Checking Your Steam Gift Card Balance and Steam Wallet Balance

Steam is an incredibly popular platform for buying PC games, software, DLC, in-game items, and other digital content. A lot of users spend their Steam Wallet funds on games during sales, refill their account, or gift gaming credit to others. That’s why so many customers look up how to check Steam gift card balance in hopes of finding useful information before or after redeeming a Steam code.

With a Steam gift card, users add money to their Steam Wallet, which can then be spent on purchases at Steam.

It is important to understand that checking the balance can be a little tricky. It can be difficult for people to understand the difference between an unspent gift card code and Steam Wallet funds. Prior to redemption, the funds are still on the code. After redemption, the value is usually reflected in the Steam Wallet balance on the account. In this tutorial we go through how to tell the difference, how to view your Steam Wallet funds, and what to do in case the funds don’t show up.

Understanding the Balance on Steam Gift Cards

The balance associated with Steam Gift Cards can mean two slightly different things. If it’s prior to redemption, it refers to the value associated with the Steam Gift Card or Wallet Code. If it’s after redemption, it usually refers to the amount that has been credited to the Steam Wallet.

This is important because Steam operates differently than normal shops regarding gift cards. Store gift cards allow users to check the card after every purchase to see what remains on the card. However, once a Steam Wallet Code is redeemed, the funds do not remain on the card. The amount redeemed becomes part of the user’s Steam Wallet balance, and all future purchases will be deducted from that balance.

According to Steam, Gift Cards and Wallet Codes work like gift certificates that can be spent on Steam. Steam Wallet Codes can only be redeemed by users who are logged into their accounts.

Because of this, when checking the Steam gift card balance, users are typically trying to figure out whether the card is unused, has already been redeemed, or has already been added to a Steam account.

Before vs After Redemption

Prior to redemption, the gift card or Wallet Code has not been added to an account, and the value is associated with the code. This means the user has to redeem it through Steam.

After redemption, the value is credited to the Steam Wallet balance of the account used while redeeming. This means the value is no longer on the card.

For this reason, it’s crucial to log into the right Steam account before redeeming the code. If the code is redeemed on an account by mistake, the money will remain tied to that account.

When you learn how to check Steam gift card balance, you should understand that you are actually checking if the value of the code is still on the card, or if it has been added to the Steam Wallet.

Redeeming Instructions

To redeem a Steam Gift Card or Wallet Code, users must log into their Steam accounts and navigate to the page to Redeem a Steam Gift Card or Wallet Code.

Steam explains that users need to type the unique wallet code into the “Steam Wallet Code” box and then click on “Continue” to add that value to their account’s Steam Wallet.

The funds are added to the Steam Wallet as soon as the code is accepted. Steam also highlights that users may have their Steam Gift Cards and Wallet Codes converted to their Steam Wallet currency upon redemption, no matter where those cards were bought.

After this step, users check the Steam Wallet balance, not the original gift card code.

Checking Available Balance on Wallet

Usually, checking Steam Wallet funds is a simple task. Steam support recommends that you log into your Steam account and find your available balance in the top right corner next to your profile.

The balance shows the funds available in the Steam Wallet on that account, which can be used for future eligible purchases on Steam.

When using the Steam client, users can typically find their balance near their profile. For the website, it should show up after logging in as well.

If the balance is not there or looks incorrect, check to see if you are logged into the correct account. A lot of people have multiple Steam accounts, and money is only shown on the account the code was redeemed on.

How to Check Purchase History

If you’re trying to track down where Steam Wallet money went, Purchase History can be used. To see the Wallet balance, Steam says to log into the account and click on the Steam Wallet balance in the top-right corner. To see the full Purchase History, click “View Purchase History.”

This will be beneficial if there is not much money left in the Steam Wallet. Money may have already been spent on purchasing a game or DLC, an in-game item, or another Steam purchase.

Steam also says it normally attempts to use Steam Wallet funds first when making a purchase, unless the payment method is changed on the purchase confirmation window.

If a user’s funds seem to go missing, they should not be quick to assume the gift card failed. That money may have been automatically spent on another purchase.

