Steam designed the Steam Gift Card to give gamers an easy and cash-free way to shop on its platform. It comes in two forms; digital and physical gift cards. Digital versions of Steam Gift Cards were officially introduced in 2017. Physical digital cards come in bigger denominations like $20, $50, $100 etc. While, digital Steam cards are only there in denominations like $5, $10, $25, $50, and $100.
Steam is known as one of the leading and most popular gaming platforms. This is not just a gaming store, you can even buy software, hardware and in-game items as well. The platform recently introduced a Personalised Calendar feature to the Store, helping you see upcoming and recently released games. On top of that, Steam now supports language-specific review scores, so users can see feedback from people who use the same language meaning reviews that are more relevant to you. With a Steam gift card, you can instantly add funds to your wallet and explore everything the platform offers. The card gives you the freedom to enjoy all of Steam’s latest features without sharing your financial details, making it a convenient and secure way to shop across the platform.If you don't want to buy games, you can also sell your Steam gift card online. How to do all these things and what is Steam gift card used for?? All of your questions related to Steam gift cards will be addressed in this blog. Let us start!
Uses of Steam Gift Cards
Buy Games
The primary use of the Steam gift card is to buy games and here is the list of some Steam sales coming;
- On Animal Fest (November 10-November 117, 2025)
- Sports Fest (December 8-December 15, 2025)
- Steam Winter Sale (December 18-January 5, 2026)
Access to Software
You can also access different software, like to design or edit something. For Instance
- Krita: Software for digital painting and drawing
- Movavi Video Editor: Software to create and edit videos
- Note: Make sure to check your Steam gift card balance first before making any purchase!
Use as Instant Cash
If you don't want to use your Steam card for any platform, you can also use it as cash (for medical emergency, to pay your bills or utility needs). All you need to do is to sell it on a trusted gift card trading app like TradeCard
Use it as a Gift
If you want to gift something on any occasion like birthday, this will be the perfect present. They can buy anything of their choice from the Steam platform anytime!
How to do it?? Read more for the detailed process!!
Types of Steam Gift Cards
There are two types of Steam gift cards;
- Physical Steam Gift Cards
- Digital Steam Gift cards
| Physical Steam Gift Cards | Digital Steam Gift Cards |
| Physical Steam gift cards can be bought from retail stores | You can purchase online from the Steam website or any other platform |
| Tangible card with a printed code | Code can be sent through email |
| These cards are easy to verify | Verification process takes time |
| These can be lost or misplaced easily | These gift cards are less likely to be stolen |
| These gift cards need to be redeemed at the retailers' store | These gift cards can be redeemed online |
Step-by-Step Guide to Send a Digital Steam Gift Card
Your friend's birthday is coming and you want to give something special. Then, you must know that sending a digital Steam gift card is the easiest way to treat your friend with the best gift. On Steam platform, you can only send a digital card to someone who has been on your Steam friend's list for at least 3 days
To get started, open this link: https://store.steampowered.com/digitalgiftcards/
🔵 Click on "Send a Digital Steam gift card"
🔵 Once you open that page, you can have different denominations (values) available.
🔵 Select the amount you want to send, like $5, $10, $25, $50 or $100.
🔵 After choosing your desired amount, you'll see a list of your Steam friend
🔵 Choose the friend you would like to send this gift
🔵 If you have a long list of Steam friends, use the search bar to find the name easily
🔵 Click on "Continue". Add the recipients' first name.
🔵 Steam platform also allows you to add personal notes or short messages for your friends. If it's your friends birthday, you can add a birthday greeting.
🔵 Click on "Next". Then, select your preferred payment method
🔵 Once you choose the method, continue to complete the transaction
🔵 After payment confirmation. Steam will deliver the digital gift card directly to your friend’s Steam account.
🔵 Your friend will receive a notification on Steam and an email letting them know they’ve received a gift
How to Buy Steam Gift Cards?
Steam Official Website
You can purchase Steam gift cards directly from the official Steam platform. Digital cards are delivered instantly to your account, making them ideal for immediate use. Buying here ensures the card is 100% authentic and risk-free.
Online Marketplaces
Many online platforms sell both physical and digital Steam gift cards. Digital cards are delivered instantly via email, making them convenient for quick access. Always check the seller’s credibility and reviews to ensure the card is legitimate before making a purchase.
Gift Card Trading Apps
Gift card trading apps allow you to buy Steam gift cards safely and often at competitive rates. These apps provide instant delivery for digital codes and have verification processes to confirm the card’s authenticity. They also offer easy payment and wallet integration for seamless transactions. Make sure to research properly before opting for any gift card trading app.
