How to Monetize Your Minecraft Server
Learn legitimate ways to earn revenue from your Minecraft server while staying EULA-compliant.
Running a Minecraft server costs money. Here are legitimate ways to offset costs or generate revenue while staying within Mojang's EULA guidelines.
Understanding the Minecraft EULA
Mojang's EULA restricts what you can sell:
Allowed:
- Cosmetic items (hats, particles, pets, trails)
- Rank titles and chat colors
- Access to cosmetic features (nickname colors, join messages)
- Donation perks that don't affect gameplay balance
- Server-wide boosts (e.g., everyone gets double XP for an hour)
Not Allowed:
- Items that give gameplay advantages over non-paying players
- Pay-to-win mechanics (better gear, more health, stronger abilities)
- Selling in-game currency at different rates per package
- Locking core gameplay content behind paywalls
⚠️ Warning: Violating the Minecraft EULA can result in your server being blacklisted by Mojang. They actively enforce these rules.
Revenue Methods
Tebex/Buycraft Store
Set up a Tebex webstore to sell:
- Cosmetic ranks (colored names, prefixes, chat colors)
- Particle effects and trails
- Pets and cosmetic companions
- Custom join/leave messages
- Priority queue during peak hours
Voting Rewards + Server Lists
Server list sites bring in players. Some monetization options:
- Use Votifier to incentivize voting
- Higher ranking = more players = more potential supporters
- Some server lists offer paid featured spots
Patreon/Ko-fi
Create a Patreon or Ko-fi page for monthly supporters:
- Offer Discord perks (supporter role, exclusive channels)
- Early access to new features or maps
- Cosmetic in-game perks
- Credits in spawn area or website
YouTube/Streaming Content
Create content around your server:
- Server trailers and showcases
- Event recordings
- Building timelapses
- Ad revenue and sponsorships
Events and Tournaments
Host paid-entry tournaments with prize pools:
- PvP tournaments
- Building competitions
- Speedrun challenges
- Entry fees fund the prize pool
Setting Up Your Store
Recommended store structure
| Tier | Price | Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Supporter | $5/mo | Chat color, supporter prefix |
| VIP | $10/mo | Particles, 2 homes, pets |
| MVP | $20/mo | All cosmetics, custom join message |
Payment processing
Tebex handles payment processing, including:
- Credit/debit cards
- PayPal
- Paysafecard
- Various regional methods
Maximizing Revenue
- Focus on player retention — Happy players spend money. A great server experience matters more than aggressive monetization
- Offer value — Cosmetic perks should feel worth the price
- Run sales — Holiday sales, anniversary discounts, bundle deals
- Be transparent — Players respect honest monetization. Show where money goes (server costs, development)
- Build community first — Don't monetize until you have a stable player base
💡 Tip: The best-monetizing servers focus on community and experience first, monetization second. Players support servers they love — not servers that pressure them to pay.
📝 Note: Keep records of all transactions for tax purposes. Depending on your country and revenue amount, you may need to report income from server monetization.
See also: Setup Tebex | Advertise Your Server | Setup Votifier
If you need help, join our Discord.
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