To limit Fortnite purchases, set a six-digit PIN in the child’s Epic Games parental controls, choose which purchases require that PIN, and configure the payment controls for the console, phone, or computer used to play. These controls have different scopes: an Epic PIN does not cover payments through a platform store or spending V-Bucks already in the account.
Set up the Epic Games purchase controls
- Open the child’s parental controls. Use the Epic account portal or the Parental Controls area in Fortnite. Epic’s support guidance says an account without a linked email may first need to be upgraded using the instructions for the relevant console.
- Create a six-digit PIN. Epic calls this the “6-digit Parental Controls PIN.” You will need it to change parental-control settings later; Epic advises choosing a PIN that is different from other PINs you use.
- Choose the real-money purchase rule. In the parental-control preferences, enable the requirement for a PIN for real-money purchases made using Epic’s payment service if you want to gate those purchases. This is not a universal Fortnite spending lock.
- Review the paid random-item setting separately. Epic has a separate control for spending V-Bucks, or content bought with V-Bucks, on items with random rewards. It is not a general block on V-Bucks spending. Epic says this option is not shown in regions where paid random items are unavailable.
These instructions and control descriptions are from Epic Games Support’s How do I set limits for my child’s playtime or purchasing? and Epic Games Safety Center’s Parental Controls.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Fortnite eGift Card | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Fortnite eGift Card | $15.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Fortnite Physical Gift Card | $30.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Fortnite Physical Gift Card | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Fortnite eGift Card | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Know what each control covers
| Payment or account situation | What the Epic PIN does | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Real-money purchase through Epic’s payment service | Can require the PIN, if that preference is enabled. | Confirm the purchase-PIN preference in Epic parental controls. |
| Payment through PlayStation, Steam, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch | Does not control the platform-store payment. | Set purchase restrictions through that platform’s own family or payment settings. |
| Spending V-Bucks already in the account | Does not block ordinary spending of the existing balance. | Review the separate paid random-item setting if that is the concern; it is not a general V-Bucks block. |
| Cabined Account | Some features may remain unavailable pending parent permission and account setup. | Complete the parent-consent flow and review the account’s available permissions. |
Epic’s account controls and the store used to pay are separate layers. Do not assume that setting an Epic PIN also secures a payment method saved with a console or mobile platform.
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Use the family controls for the storefront through which a purchase would be charged. Epic’s support page links to controls for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Windows, Android, iOS, and Google Play. The exact menu names depend on the platform and account configuration, so follow the current instructions for the child’s device. On PC, Epic also suggests removing stored payment methods as one way to control Epic purchases.
#1 Best Overall
- Redeemable on accounts in the United States and in U.S. Dollars.
- Gift card must be redeemed at EpicGames.com/redeem. This gift card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly on a console device (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
- If you play Fortnite experiences on a console device, you need to link your Epic Games account to your console account(s) so items purchased at Fortnite.com/item-shop appear across all of your linked accounts
- Requires internet connection, valid Epic account and prior acceptance of the terms
- Redemption: Online
Nintendo Switch and Switch 2
Nintendo recommends using its parental-controls app alongside Epic’s controls. In Nintendo’s guidance, Fortnite is rated Teen in the ESRB context, and console restrictions set to age 12 or below may block it. Nintendo describes adding Fortnite to the console app’s Allow List so the child can play while Epic parental controls restrict access to in-game experiences by age rating. This concerns game access and experiences as well as payments; it does not make the Epic PIN govern Nintendo eShop payments. See Nintendo Support’s Parental Controls for Epic Games Software on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If the child has a Cabined Account
Epic says a Cabined Account cannot use certain features until a parent or guardian grants permission and the account setup is completed. Follow the consent flow presented for that account. The verification methods available vary by country, so there is no single method that applies everywhere; Epic’s Parental Consent for Epic Accounts explains the process.
Rank #2
- Redeemable on accounts in the United States and in U.S. Dollars.
- Gift card must be redeemed at EpicGames.com/redeem. This gift card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly on a console device (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
- If you play Fortnite experiences on a console device, you need to link your Epic Games account to your console account(s) so items purchased at Fortnite.com/item-shop appear across all of your linked accounts
- Requires internet connection, valid Epic account and prior acceptance of the terms
- Redemption: Online
Epic’s Cabined Accounts FAQ also says a Fortnite gift card can be added to an Epic balance, but that balance may be used only for Epic game purchases and cannot pay for Fortnite Crew subscriptions. A gift card adds funds; it is not a way to restrict purchases.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Redeemable on accounts in the United States and in U.S. Dollars.
- Gift card must be redeemed at EpicGames.com/redeem. This gift card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly on a console device (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
- If you play Fortnite experiences on a console device, you need to link your Epic Games account to your console account(s) so items purchased at Fortnite.com/item-shop appear across all of your linked accounts
- Requires internet connection, valid Epic account and prior acceptance of the terms
- Redemption: Online
Rank #4
- An Epic Games account is required to redeem an Epic Games Store Card code
- If playing on a console platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch or Mobile) you need to link your Epic Games account to that gaming platform (one time) to redeem your gift card code
- The 16 digit code on the back of the card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly through your gaming platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, etc.)
- Note: Nintendo devices do not support Fortnite Shared Wallet, so V-Bucks purchased using your account balance will not show up on your Nintendo device. However, if you purchase items in the web Item Shop — or another platform where you play Fortnite — those items will be available in your Locker across all platforms.
- Redemption: Online
Rank #3
- An Epic Games account is required to redeem an Epic Games Store Card code
- If playing on a console platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch or Mobile) you need to link your Epic Games account to that gaming platform (one time) to redeem your gift card code
- The 16 digit code on the back of the card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly through your gaming platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, etc.)
- Note: Nintendo devices do not support Fortnite Shared Wallet, so V-Bucks purchased using your account balance will not show up on your Nintendo device. However, if you purchase items in the web Item Shop — or another platform where you play Fortnite — those items will be available in your Locker across all platforms.
- Redemption: Online
Check the setup against the child’s purchase routes
- List the places a payment could be made: Epic’s payment service, a console or mobile store, or another platform storefront used on the device.
- Confirm the Epic PIN and purchase preference on the child’s Epic account, not just on a parent’s separate account.
- Review family payment controls for each relevant platform account and remove stored payment methods where appropriate.
- Check whether the concern is real-money checkout, existing V-Bucks, or paid random-reward items; the Epic settings treat these differently.
- Review the resulting settings in each account and platform. Their separate scopes mean that checking only one control can leave another purchase route unaffected.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
