Steam credit: buy it from a key shop or from Steam?
Steam is usually the better choice: 5 of 7 common Steam gift cards cost more than their face value in key shops. €20 of credit costs from €19.99, €50 from €53.25, and €100 from €103.34 (as of 11 Nov 2026). On Steam you always pay exactly the face value.
Steam credit in key shops: today's price against face value
| Card | Lowest price | Face value | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam Wallet €5 | €5.30at Eneba+ fee possible | €5 | +€0.30 (+6.0%) |
| Steam Wallet €10 | €10.58at G2A+ service fee | €10 | +€0.58 (+5.8%) |
| Steam Wallet €20 | €19.99at Loaded | €20 | −€0.01 (0.0%) |
| Steam Wallet €25 | €26.58at Eneba+ fee possible | €25 | +€1.58 (+6.3%) |
| Steam Wallet €30 | €29.99at GAMIVO+ service fee | €30 | −€0.01 (0.0%) |
| Steam Wallet €50 | €53.25at G2A+ service fee | €50 | +€3.25 (+6.5%) |
| Steam Wallet €100 | €103.34at GameSeal+ service fee | €100 | +€3.34 (+3.3%) |
When a key shop is worth it
A key shop is only worth it when the amount at checkout is below the face value. Several shops add a service fee in the last step of the order. A card only a few cents below face value then costs more than on Steam.
Below face value today: €20 (from €19.99) and €30 (from €29.99).
What Steam says about gift cards
- Steam credit can only be redeemed in the currency of your Steam account. For a German account you need a card in euros.
- Steam itself sells digital gift cards for €5, €10, €25, €50 and €100. They go to friends and family. You top up your own wallet in your account details.
- Cards from shops are running out: Steam no longer supplies new gift cards to retail stores and expects them to be sold out there by the end of 2026. Cards you already have stay valid.
Checked on 11 Nov 2026 on Steam's pages. help.steampowered.com/de/faqs/view/78E3-7431-1E88-AD59, store.steampowered.com/digitalgiftcards/selectgiftcard
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy Steam credit from a key shop or straight from Steam?
Steam is usually the better choice: 5 of 7 common Steam gift cards cost more than their face value in key shops. €20 of credit costs from €19.99, €50 from €53.25, and €100 from €103.34 (as of 11 Nov 2026). On Steam you always pay exactly the face value.
Is €50 of Steam credit cheaper in a key shop?
No. €50 of Steam credit costs from €53.25 at G2A in key shops today, which is €3.25 more than on Steam (as of 11 Nov 2026).
What does a €100 Steam gift card cost in a price comparison?
A €100 card costs from €103.34 at GameSeal in key shops today (as of 11 Nov 2026). We compared 11 offers from 6 shops. On Steam you pay €100.
Does Steam credit from another country work?
Steam says in its help that redemption is limited to the currency of your Steam wallet. So for a German account you need a card in euros.