Star Citizen Glossary
What Is UEC in Star Citizen?
UEC stands for United Earth Credits — the official in-game currency of Star Citizen used to buy ships, gear, ammunition, and services inside the game.
UEC Explained
UEC is Star Citizen’s primary in-game economy currency. You spend it at in-game shops, terminals, and landing zones across the Stanton system. Everything from a pistol to a multi-crew spacecraft can be bought with UEC if you have enough.
During Alpha, you’ll see the term aUEC (Alpha UEC). This is the current version of the currency — it functions the same way but is labeled “Alpha” because the game is still in development. aUEC resets periodically with major patches.
Types of UEC
aUEC (Alpha UEC)
The current in-game currency during Star Citizen's Alpha phase. Earned by completing missions, trading, mining, and bounty hunting. Resets periodically with major game patches.
Example: You earn 15,000 aUEC completing a delivery mission, then spend it at Dumpers Depot on a new weapon.
UEC (Live UEC)
The permanent version of the currency that will carry forward when Star Citizen fully launches. Some UEC can be purchased via the RSI store and is not affected by resets.
Example: The 50,000 UEC referral enlistment bonus is added to your account in UEC and will be available at launch.
How to Get UEC
- 1.
Use a referral code when signing up
New accounts created with a referral code receive a one-time 50,000 UEC enlistment bonus — no purchase required. This is the easiest free UEC.
- 2.
Complete missions in-game
Delivery, bounty hunting, mining, salvage, and trading all pay aUEC. The primary way to earn currency during gameplay.
- 3.
Purchase UEC from the RSI store
Small amounts of UEC can be purchased directly from the Roberts Space Industries store to give you a head start.
- 4.
Join organizations and events
Some community events and in-game events award UEC bonuses to participants.
UEC — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between UEC and aUEC?
aUEC (Alpha UEC) is the current in-game currency during Star Citizen's Alpha — it works the same way but resets periodically with major patches. UEC is the permanent version of the currency that carries forward when Star Citizen fully launches and is not affected by resets.
How do you earn UEC in Star Citizen?
In-game missions — delivery, bounty hunting, mining, salvage, and trading — all pay aUEC. Small amounts of UEC can also be purchased from the RSI store, and creating your account with a referral code adds a one-time 50,000 UEC enlistment bonus.
Does the referral bonus reset with Alpha patches?
No. The 50,000 UEC referral enlistment bonus is credited in UEC — the permanent currency — so it is not affected by aUEC patch resets and will be available at launch.
Related Terms
See all Star Citizen terms
Full SC Glossary on Day One Citizen →Sources
Every factual claim on this page is verified against official Cloud Imperium Games sources. Figures are checked against the primary RSI page linked below — not third-party trackers.
New RSI accounts created with a referral code receive a 50,000 UEC enlistment bonus.
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