To pay off a bounty in Starfield, the main method is to visit a Self-Service Bounty Clearance kiosk operated by the Trackers Alliance. These kiosks are typically found in most major settlements near spaceports or bars. Interacting with the kiosk lets you see your outstanding bounties across factions and pay them off, allowing you to roam the galaxy without interference. However, you cannot use a kiosk located in the same faction's space where your bounty exists—you must go to a different faction's territory to clear it. Alternatively, if approached by a guard from the faction you have a bounty with in one of their cities, you can pay your bounty directly to them. This will remove the bounty but will also cause you to lose any stolen items in your inventory. If guards are hostile, you may need to holster your weapon or leave and come back to initiate the conversation to pay. If you prefer not to pay, you can submit to arrest by talking to a guard, which leads to jail time and loss of XP. Bribing guards is also possible in some areas to clear the bounty, depending on your negotiation skills and charisma. In summary:
- Pay bounty at a Self-Service Bounty Clearance kiosk in a different faction's space.
- Pay bounty directly to a guard in a city (lose stolen items).
- Submit to jail time (lose XP).
- Attempt to bribe guards if available and skilled.
Common locations for kiosks include major hubs like New Atlantis (United Colonies), Neon (Freestar Collective), and others listed in several cities and space stations across factions. This approach lets you clear bounties and avoid penalties like being attacked on sight or ship interdiction due to outstanding bounties.
