how to redeem and use steam gift card

The concept of online gaming has reached new heights with the immediate development in the field of information technology and innovation. Gaming is now considered to be a primary source of entertainment catering to the needs of billions around the world, with players often looking to redeem Steam gift cards for access to their favorite games.

The rise in popularity of gaming can be credited to the development of online platforms such as Steam.

Since its initial launch in 2003, Steam has acted like a bridge in successfully connecting users with a wide variety of online games. Steam is among the top choices in gift cards for men.

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The introduction of Steam gift cards further enhanced user experience as gamers were able to download content while simultaneously managing their budget limitations.

However, most Steam users find themselves asking the fundamental question “How to redeem a Steam gift card?”

Recommended read: How to Redeem Xbox Gift Card?

The overall redemption process of Steam gift cards is fairly straightforward [more on that later].  The availability of gift cards assists gamers in fulfilling the following aspects:

  • Purchasing games and other forms of downloadable content at discounted rates.
  • Purchasing gaming hardware.
  • Using the Steam gift cards as a lucrative gifting option.
  • Purchasing digital software from the Steam platform.

The primary objective of Steam gift cards is to make the aspect of gaming affordable without being dependent on an independent console.

Let us now debunk the process of redeeming Steam gift cards to further improve the online gaming experience.

Three Ways to Redeem Steam Gift Card

Individuals looking to redeem Steam gift card can follow any of the three measures identified below:

1. Using a Web Browser

Gamers must navigate to the official Steam website to effectively redeem a gift card. Conventionally, both physical and digital Steam gift cards are made available to general users.

Physical gift cards possess a unique code which is printed on the back of every card.

Individuals must use a coin to scratch off the protected layer covering the code information. Digital Steam gift cards are paired with unique digital codes as well which serve the same purpose.

Gamers must use a web browser to access the Steam website to redeem the gift card. Follow these steps to initiate redemption from a web browser:

Step 1: Visit the Official Steam Website and Sign in

After accessing a web browser, individuals must visit the steam website. By using this link, gamers will be directly navigated to the redemption page.

However, a Steam gift card cannot be redeemed by individuals without having an active account on the platform. Gamers must disclose email address details and assign a dedicated password to sign up on the platform.

Individuals who already have an existing account must select the correct email address where the final gift card redemption value will reflect.

Step 2: Enter the Correct Gift Card Code

After successfully signing up on the Steam platform, users will now be able to view the official gift card redemption page. Here the individuals concerned must insert the correct gift card code to initiate redemption.

Users holding a physical Steam gift card must take additional care to protect the voucher from tangible damages. In case of any physical damages, ensure to connect with the Steam customer support team.

Step 3: Review and Verify the Gift Card Value

The next step involves users to input their independent Steam wallet code. Individuals who have never used their Steam wallet code are encouraged to share their registered local address instead.

Following this step allows the platform to convert the gift card value into the relevant currency of the user.

After completing this step, the final value of the gift card will be highlighted on the screen so that the user is aware of the amount being credited to the Steam account. Upon confirmation, the amount will be transferred to the registered account.

Once redeemed, a Steam gift card cannot be reused again. Users who prefer to work with a foreign currency must update the settings to initiate transfers accordingly.

Steam will initiate the transaction by acknowledging the current exchange rate according to the market standards.

Step 4: Check the Account Balance and Use the Funds to Make a Purchase

Conventionally, funds are added almost immediately after completing the gift card redemption process. Users will be able to verify the amount added to the wallet by checking the column highlighted underneath the “User name” tab.

However, if your Steam wallet is yet to be replenished with a fresh balance, it is recommended to check back after 2 hours. Individuals can use the amount added to the wallet as an alternative form of payment at the time of checkout.

2. Using the Steam Desktop Application

Individuals can also use the Steam desktop application to effectively redeem gift cards. The primary objective of Steam is to offer gaming enthusiasts a common platform through which they can interact and play games without being dependent on a console.

Avid gamers are recommended to download the Steam desktop application to not only download content and play games but to also redeem gift cards successfully.

Follow these steps to initiate redemption on the Steam desktop app:

Step 1: Download the App and Sign In

Users must download the desktop version of the Steam application. Through this platform gamers can purchase, play, and download a wide range of games.

After downloading the app, users are requested to log in to their registered Steam account. 

Ensure to use account credentials where you wish the gift card value to reflect. Individuals who do not have an active Steam account must Sign In using the relevant email address and password details.

