What Is a Steam Gift Card and How Does It Work?
How to Use Your Steam Gift Card
Have you ever received a Steam gift card and wondered how exactly it works? Don't worry, you're not alone. Steam gift cards can be a bit confusing if you've never used one before. But they're actually pretty straightforward once you know the basics. In short, a Steam gift card is a way for someone to give you credit that you can spend on games, software, and other items on Steam.
Steam, of course, is the popular digital distribution platform developed by Valve Corporation. With over 30,000 games and other items like VR experiences, a Steam gift card gives you a lot of options to choose from. The gift cards come in various amounts, typically starting around $20. Once you receive a gift card, you'll have to activate it which links the balance to your Steam account. The amount on the card is then available to spend whenever you want.
What Can I Buy With a Steam Gift Card?
A Steam gift card opens up a whole world of gaming possibilities. What can you buy with one? Quite a lot, actually.
Games
The obvious choice is games. Steam has thousands of games in every genre - action, adventure, strategy, RPG, simulation, you name it. Use your gift card to buy any game on Steam, from brand new blockbusters to indie hits to classic favorites.
Downloadable Content
Many games offer extra downloadable content (DLC) like expansion packs, added missions or levels, virtual goods, and more. If you already own a game, use your gift card to purchase DLC and enhance your experience.
Software & Hardware
Steam isn't just for games. They also offer creative tools, streaming software, and even PC hardware. You can buy video editing tools, live streaming apps, virtual reality headsets, gaming PCs, and gaming peripherals.
Wallet Funds
Add your gift card to your Steam Wallet to use the funds whenever you like. Wallet funds can be used for anything available on Steam - you're not limited to a single purchase. This gives you flexibility to buy games, DLC, hardware or software over time as you choose.
A Steam gift card may be small, but it packs a big punch. With so many options to choose from, you'll have no trouble finding ways to put your gift card to good use. Game on!
Redeeming Your Steam Gift Card
So you've got a Steam gift card - awesome! Now it's time to put it to good use. Here's how to redeem it:
First, log into your Steam account and select "Add Funds to Your Steam Wallet" from the menu. This will take you to a page where you can enter your gift card code.
Carefully type or copy and paste the 16-digit code into the "Gift Card or Wallet Code" field. Double check that all the numbers are correct before clicking "Continue".
Once the code is entered, the amount of your gift card will automatically be added to your Steam wallet. This wallet balance can then be used to purchase games, software, in-game items, and any other offerings on the Steam platform.
If for some reason your code is not working, don't worry. It may just be a typo on your end. Slowly re-enter the code to ensure it's correct. If that doesn't work, check that the gift card has not already been redeemed. As a last resort, you may need to contact Steam support to report the issue with your code.
With your Steam gift card redeemed and the funds added to your wallet, you're all set to shop. Browse the store and take your pick of exciting games, tools, and other goods to download and enjoy. Happy gaming!
Using Steam Wallet Funds to Make Purchases
Once you have funds added to your Steam Wallet, you can use them to purchase all sorts of goodies on Steam. The options are endless, from the latest games to software, movies, and more.
Buying Games
The most popular use of Steam Wallet funds is to purchase PC games on Steam. You can buy brand new releases, pre-order upcoming titles, or pick from a huge catalog of older games. When you buy a game on Steam, you own it and can download and play it as many times as you like.
DLC and Expansions
Many games offer downloadable content (DLC) and expansions to enhance your experience. Use your Steam Wallet to buy map packs, weapon skins, bonus levels or story modes, and season passes to access all a game's DLC.
Software and Other Items
Steam Wallet funds aren't just for games. You can also buy creativity software like ArtRage and Blender, entertainment apps like Wallpaper Engine, and useful tools like Discord and OBS Studio. Steam even offers movies, documentaries, and TV shows to rent or purchase.
Gifting and Trading
Feel like spreading the joy? You can use your Steam Wallet to gift games, DLC, wallet funds, and more to friends and family on Steam. You can also trade items like trading cards, emoticons, wallpapers, and coupons with other members of the Steam community.
Steam Wallet funds provide so much flexibility in how you can shop and interact on Steam. Whether you're treating yourself to a new game, gifting a friend, or just browsing the massive catalog, your Steam Wallet has you covered. Spend your funds wisely and enjoy all the great content Steam has to offer!
How to Check Your Steam Gift Card Balance
So you've received a Steam gift card—congratulations! These cards can be used to purchase all sorts of games, software, and in-game items on Steam. But before you go on a shopping spree, you'll want to check your Steam gift card balance to see how much you have to spend.
Checking Your Balance
There are a couple of ways to view your Steam gift card balance:
Redeem the code on the back of your physical gift card on Steam. Once you enter the code, your balance will appear on the screen. Write down or take a screenshot of your balance in case you need it for the future.
If you received a digital gift card, the code and balance will be displayed right on the gift card image. Be sure to redeem the code on Steam to add the funds to your wallet.
Sign in to Steam, then select "Wallet" from the menu at the top of the screen. Your Steam gift card balance will appear at the top of the page under "Wallet funds." This is also where you'll see the balance for any other payment methods you have saved to your Steam account like credit cards or PayPal.
Not seeing your balance? It can take up to 24 hours for a new gift card to be activated in Steam's systems. Check back the next day and your balance should appear in your Steam Wallet. If it's still not showing after 24 hours, contact Steam Support for help.
Once you know your balance, you can start shopping the Steam store and purchasing games, in-game content, software, and anything else offered on Steam. Your gift card funds will be deducted automatically at checkout until the balance reaches zero. Happy shopping and gaming! Let the fun begin.
FAQ: Common Questions About Steam Gift Cards
As with any gift card, Steam gift cards come with some frequently asked questions. Here are some of the common questions and answers about Steam gift cards:
Where can I buy Steam gift cards?
You can purchase Steam gift cards at many retailers that sell gift cards, including GameStop, Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and CVS. You can also buy Steam gift cards directly on Steam.
Are there different denominations?
Yes, Steam gift cards come in several denominations so you can choose the amount you want to give. Common options include $20, $50, and $100, but you can find cards for as little as $5 or as much as $500.
Do Steam gift cards expire?
No, Steam gift cards do not expire and the funds never go away. The recipient can use the card whenever they want to make purchases on Steam.
What can I buy with a Steam gift card?
You can use Steam gift cards to purchase anything on Steam, including:
•Games - There are thousands of games on Steam from every genre like action, adventure, RPG, indie, and more.
•Software - In addition to games, you can buy design software, video editing tools, and other applications on Steam.
•In-game items - Use your Steam gift card to buy virtual items, upgrades, skins, loot boxes, and other extras for games you already own.
•Subscriptions - Some games on Steam offer optional subscriptions for additional benefits and content. A Steam gift card can be used to pay for subscriptions.
• And more - Steam gift cards can also be used for movies, VR experiences, and any other content or services offered on the Steam platform.
• The funds on a Steam gift card can only be used to make purchases on Steam. The money cannot be withdrawn as cash.
Hope this helps answer some of the common questions about Steam gift cards! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the lowdown on Steam gift cards. Now that you know how they work and what you can use them for, you're all set to surprise your gamer friends with a thoughtful gift, or treat yourself to some new games or in-game loot. Steam gift cards open up a world of possibilities for any PC gamer. Whether you want to buy the hottest new release, pick up some downloadable content for your favorite game, or just browse the massive catalog of titles to find something new to get lost in, a Steam gift card puts the power of choice in your hands. So go ahead, grab a gift card and happy gaming! The worlds of Steam await.