How to Check Steam Gift Card Balance
💻 On PC: Open Steam → Profile → Wallet Balance.
📱 On Mobile: Steam App → Profile → Wallet Funds.
🌐 Online: store.steampowered.com → Login → Username → Balance.
🏪 In-Store: Ask retailer or use their website to check Steam gift card balance
🧾 Still Not Showing ? Reach out to Steam Support for further assistance!
Important Things You Should Know About Steam Gift Cards
Steam Gift Cards Never Expire
Steam gift cards have no expiration date, which means you can redeem them at any time like today, next month, or even years later. This is especially helpful for users who want to save their credits for big sales such as the Steam Summer Sale, Winter Sale, or major game releases. You never have to worry about losing your balance simply because you didn’t redeem it on time.
Region Lock Rules May Apply
Not all Steam gift cards work globally. Some cards are restricted to specific countries or regions due to currency differences and Steam’s pricing policies. For example, a US Steam gift card may not work on an account created in Europe or Asia. Before buying or redeeming a card, always check that the region on the card matches your Steam account region. This prevents errors and ensures a smooth redemption process.
Balance Is Added Instantly After Redemption
When you redeem a Steam card, the funds are transferred to your Steam Wallet immediately. This allows you to start shopping right away. Whether you want to buy a newly released title, purchase in-game skins, or upgrade software, the instant top-up feature makes the experience fast and convenient.
Private and Safe Transactions
Steam gift cards are one of the safest ways to add balance to your account. You don’t need to link your credit card, debit card, or bank account. This protects you from online fraud, unauthorized purchases, and financial data leaks. But make sure that you are not using public WiFi, otherwise it can put your Steam account information at risk.
Steps to Convert Steam Gift Card into Cash?
If you are not a game lover, then there is another way you can benefit from the Steam gift card. You can trade your gift card for cash anytime on trustworthy gift card trading apps like TradeCard!
📌 Download and Register : Get the TradeCard app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. If you’re a new user, sign up quickly using a valid email address to create your account.
📌 Explore the Dashboard: Once logged in, browse the app’s dashboard where all available gift cards are listed. You can also see new features like the Rate Calculator and Pay Bills, which will be available soon.
📌 Select Steam Gift Card: Then choose the type of Steam card you have. Either Physical or E-code depends on what you have.
📌 Enter Card Details: Fill in the required information, including the currency and the card’s face value. Make sure all details are accurate to avoid delays.
📌 Upload Your Card Image: Take a clear photo of your Steam card and upload it. You can also write any notes or comments for the TradeCard team if needed. Then, tap Start Trade to proceed.
📌 Receive Payment: After the verification process is complete, your TradeCard wallet will be credited in Naira almost instantly. You can withdraw or use your funds immediately.
FAQ's
- What is a Steam Gift Card used for?
A Steam gift card can be used to add funds to your Steam Wallet. You can buy games, software, in-game items, or other digital content directly from the Steam platform. It’s a convenient way to shop without linking a bank account.
2. Can I buy Steam software with a Steam Gift Card?
Yes, Steam gift cards can be used to purchase software available on the Steam platform. Always check your Steam Wallet balance before buying to avoid insufficient funds.
3. Can I sell my Steam Gift Card for cash?
Absolutely! If you don’t plan to use your Steam card, you can sell it on trusted gift card trading apps like TradeCard. Your balance will be converted to cash quickly and safely.
4. Is it possible to gift a Steam Gift Card?
Yes, Steam gift cards make a perfect gift for birthdays or special occasions. The recipient can use it to buy any game, software, or in-game item of their choice.
5. How do I redeem my Steam Gift Card?
Log in to your Steam account, navigate to "Add Funds to Steam Wallet,". Choose "Redeem a Steam Wallet Code,". Enter the code from your gift card. Your balance will update instantly.
6. Can I use a Steam Gift Card on my mobile?
Yes, Steam Wallet funds can be redeemed via the Steam mobile app. After logging in, go to your profile to check your balance and redeem your code.
7. What should I do if my Steam Gift Card code isn’t working?
Double-check the code for typos, ensure it hasn’t been used. Verify that your account region matches the card. If issues persist, contact Steam Support with your card details.
8. How do I check my Steam Wallet balance?
You can check your balance on the Steam app, website, or PC client. Simply log in, and go to your profile Your available funds and transaction history will be displayed.
9. Can I use a Steam Gift Card purchased from a third-party store?
Yes, but ensure the retailer is trustworthy. Cards from unverified sources may be invalid or already redeemed, so always check the card balance before using it.
