Valve launched Steam in 2003, and it quickly grew into one of the world’s biggest digital gaming platforms. Millions of gamers now use Steam every day to buy games, download content, and connect with the global gaming community. With over 40 million users online at peak times, Steam continues to dominate the PC gaming space.
To make purchases easier, Steam introduced Steam gift cards early on. These cards are like gift vouchers or certificates that let users add funds directly to their Steam Wallet. In this blog, we will break down everything you need to know about Steam gift cards, from how they work, their uses to why they remain one of the most popular digital gift cards worldwide. Let us start!
What Is a Steam Gift Card Used For?
1. A Steam gift card adds prepaid funds directly to your Steam Wallet, so you can spend without using a credit or debit card. Gamers use it to buy PC games, downloadable content, in-game items, and full game upgrades on Steam
2. Many users rely on Steam gift cards to shop during major Steam sales and limited-time discounts
3. People often ruse Steam gift cards as gifts, rewards, or online payments instead of cash.
4. In Nigeria, many users prefer to sell Steam gift cards for cash when they don’t need games. Cardsoon is a trusted app in the gift card industry that allows users to trade Steam gift cards quickly and get paid at competitive rates.
What Are the Different Types of Steam Gift Cards?
1. Physical Steam Gift Cards
These are scratch cards you buy from retail stores. Each card comes with a hidden code that you redeem on Steam. Physical Steam gift cards are popular for gifting and are commonly sold in fixed amounts like $20, $50, or $100.
2. Digital Steam Gift Cards
These are electronic Steam codes sent by email or generated online after payment. You can buy them from the official Steam store, gaming websites, or as in-app rewards. Digital Steam gift cards are faster to get and easier to trade or sell.
Where Can You Buy Steam Cards From?
Here are the few easy ways to buy Steam cards, globally and in Nigeria.
1. Official Steam Store (Digital)
Steam allows users to buy digital gift cards directly from their website https://store.steampowered.com/ and send them to friends. This option works best for users with active bank cards and supported payment methods.
2. Physical Retail Stores Worldwide
Many game stores, supermarkets, and electronics shops sell physical Steam gift cards. These cards come sealed and work well for gifting and personal use too.
3. Local Online Stores in Nigeria
In Nigeria, users often buy Steam gift cards from local online vendors that accept bank transfers. This option helps users avoid international card restrictions.
4. Resellers and Peer-to-Peer Sources
Some users buy Steam gift cards from resellers or individuals on social media platforms. This option requires caution to avoid any scams or receiving used or invalid codes.
For more information, read our blog on where to buy Steam cards easily.
Benefits of Using Steam Gift Cards
1. Steam gift cards let users buy games and digital content without linking a credit or debit card. This helps users who don’t have international cards or prefer not to share payment details online.
2. With a Steam gift card, you spend only what’s loaded in your Steam Wallet. This makes it easier to control gaming expenses and avoid accidental overspending.
3. Steam gift cards work well as gifts because they give recipients the freedom to choose what they want instead of forcing a specific game.
4. Steam gift cards hold strong demand worldwide. In Nigeria, many users sell them for cash when they don’t need games, making them more flexible than many other gift cards.
5. Redeeming a Steam gift card takes only a few steps. Once redeemed, the balance appears instantly in the Steam Wallet.
How to Send a Digital Steam Gift Card to a Friend?
If you are planning on gifting a Steam gift card to your friend and you can't go buy it from a shop , it can be done easily online. Just follow these steps below:
1. Log in to your Steam account on the desktop app or website
2. Open the Steam Store and select Digital Gift Cards
3. Choose the gift card amount you want to send
4. Select a friend from your Steam friends list
5. Add a short message if you like, then complete the payment
6. Steam delivers the gift card instantly to your friend’s account
7. Your friend can redeem it right away and use the balance in their Steam Wallet
How to Redeem a Steam Gift Card?
Step 1: Sign in to your Steam account before entering any code. Steam links the card value to the logged-in account permanently.
Step 2: Open your Steam Wallet from the store menu, not the game library. This is where Steam processes all gift card balances.
Step 3: Enter the Steam gift card code exactly as shown. Scratched or copied codes must stay clear and complete.
Step 4: Steam checks the card’s region and validity instantly. If it matches your account, the balance reflects immediately.
Step 5: Once redeemed, the value converts into Steam Wallet funds. You cannot reverse or transfer it to another account. You can now use the balance for games, add-ons, in-game purchases, or upcoming sales on Steam.
Some Common Gift Card Errors You Face When Redeeming Steam Cards
Redeeming a Steam gift card usually works smoothly, but sometimes users run into errors. Knowing the common issues can save you time and frustration:
Incorrect Code Entry
The most common issue users face while redeeming Steam cards is entering the code incorrectly. Even a single wrong letter or number can cause Steam to reject the card. Always double-check the code before submitting.
Region Mismatch
Steam gift cards are often region-locked. If your account region doesn’t match the card’s region, it won’t work. This is especially common for users buying cards from international sites.
Already Redeemed Cards
Sometimes cards have been used before purchase. This can happen if you buy from unofficial sellers or peer-to-peer resellers. Steam will immediately notify you if the code is already redeemed.
For a full list of Steam gift card errors and how to fix them, check out our detailed guide.
Where to Sell Steam Gift Cards in Nigeria?
Selling Steam gift cards in Nigeria is easier than ever if you know where to go. While some people try peer-to-peer trading or social media, these methods can be risky and slow. The safest and fastest way is to use a trusted platform.
Let us introduce you to Cardsoon App: Cardsoon is one of the best gift card trading apps in Nigeria for selling Steam gift cards. It allows users to trade their gift cards instantly and get paid in Naira. The app offers competitive rates and a smooth, secure process, making it the preferred choice for gamers who want cash quickly.
Scams to Watch Out for When Selling Steam Cards
Selling Steam gift cards in Nigeria can be profitable, but some buyers don’t play fair. You need to watch out for:
Fake Payment Confirmations: Scammers may send screenshots of “payment done” or fake transfer alerts to trick you into sending your card first.
Below-Market Offers: Some buyers intentionally undervalue your Steam card, hoping you’ll accept because of urgency or lack of knowledge.
Impersonation Scams: Fraudsters sometimes pose as official platforms or trusted users, asking for your code outside verified channels.
The best way to avoid these frauds and scams is to always sell through trusted platforms like Cardsoon, which guarantees secure trades, verified payments, and competitive rates.For a full guide on avoiding scams, read: Scams to Watch Out for When Selling Steam Gift Cards.
FAQs
1. What is a Steam gift card?
A Steam gift card is a prepaid voucher that adds funds to your Steam Wallet. You can use it to buy games, downloadable content, software, and in-game items without a credit card.
2. What are the uses of a Steam gift card?
Steam gift cards let you: purchase games, unlock DLCs, buy in-game items, shop during sales, gift games to friends, or trade/sell them on trusted platforms like Cardsoon.
3. What denominations do Steam gift cards come in?
Steam gift cards are usually available in $10, $20, $50, $100, and $200 values internationally.
4. Can Steam gift cards expire?
Official Steam gift cards do not have an expiry date, but regional restrictions or third-party reseller policies may affect validity. Always check before buying from non-official sources.
5. Can I use a Steam gift card on multiple accounts?
No. Once redeemed, the balance is tied to one Steam account and cannot be transferred to another.
6. Can I combine multiple Steam gift cards?
Yes. You can redeem multiple cards, and the total value will be added to your Steam Wallet balance.
