How third-party VPN account resellers operate
Sites like G2A and similar marketplaces act as intermediaries. They let anyone list products, including activation codes for VPN services, and sell them to others. But unlike official stores, these platforms don’t control or verify how those products were obtained.
In many cases, those "cheap accounts" come from:
- Stolen credit card details. Criminals use stolen credit card details to purchase activation codes, which are then resold on sites like G2A. Anyone who buys these codes from fraudsters will eventually lose access to the services because the codes are discontinued and the accounts are suspended.
- Stolen credentials. Those cheap options might actually be cracked NordVPN accounts with credentials taken from hacked third-party databases or phishing scams.
- Shared subscriptions. One legitimate user might be reselling access to multiple strangers.
- Benefit program abuse. Accounts are created using coupons, student discounts, or promo campaigns meant for specific audiences. These benefits are valid only as long as the original user meets the campaign criteria, meaning your access to services can be revoked at any time.
Sometimes these sellers even split multiple short-term promo codes — for example, combining four 3-month activation codes to advertise a "1-year subscription," or they may simply give you a code for a shorter duration. You might think you’re getting a full year, but in reality, you’ll only receive three months.
These tactics are messy, unreliable, and unethical, and they’re exactly what separates unofficial resellers from NordVPN's verified partners.
Major risks of buying VPN accounts from unofficial resellers
Buying a cheap VPN account from an online marketplace might feel harmless — just another way to save money. However, these unofficial offers come with serious downsides that can show up days or even hours after purchase.
Account recovery issues
If you buy a VPN account from an unofficial source, you don’t truly own it. The original owner can reset the password at any time. Suddenly, your money is gone.
Support may be unavailable
NordVPN can provide limited support for purchases made from unauthorized sellers because we cannot verify the legitimacy of those subscriptions. If your login stops working, your "subscription" disappears, or your code turns out invalid, you have no recovery option. NordVPN’s policy is clear: Only purchases made directly through NordVPN or authorized partners are supported.
Legal and ethical concerns
Reselling accounts or activation codes violates NordVPN’s terms of service and those of official partners offering NordVPN as a benefit for their users. Using those accounts can result in suspension or termination. Even if you didn’t know it was against the rules, your access can still be revoked with no refund.
Loss of money
When you buy from unofficial sellers, you’re not protected by our refund policy, and we can’t control how those third-party resellers handle payments or disputes. If something goes wrong — for example, if the code doesn’t work or the product isn’t delivered — you may find it difficult or impossible to recover your money because their refund processes can vary widely. Our money-back guarantee only applies to purchases made directly through us, so buying elsewhere carries a higher financial risk.
NordVPN’s official policy on reselling
NordVPN explicitly states that it doesn’t sell accounts or allow others to resell them. Only activation codes from authorized NordVPN resellers and retail stores are legitimate.
If you buy outside these channels, NordVPN can’t guarantee the product’s validity, security, or functionality. Its terms of service also prohibit sharing, selling, or transferring accounts to others.
Not verified partners
Some platforms like G2A claim to offer "NordVPN accounts" or activation codes from previous promotions. However, these codes often come from non-approved channels, including campaign abuse and gray markets.
There are also reports of sellers bundling several short-term codes together to mimic a 1-year plan. Others resell shorter in duration or already-used codes.
NordVPN doesn’t verify or endorse any listings on these marketplaces:
- G2A
- AllKeyShop
- CDKeyPrices
- DirectDeals
- GamsGo
- K4G
- PlayerUp
- U7BUY
- vpnHunt
Approved partners
If you want a genuine NordVPN subscription, always use the official site or an approved partner. NordVPN maintains transparent lists of verified resellers and retail stores to ensure you know exactly where your purchase is coming from. They include:
- Amazon
- BestBuy
- Eneba
- MicroCenter
- NewEgg
- Staples
- Walmart
See the full lists of authorized NordVPN resellers and NordVPN retail stores.
Why people look for cheap NordVPN accounts
The cost of a VPN can be justified by the features, but the internet is full of "too good to be true" deals. When you see a full year of a VPN service for just a few dollars, it’s tempting. Many people think they’re simply finding a smart discount.
But behind those low prices are shady practices, such as compromised accounts, misused promo codes, or unauthorized access to someone else’s subscription. Saving a few dollars isn’t worth risking your private data and online security or unintentionally supporting criminals.
If you’re looking for legit ways to save, NordVPN already offers them directly.
Where to find cheap and legit NordVPN offers
The safest and most affordable options are always through NordVPN itself.
- Visit the NordVPN deals page for current discounts.
- Check for NordVPN coupons for limited-time promo codes.
These offers often include extra months or bundle deals with other Nord Security products, like a password manager and cloud encryption. You get real savings without the risk.
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