Bonus Buy Feature Explained: How They Work and The Top 5 Games To Play


Waiting for video slots to launch their exciting bonus rounds can sometimes be a bore. Thankfully, some clever software providers created the Bonus Buy feature, that lets you fast-forward to the good bits.
The Bonus Buy feature revolutionises online pokies by letting players skip the wait and dive straight into the action of free spins or bonus rounds. Instead of spinning for the perfect combination, you can pay a set amount to trigger the game’s most exciting features instantly.
We’ll break down exactly how this feature works, uncover why it’s become a must-try for players, and showcase the top games that do it best. Whether you’re chasing free spins, jackpots, or multipliers, this guide has everything you need to make your next Bonus Buy spin unforgettable. Ready to unlock the secrets behind this game-changing feature?
Let’s get started!
What is a Bonus Buy Feature?
The Bonus Buy feature, also known as a Feature Buy, lets you skip straight to the most exciting parts of an online pokie—bonus rounds like free spins, multipliers, or jackpots. Instead of waiting for the perfect combination of symbols, you can pay a set price to trigger these features instantly.
The cost is typically 100x your stake, but it can vary by game, often ranging from 50x to 200x your stake. For example, if you’re betting $0.30 per spin, a Bonus Buy priced at 100x would cost you $30. Think of it as fast-tracking your way to the game’s biggest thrills.
Some Bonus Buys even influence the game’s RTP (Return to Player).
What makes this feature even more appealing is the control it gives you. Hate waiting for random triggers? Want to dive straight into the action? The Bonus Buy puts you in charge. Just be prepared—this is a high-risk, high-reward move that can lead to epic wins or the sting of a loss.
How The Bonus Buy Feature Works
Once you’re in a Bonus Buy-enabled pokie, look for the Bonus Buy button—it’s usually located near the spin or autoplay buttons. Clicking this will bring up a menu displaying the cost to activate the bonus feature, often expressed as a multiple of your current stake.
For example, if the cost is 100x your bet and you’re wagering $0.30 per spin, the Bonus Buy will cost you $30. The price can vary depending on the game and the feature—some offer cheaper options starting at 50x your stake, while others go up to 200x or more for premium features.
When and How the Bonus Buy Option Becomes Available
The Bonus Buy option is typically available as soon as you start playing a pokie, with the button visible on the main screen. It’s usually located near the spin or autoplay buttons, clearly marked with labels like Buy Bonus or Feature Buy. However, there are nuances depending on the game:
- Always Available: In most pokies, the Bonus Buy button is present throughout the game, allowing players to purchase the feature at any time. For example, in Sweet Bonanza by Pragmatic Play, the button remains accessible from the first spin.
- Base Game Dependent: Some games tie the availability of the Bonus Buy feature to specific conditions. For instance, certain pokies may require a minimum bet level before the Bonus Buy becomes active. Others might disable the feature temporarily if you’ve just completed a bonus round, giving the base game time to reset.
- Dynamic or Conditional Options: In a few pokies, the Bonus Buy button becomes more prominent during low-action moments. For example, in Fire in the Hole xBomb by Nolimit City, the button subtly signals players when the base game isn’t delivering frequent wins, encouraging them to consider the feature.
How to Activate the Bonus Buy
- Locate the Button: The Bonus Buy button is easy to spot, often highlighted with bright colours or animations to draw attention. Clicking it will open a pop-up menu showing:
- The cost of the feature (e.g., 100x your current stake).
- Bonus options, if the game offers multiple tiers or types of bonus rounds.
- Choose Your Option: Some games, like Deadwood by Nolimit City, let you choose between low-risk and high-risk bonuses, while others, like Money Train 2, offer a single, all-in bonus round. For games with a Mystery Bonus Buy option, you’ll pay a set amount to spin for a random tier.
- Confirm and Play: Once purchased, the game skips the base spins and sets the reels directly for the bonus round. This transition is often accompanied by flashy visuals, such as symbols locking in place or backgrounds changing to indicate you’re entering high-stakes gameplay. For example, in Sweet Bonanza, colourful tumbling reels kick off the free spins, while Money Train 2 shifts to the intense Money Cart round.
Understanding Cost vs Reward of The Bonus Buy Feature
The cost-versus-reward dynamic in Bonus Buy features refers to the balance between how much you pay to trigger a bonus round and the potential rewards you can gain from it. Games often offer varying price points for Bonus Buys, with each price tied to different levels of risk and reward:
- High-Priced Bonus Buys: These typically unlock bonus rounds with advanced features, such as higher multipliers, additional free spins, or enhanced symbols. While they offer the potential for substantial payouts, the cost is significantly higher, meaning you’re risking more upfront for a chance at bigger rewards. However, there's no guarantee of a high return, so the stakes are much higher.
- Lower-Priced Bonus Buys: These are more affordable and may grant access to standard bonus rounds with fewer enhancements or lower payout caps. While the risk is lower, the potential rewards are often smaller. These options are a safer bet for players who want to try the feature without committing to a large investment.
The choice boils down to your risk tolerance and playing style. High-priced options are suited to players who are comfortable with volatility and seeking massive wins, while lower-priced buys appeal to those looking for consistent, smaller-scale rewards. Understanding this dynamic helps you choose the option that aligns with your goals and budget.
How RTP is Influenced
Certain games increase the RTP when you use the Bonus Buy feature. For instance:
- Hellcatraz: RTP increases to 96.88% when the Bonus Buy is activated.
- Money Train 2: RTP remains consistent at 96.40%, ensuring balanced value for your purchase.
Before you buy, check the game’s info screen to see if the RTP changes—it’s a key indicator of value.
Top 5 Pokies With Bonus Buy
There is a heap of bonus buy slots. But working out the ones that not only pack the best value punch but also bring the most excitement can be a challenge.
That’s where we come in. Instead of navigating through a sea of subpar slots and poor pokies, our team of experts have done the leg work for you, identifying some of the best pokies in the business.
Here are our favourite bonus buy pokies where you can win real money - fast.
1. Money Train 2
Relax Gaming’s Money Train 2 is a crowd favourite for players who love high-volatility action and massive win potential. Its Bonus Buy feature is one of the most popular in the industry, delivering instant access to the explosive Money Cart Bonus Round.

