
Character guarantee (worst-case scenario): 28,800 Primogems
Soft pity kicks in at wish 74 for character banners, 65 for weapon banners. The weapon banner has an 80-wish hard pity instead of 90.
For reliable top-ups with competitive pricing, genshin primogems top up through BitTopup offers fast delivery and comprehensive customer support.
Official Top-Up Methods by Platform
Mobile: The Easiest Route
iOS players get the smoothest experience. Apple Pay, credit cards, App Store gift cards – everything processes instantly with Touch ID or Face ID. No fuss.
Android's a bit more flexible. Google Play Store supports Google Pay, PayPal, even carrier billing if your provider allows it. Google Play gift cards work great too, and the system handles currency conversion automatically.
PC: More Options, More Complexity
The HoYoverse launcher keeps things simple – credit cards and PayPal, done. But you've got alternatives.
The official HoYoverse Top-Up Center website works if you know your UID and server (we'll cover finding these later). Steam users can tap into their Steam Wallet, though Epic Games Store players... well, you're stuck with more limited options.
PlayStation: The Complicated One
This is where things get messy. Genesis Crystals bought on PS4/PS5 stay locked to PlayStation until you convert them to Primogems. Everything goes through PlayStation Network.
Here's the weird part: Welkin Moon's daily 90 Primogems work cross-platform, but those initial 300 Genesis Crystals? You've gotta claim them on your PlayStation first.
Step-by-Step Purchase Process
Lock Down Your Account First
Before spending a dime, enable Two-Factor Authentication through your HoYoverse account settings. Seriously. I've seen too many players lose accounts because they skipped this step.
Verify your email, use a unique password, and never – and I mean never – share your login with third-party services.
Making the Purchase
In-game route: Paimon Menu → Shop → Crystal Top-Up → Pick your pack → Double-check those bonuses → Choose payment → Complete verification.
Third-party route: Select Genshin Impact → Enter your UID → Pick your server → Choose pack → Pay up. Most legitimate services deliver within minutes.
For secure transactions, buy genesis crystals bonus through BitTopup provides reliable service with multiple payment options.
Payment Methods and Security
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) offer fraud protection, but here's a critical warning: don't chargeback after receiving crystals. You'll create a negative balance and potentially get your account suspended.
Digital wallets like PayPal add an extra security layer without exposing your card details directly.
Gift cards are underrated. Platform gift cards often go 10-15% off at retailers, and they bypass some bank restrictions on gaming purchases.
Maximizing Value: Bonuses and Strategic Timing
The First-Time Buyer Double Bonus
Each pack tier offers a one-time bonus that doubles your base crystals. The math gets pretty attractive:
$0.99: 120 total crystals (60 + 60 bonus)
$4.99: 600 total crystals (300 + 300 bonus)
$99.99: 12,960 total crystals (6,480 + 6,480 bonus)
Annual Reset Magic
Here's something most guides don't mention clearly enough: these bonuses reset every year during anniversary events. We're talking late August/September timeframe.
Next anticipated reset? September 10, 2025.
With first-time bonuses active, the largest pack delivers 129.6 crystals per dollar versus the regular 80.8 rate. That's a 60% improvement.
Regional Pricing: The Global Reality
Pricing varies wildly by region, and it's worth understanding even if you can't (or shouldn't) exploit it.
High-value regions: Ukraine (161% of USD value), Japan (121%), Vietnam (120%), China (109%). Lower-value regions: Russia (70% of USD value), Mexico (74%), UK (78%), EU (86%).
Important note: Using VPNs to access different regional pricing violates Terms of Service and risks account bans. Don't do it.
Alternative Value Options
Welkin Moon: The Efficiency King
$4.99 for what amounts to **7x better value than direct purchases.
** You get 300 Genesis Crystals immediately, plus 90 Primogems daily for 30 days (3,000 total value).
It stacks up to 180 days, but requires daily login. Miss a day? You forfeit those rewards.
Battle Pass: The Completionist's Choice
$9.99 for the Gnostic Hymn provides 1,320 Primogem equivalent through direct Primogems (680) and Intertwined Fates (4). Plus exclusive 4-star weapons and materials that you literally can't get anywhere else.
Security Guidelines That Actually Matter
Legitimate services only need your UID and server. That's it. No passwords, no login credentials, nothing else.
Red flags to watch for:
Password requests
Prices significantly below market rate
No customer support contact
Unsecured payment processing
Free Primogem promises (these are always scams)
Chargeback consequences are severe: negative Primogem balance, account suspension until you resolve it through official purchases.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Payment failures usually come down to a few things: insufficient funds, international transaction blocks, or banks flagging gaming purchases. Contact your bank first – many have specific gaming purchase restrictions.
Device registration errors? Try using your original device type or the official HoYoverse Top-Up Center website.
UID/Server confusion happens more than you'd think. Copy your UID directly from Paimon Menu, and double-check your server region (America, Europe, Asia, TW/HK/MO).
FAQ
How much do Primogems cost and what's the best value? Packs range from $0.99 to $99.99. Best value comes from first-time bonuses (double crystals) and Welkin Moon, which delivers roughly 600 crystals per dollar versus the regular 80.8 rate.
Is it safe to buy from third-party platforms? Yes, but only from authorized platforms that require just your UID and server – like BitTopup. Never share login credentials or use services requesting passwords.
What if my purchase fails? Check your available funds, verify international transaction capability with your bank, try alternative payment methods, or use the official HoYoverse Top-Up Center as a backup.
Are Genesis Crystals cross-platform? PC and mobile crystals work cross-platform. PlayStation purchases stay locked until you convert them to Primogems (1:1 ratio). Once they're Primogems, you can use them anywhere.
When does the first-time bonus reset? Annually during the anniversary event in late August/September. Next anticipated reset: September 10, 2025.
What's the most cost-effective long-term strategy? Maintain a continuous Welkin Moon subscription for daily value, and only use Genesis Crystal packs when first-time bonuses are active. This approach maximizes both long-term value and immediate flexibility for when you really want that character.