How to use Steam giftcard

A Steam gift card adds funds to your digital wallet, allowing you to purchase games, software, and hardware on the Steam platform. This guide explains exactly how to use Steam gift card codes on your PC, mobile app, and Steam Deck, while also helping you troubleshoot common redemption issues. Once you redeem your code, the card's value becomes Steam Wallet balance, ready for immediate use across the store.

What is a Steam gift card?

A Steam gift card is a digital or physical voucher containing a specific monetary value that you add to your Steam account. These cards work exactly like cash for the Steam store, providing a secure way to add money without linking a bank account or credit card directly. You can use these funds to buy video games, downloadable content (DLC), in-game items on the Steam Community Market, and even hardware like the Steam Deck. If you are looking for the best places to buy Steam cards, they are widely available at retail stores and online vendors, making them a safe and convenient payment method.

How to redeem a Steam gift card code

To redeem a Steam gift card, you must enter the unique code into the specific redemption section of your account settings. Note that you must be logged into your Steam account to proceed with any of the methods below. Here is how to enter a Steam gift card code on different devices.

Redeeming via the Steam Client (PC and Mac)

If you are using the standard desktop application, follow these steps to add funds:

1. Launch Steam and click your username in the top right corner of the window.

2. Select "View my Wallet" from the dropdown menu.

3. On the right side of the screen, click the link labeled "Redeem a Steam Gift Card or Wallet Code."

4. Enter your 15-character code into the box and click "Continue." The funds will appear in your balance immediately.

How to use Steam gift card on mobile

Learning how to use a Steam gift card on mobile is useful if you want to add funds on the go. The process on the iOS and Android app is slightly different from the desktop:

Mobile Steps:

• Open the Steam app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines/hamburger icon) in the top left.

• Tap "Store" and then select "Account Details."

• Look for the section titled "Store & Purchase History" and tap on "+ Add funds to your Steam Wallet."

• Tap the link that says "Redeem a Steam Gift Card or Wallet Code" located under your current balance.

• Enter the code to finish.

How to use Steam gift card on Steam Deck

In 2026, the Steam Deck is a primary way many gamers interact with their library. Knowing how to use a Steam gift card on Steam Deck allows you to top up without leaving your handheld interface:

1. Press the physical Steam button on your device to open the main menu.

2. Navigate to Settings.

3. Scroll down to the Users tab.

4. Select Wallet and then choose Redeem Gift Card.

5. Type in your code using the on-screen keyboard to add the funds.

How to buy games with Steam Wallet funds

Once you have redeemed your code, you might wonder how to use Steam gift card to buy games. A common mistake is trying to enter the gift card code at the final checkout screen. You must redeem it before you reach the checkout phase, as detailed in the section above.

When you go to purchase a game, Steam automatically applies your Steam Wallet balance first. You do not need to select it manually; the system prioritizes wallet funds over other payment methods. If you are looking for new Steam games to try with your new balance, simply browse the store and add them to your cart.

Payment Tip: Split Payments

If you want to know how to use Steam Wallet and credit card together, the process is automatic. If a game costs more than your current wallet balance (e.g., the game is $60 but you have $20 in your wallet), Steam will apply the $20 first. It will then ask you to select a secondary payment method (like a credit card or PayPal) to pay the remaining $40 difference.

Using third-party gift cards on Steam

There is often confusion between official Steam cards and general prepaid cards issued by major credit card companies or other retailers. The redemption process for these is entirely different.

How to use Visa or Mastercard gift cards for Steam

If you are figuring out how to use a Visa gift card for Steam (or Mastercard), do not try to redeem it in the "Redeem Gift Card" section. That section is exclusively for Steam's own proprietary codes.

Instead, you must treat the prepaid card as a standard bank card:

• Add items to your cart and proceed to checkout.

• When asked for a payment method, select Visa or Mastercard.

• Enter the card details (Number, Expiry, CVV) found on your prepaid gift card.

• Important: Ensure you have registered a billing address for the prepaid card on the provider's website, otherwise, the transaction may fail during verification.

How to use Amazon gift card for Steam

Many users ask how to use an Amazon gift card for Steam directly. The short answer is: you cannot. Steam does not accept Amazon gift cards as a payment method.

However, there is a workaround. You can use your Amazon gift card balance to purchase a digital Steam gift card code on Amazon. Once you purchase it, Amazon will email you the code (or display it in your Games Library), which you can then redeem on Steam using the methods described earlier in this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are Steam gift cards region locked?

Yes, Steam gift cards are generally region-locked. The currency of the gift card must match the currency of your Steam User account. For example, you cannot usually redeem a gift card denominated in US Dollars on a Steam account set to Euros. You will receive an error message if the currencies do not match.

Where can you use a Steam gift card?

Steam gift cards can only be used within the Steam ecosystem. This includes purchases on the Steam Store for games and software, and the Steam Community Market for in-game items. You cannot use them on third-party websites or competing platforms like Epic Games, Origin, or Xbox.

How much money can you put on a Steam gift card?

Steam gift cards typically come in fixed denominations, such as $20, $50, and $100. Physical cards often act as "variable load" cards, allowing you to load any amount between specific limits (usually between $10 and $200) at the register. The maximum amount you can hold in your Steam Wallet varies by currency but is generally capped at $2,000 USD or equivalent.

Why is my Steam gift card code not working?

If your code is rejected, first check for typos. It is easy to confuse the number '0' with the letter 'O', or the number '1' with the letter 'I'. Ensure you are entering the code exactly as printed. If it still fails, the card may not have been properly activated by the retailer at the time of purchase, or you may be attempting to redeem a card from a different region.