Feature Mechanics:
The Bonus Buy costs 100x your current stake, a straightforward option that guarantees entry into the bonus round. Once purchased, you’ll start with three spins, which reset every time a new symbol lands. The feature ramps up quickly as special symbols like Persistent Payer and Persistent Collector appear, building multipliers and payout potential.
Payout Potential and Frequency:
The Money Cart Bonus Round can deliver up to 50,000x your stake, one of the most lucrative payouts in the online pokie world. To hit this jackpot, you’ll need to combine Persistent symbols—like the Persistent Collector or Payer—and multipliers that stack exponentially.
For example, a modest $1 bet could net you a staggering $50,000 if you maximise the feature’s potential. While hitting the maximum is rare, the consistent flow of smaller multipliers and symbol rewards keeps the bonus round thrilling and rewarding even at lower stakes.
Price Point Insights:
While the cost is steep at 100x, it’s balanced by the potential to win up to 50,000x your stake. This Bonus Buy suits players with a higher risk tolerance who value consistent access to the game’s most exciting feature. It’s also worth noting that Money Train 2 maintains its high RTP of 96.40% during the Bonus Buy, making it a reliable option for those chasing big wins.
Visuals and Sounds:
Activating the Bonus Buy whisks you into the Money Cart Bonus Round, with a steampunk aesthetic that intensifies as symbols lock into place. The suspenseful soundtrack and clanking metal effects amplify the adrenaline of every spin.
Why It Stands Out:
The dynamic interplay of Persistent symbols and massive win potential makes this one of the most rewarding Bonus Buys on the market. For players who enjoy the thrill of high volatility, Money Train 2 delivers every time.
2. Rick and Morty Megaways
Based on the hit animated series, Rick and Morty brings a chaotic, fast-paced slot experience filled with bonus features and massive payout potential. The Bonus Buy option lets players skip the base game and go straight into the high-energy free spins round.
Feature Mechanics
For 150x your stake, players activate the Mystery Free Spins Wheel, which determines:
- The number of free spins
- One of four possible bonus rounds, each inspired by classic Rick and Morty episodes.
The bonus rounds include unique mechanics like increasing multipliers, cascading wins, and additional Megaways enhancements, making each playthrough feel fresh and unpredictable.
Visuals and Sounds
The game stays true to the show, featuring original voice acting, wacky animations, and instantly recognisable characters. The free spins round amplifies the chaotic energy, making every spin feel like an interdimensional adventure.
Payout Potential and Frequency
- Bonus Buy Frequency: Always available for 150x your bet.
- Max Win: Extremely high, with huge Megaways potential.
- Volatility: Very high—expect long dry spells, but bonus rounds can explode with massive wins.
Why It Stands Out
Unlike other Bonus Buy features that offer a standard free spins round, Rick and Morty Megaways adds a twist by making it a gamified experience. The Mystery Free Spins Wheel ensures every Bonus Buy activation feels fresh and full of surprises.
3. Big Bass Splash
Big Bass Splash is part of the popular Big Bass series, offering fishing-themed gameplay with high payout potential. With the Bonus Buy feature, players can dive straight into the Free Spins round, where wild fisherman symbols and increasing multipliers can lead to big wins.

