GTA Online Microtransactions: What Playing Online Really Costs
A realistic look at the true cost of GTA Online: PlayStation Plus and Game Pass fees, Shark Cash Cards, and whether GTA+ is worth $7.99 a month.
When gamers talk about the price of Grand Theft Auto 6, they usually focus on the $79.99 launch price. But if you plan to play GTA Online, the base game is just the starting point.
Over the last decade, GTA Online brought in more than $8 billion for Rockstar through optional in-game cash cards and subscriptions.
To help you plan your budget, here is an honest look at what playing GTA Online will actually cost you over time.
What Players Might Spend in Year 1
Depending on how you like to play, here is a realistic look at your total costs during your first year:
| What You Pay For | Story-Only Player | Casual Online Player | Hardcore Online Player |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Game | $79.99 (Standard) | $79.99 (Standard) | $99.99 (Ultimate) |
| Console Online Fee (PS Plus / Game Pass) | $0.00 (Not needed) | $79.99 / year | $79.99 / year |
| GTA+ Monthly Membership ($7.99/mo) | $0.00 | $0.00 (Optional) | $95.88 / year (12 months) |
| In-Game Cash Cards (Shark Cards) | $0.00 | $0.00 (Earned by playing) | $150 – $300+ |
| Total Year 1 Cost | $79.99 | $159.98 | $425 – $575+ |
1. Console Subscriptions Are Required for Online
Unlike free-to-play games (like Fortnite or Warzone), paid games require an active console online subscription:
- PlayStation 5: Requires PlayStation Plus (starts at $79.99/year) to play multiplayer.
- Xbox Series X|S: Requires Xbox Game Pass Core (starts at $74.99/year) to play multiplayer.
If you don’t already have one of these memberships, your first-year cost to play online will be about $160 (game plus console fee).
How In-Game Money Cards Work
In GTA Online, you can buy instant in-game money using Shark Cash Cards, ranging from $2.99 for a small amount up to $99.99 for the largest Megalodon pack ($8,000,000 in game money).
Over the years in GTA 5, the prices of in-game cars and properties went up significantly:
- In 2013, the fastest supercar cost $1,000,000 in game cash (about $15 in real money cards).
- By recent updates, weaponized vehicles, underground bunkers, and luxury yachts often cost $4,000,000 to $10,000,000+ in game cash.
You can earn all of this money by completing heists and missions with friends, but buying cash cards lets players skip the grind.
How the GTA+ Subscription Works ($7.99/month)
Rockstar offers an optional monthly subscription called GTA+ for $7.99 a month. Members receive:
- $500,000 in Game Money: Deposited directly into your in-game bank account each month.
- Free Vehicles: Claim free cars each month through the Vinewood Club.
- Mission Bonuses: Double cash and RP rewards on select weekly jobs.
- Classic Games: Access to a rotating library of older Rockstar games like Red Dead Redemption and Bully.
If you play online every week, GTA+ gives you an easy stream of extra money and free cars. If you only play occasionally, you can skip it.
Is GTA Online “Pay-to-Win”?
You never have to spend real money to unlock weapons, fast cars, or properties in GTA Online. Everything can be unlocked by playing missions and heists.
However, saving up millions of in-game dollars takes real time. Because of that, many players with busy schedules choose to buy cash cards or pay for GTA+ to save time. It is “pay for convenience” rather than strictly pay-to-win.
How to Save Money While Playing Online
- Play the Story and Intro Heists First: Early missions give you big one-time cash rewards that help you buy your first car and apartment for free.
- Use the Free Month of GTA+: If you buy the Ultimate Edition or pre-order digitally, claim your free 30-day GTA+ perk and grab all the free cars before deciding if you want to keep paying.
- Don’t Buy Cash Cards Right Away: Wait until you have played for a few weeks with friends to see how easily you earn cash before spending extra money.
For more details on online costs, check out our Online Costs Guide and our Standard vs Ultimate Guide.