What Happens If You Don’t See the Money?

Users who add money to their Steam Wallet may not see the money right away. Steam Support states the funds will usually appear automatically. If they don’t, users should look at their email to see if they have a Steam purchase receipt. If they do, they should check to make sure they are logged into the Steam account shown on the purchase receipt.

If there is no receipt, the payment may not have gone through. If there is a receipt, check to see if it is the same account you are trying to access.

Once you identify the correct account, if your balance is still wrong, you can submit a support ticket to Steam Support and include the receipt and your account information.

Why People Have Missing Funds

Numerous reasons exist, and the most common reason people do not see their balance is that they logged into the wrong Steam account.

Another possible reason is that they incorrectly typed the code. Steam Wallet Codes consist of letters and numbers, and if one character is off, the code is not redeemed.

Lastly, people can also get cards that have already been redeemed. This can happen if the card has been used before or was improperly shared by the seller.

You may notice a lower balance because funds from the Steam Wallet may have been used for a prior purchase. Steam Wallet funds are used first at checkout, so a user may not even be aware that this has occurred.

The redemption process may be impacted by currency and region conditions. In light of scam prevention, Steam has created new limitations for Wallet Codes, and Steam support suggests that customers who have concerns about the legitimacy of a purchased code speak to the retailer.

Region and Currency Information

With Steam, region and currency are critical. If you’ve never had a Steam Wallet balance, Steam support may request you to provide your current address to identify the appropriate currency for your Steam Wallet. If you have an existing balance in your Steam Wallet, any additional funds will automatically be converted to the currency that your Wallet is currently set to.

When you redeem your Gift Cards and Wallet Codes, they will be converted to the currency of your Steam Wallet.

Steam is changing its policies regarding scam reduction for Wallet Codes and gift cards. Steam states that physical gift cards will be discontinued at stores as current stock is exhausted. This is why buying codes that are priced normally from reliable sources is so important.

Safe Purchasing Recommendations

When buying a Steam gift card, do not buy from an untrusted seller. Codes that are very cheap could be used, invalid, region restricted, or sold by an untrusted source.

Please check the card value, currency, delivery method, and usage restrictions before making the purchase.

If you purchased an online gift card, keep the code secret. Do not share the Steam Wallet Code in public chat, screenshots, or messages that other people can access.

Ensure the product page says Steam and not a different gaming platform. Some gaming cards look the same, but they do not work on the same account.

Steam is great if the recipient enjoys purchasing PC games, software, DLC, or in-game purchases. Otherwise, check other gaming gift cards.

Who Is It Good For?

Steam gift cards are useful for people who already have Steam. This includes PC gamers, students, casual gamers, game collectors, software users, and those who wait for Steam sales.

It is great for birthdays, holidays, thank-you gifts, gaming prizes, and for adding credit to a user’s own account.

The recipient has the freedom to choose what to buy, instead of being stuck with one game selected by someone else.

If the recipient does not have Steam or mainly plays console, then a different digital gift card is probably better.

Is It Worth Using?

A Steam gift card is not helpful if the user doesn’t have a Steam account or does not want to purchase anything for Steam. It is ideal for users who frequently buy games during seasonal sales or want spending control without using a credit card every time.

Gift cards are great presents because they allow people to get what they want. It’s a shame that not everyone enjoys this gift since Steam is not the only gaming platform and some people do not use Steam at all. In this case, buying a gift card for a different platform would make more sense.

Conclusion

Learning how to check Steam gift card balance helps users know whether the value is still on the code or has been added to the Steam Wallet.

The most significant difference is before and after they redeem the gift card. Prior to redemption, the value is associated with the Steam Gift Card or Wallet Code. After it is redeemed, the value becomes Steam Wallet balance on the account that was used to redeem it.

To check the funds, log in to your Steam account and see whether the balance is displayed near your profile name. If it’s not there, try to find the receipt, make sure you are looking at the right Steam account, check your purchase history, and contact Steam Support.

As long as the user redeems it and checks the correct account, a Steam gift card is applicable to PC games, software, DLC, and Steam Wallet top-ups.