Feature Mechanics
The Bonus Buy option allows players to purchase direct access to Free Spins for 100x their bet. Once activated, players get a random number of free spins with up to five bonus modifiers, which can include:
- More Fishermen – Increased wild symbols for bigger catch potential.
- More Fish – Higher-paying fish symbols appear more frequently.
- More Dynamite, Hooks, and Bazookas – These features trigger more often, helping collect more fish.
- Starting Level 2 – Free spins begin with an x2 multiplier instead of x1.
- Extra Free Spins – More spins are awarded at the start of the bonus round.
Wild Fishermen collect all fish values during free spins, and each set of four Wilds progresses the multiplier to the next level (up to x10).
Visuals and Sounds
Big Bass Splash brings the underwater fishing adventure to life with vibrant visuals and smooth animations. The reels are set against a deep blue lake, with lively cartoon-style fish, lures, and fishing rods creating an engaging atmosphere.
The sound design enhances the experience, with bubbly water effects and cheerful banjo music that intensifies as the fisherman collects wins. When a big fish is caught, the game delivers a satisfying splash animation, making every winning moment feel rewarding.
Payout Potential and Frequency
- Bonus Buy Frequency: Always available for 100x your bet.
- Max Win: Up to 5,000x your stake.
- Volatility: High—Free Spins can lead to big rewards, but it may take a few rounds to hit the biggest wins.
- Multiplier Progression: Wild Fishermen help increase multipliers up to x10, leading to huge payouts in extended free spins sessions.
Why It Stands Out
Big Bass Splash’s Bonus Buy is exciting because it doesn’t just guarantee free spins—it also adds a randomised modifier system, meaning every feature activation feels fresh and full of potential. If you love progressive multipliers and big catch moments, this game delivers high-energy, high-reward gameplay.
4. The Dog House Megaways
The Dog House Megaways takes the much-loved original and adds the Megaways mechanic, making every spin unpredictable. With a Bonus Buy feature, players can jump straight into the action and choose between Sticky Wilds Free Spins or Raining Wilds Free Spins for a guaranteed bonus round experience.
Feature Mechanics
The Bonus Buy costs 100x your stake and guarantees instant access to the free spins round. Players then choose from:
- Sticky Wilds Free Spins – Wild symbols remain in place for the duration of the bonus round, leading to massive payout potential.
- Raining Wilds Free Spins – Random wilds are added to the reels on every spin, offering a more unpredictable but exciting experience.
Both options have their strengths, allowing players to tailor their bonus game experience to their preference.
Visuals and Sounds
Set in a colourful suburban neighbourhood, The Dog House Megaways is packed with adorable canine characters and a cheerful soundtrack. The free spins round intensifies the excitement, with wilds lighting up the reels and upbeat music reinforcing the big win potential.
Payout Potential and Frequency
- Bonus Buy Frequency: Always available for 100x your bet.
- Max Win: Up to 12,305x your stake.
- Volatility: High—bonus rounds can lead to massive wins, but expect some dry spells.
Why It Stands Out
The ability to choose between two bonus game styles makes this Bonus Buy feature unique. Whether you prefer the steady power of Sticky Wilds or the unpredictable thrill of Raining Wilds, this feature ensures fast access to one of the game’s most rewarding moments.
5. Fat Santa
Push Gaming’s Fat Santa offers light-hearted gameplay with a Bonus Buy feature that lets you dive straight into the festive fun of its free spins round.

Feature Mechanics:
The Bonus Buy costs 80x your stake, granting instant access to the free spins round where Santa collects Wild Pies to grow in size and increase payouts.
Payout Potential and Frequency:
The Fat Santa Bonus Buy feature offers a maximum payout of 6,400x your stake, achieved by filling the reels with Santa and his Wild Pies during the free spins round. For a $0.50 bet, this means you could win up to $3,200.
While reaching the top prize requires fully expanding Santa, the game’s medium-to-high volatility ensures that mid-tier wins—driven by Wild Pie collections—happen more frequently. The cheerful gameplay and satisfying visuals make every spin engaging, even when chasing smaller payouts.
Price Point Insights:
At 80x, this Bonus Buy is an affordable way to experience the game’s charming mechanics. However, keep in mind that Fat Santa is a medium-to-high volatility game, so wins during the bonus round can vary widely. With an RTP of 96.45%, it offers a fair return for players who enjoy whimsical yet rewarding gameplay.
Visuals and Sounds:
Santa expands with every Wild Pie he collects, creating visually fun and rewarding animations. The cheerful soundtrack and festive sound effects make every spin feel like a holiday celebration.
Why It Stands Out:
The combination of a reasonable price point and playful mechanics makes Fat Santa a standout for casual players who want to enjoy Bonus Buys without high stakes.
Types of Bonus Buy Slots
Standard Bonus Buy
Mystery Bonus Buy
Tiered Bonus Buy Options
Progressive Bonus Buy
Token Accumulation Bonus Buy
Bonus Buy with Enhanced RTP
Conclusion
The Bonus Buy feature appeals to players who want instant access to a game’s most rewarding and entertaining aspects. Whether you’re chasing massive jackpots or enjoying the thrill of a fast-paced free spins round, Bonus Buys eliminate the waiting game.
But it’s not just about convenience—Bonus Buys can also offer better odds. Many games increase their RTP during Bonus Buy rounds, giving you a statistical advantage. For example, Hellcatraz boosts its RTP by nearly a percentage point when the feature is activated, giving you more bang for your buck.
Ultimately, deciding whether to use a Bonus Buy depends on your playing style, budget, and appetite for risk. If you’re ready to take the plunge, knowing which games offer the best value can make all the difference.

Ryan is our resident pokies expert. Not only does he provide readers with the latest insights, innovations and technology news related to pokies, but he also knows all there is to know about pokies game developers.
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