Step 2: Select the “Add Funds” Option

After completing the login process:

  • Users must select the “Account Details” tab to access additional account details
  • Individuals must now select the “Add Funds” option to initiate gift card redemption
  • Users can also click on the “Games” option highlighted at the top of the menu bar
  • Select the “Redeem Gift Card” option to access the primary page

Step 3: Insert the Digital Code and Add Funds to the Wallet

The primary gift card redemption page requires users to share debit/credit card details to initiate purchases. However, an additional option present on the right side of the screen will enable users to enter the unique gift card code.

Carefully insert the correct combination and click on “Continue” after verifying the credentials. First-time users must share local address details so that the correct currency can be identified based on the location.

Step 4: Verify the Gift Card Amount and Use the Funds to Make a Purchase

After successfully entering the code, the primary value offered on the gift card will be displayed on the screen. The equivalent amount will be transferred to your Steam wallet almost immediately. 

Use the balance available upon checkout as an alternative payment option to purchase games of your choice. Be sure to seek assistance from the official Steam customer support team in case of any queries.

3. Using the Steam Mobile Application

Gaming enthusiasts can use the Steam mobile application to effectively redeem gift cards. Follow these steps to initiate:

Step 1: Download Application and Login to the Registered Steam Account

The Steam mobile application is available on Google Play and the App Store respectively. Individuals need to navigate to the primary application store to download the Steam mobile app. Follow it up by logging into the registered Steam account.

Step 2: Select the “Add Funds” Option

After completing the login process users will be able to access the Steam mobile application. Navigate to the primary “Menu” option by clicking the three horizontal lines present on the top-left section of the mobile screen.

  • Scroll through the primary menu and select the “Store” option
  • Users must now click on the “Account Details” option listed under the Store tab
  • On this banner tap the link available under the “Store and Purchase History” section
  • Clicking on the link will directly navigate users to the gift card redemption page

Step 3: Redeem the Gift Card by Entering the Unique Code

On the redemption page:

  • Select the “Redeem a Steam Gift Card” option to effectively insert the unique gift card code
  • Press “Continue” after ensuring that the correct code has been inserted

Users may be prompted to enter their address details to initiate fund transfers according to the nationality of the gamer concerned.

Step 4: Verify the Gift Card Amount and Use the Funds to Make a Purchase

The final amount of the gift card will be displayed on the mobile screen. Verify the amount issued and click on the “Confirm” button to transfer the amount to the respective Steam wallet.

Users can verify the amount transferred by navigating to the “Accounts Details” page. Use the funds added to the Steam wallet to purchase your favorite games.

How to Check Steam Gift Card Balance?

Now that we have addressed the fundamental question “How to Redeem Steam Gift Card?” let us now shed some light on how users can verify their Steam gift card balance before and upon redemption.

steps to check steam gift card balance

Follow these steps to execute:

  • Step 1: Navigate to the preferred Steam platform and log in to the registered Steam account.
  • Step 2: Users must now access the primary setting menu.
  • Step 3: Follow these functions: Settings > Account Details > View Account Settings > Add Funds to Steam Wallet > Redeem a Steam Gift Card.
  • Step 4: Enter the unique code paired with the gift card assigned.
  • Step 5: The overall value of the gift card will be highlighted on the screen along with the additional option of transferring the balance to the respective Steam wallet.

Individuals can verify their existing wallet balance by accessing the Store menu and selecting the “View my Wallet” option.

Conclusion

These were some of the foremost observations that help us to address the redeeming guide for Steam Gift Cards. Be sure to conduct thorough online research to learn more about the use and application of Steam gift cards. For more lucrative deals on gift cards, be sure to visit the official Send Credit website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my friend not eligible to receive a gift from Steam?

Steam users must be friends with one another for a minimum period of 3 days before any form of gift card can be shared. Be sure to connect with the Steam customer support team to learn more.

Do Steam gift cards expire?

No! Steam gift cards are free from any expiration dates. Review the Steam terms of service to learn more about gift card expiration.

Do Steam cards have an activation fee?

No! There are no additional costs involved while redeeming a Steam gift card.

Can I redeem a Steam Gift Card without a Steam account?

No! A Steam gift card cannot be redeemed without an active Steam account. Be sure to sign up on Steam to enjoy a wide range of games and DLCs.


Senior Technical Writer
Carol Brooks is an experienced tech writer with a background in user experience design. She specializes in demystifying complex digital tools and platforms, making technology more accessible and user-friendly for a broad audience.