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Gaming

Steam wallet credit or a standalone game key, which should you buy

Por Redactie supercharge.com · publicado el 2026-01-02

Actualizado el 2026-01-18 · 6 min de lectura

Steam gift purchases come in two forms that often get mixed up: Steam wallet credit and a game key. They work quite differently, and which one you should buy depends on what you're trying to do.

What is Steam wallet credit

Steam wallet credit is a balance you add to your Steam account that you can spend freely on any game, dlc or in-game purchase in the Steam store. It's flexible, but the balance can't be moved between accounts and can't be cashed out.

What is a game key

A game key, sometimes called a CD key, is a unique code that unlocks one specific title in your Steam library. Once activated, the game is permanently tied to that account. Game keys are often cheaper than the store price because they're distributed through other channels.

When to choose which

Choose Steam wallet credit if you don't yet know which game you want, or if it's a gift for someone who'd rather pick for themselves. Choose a game key if you already know exactly which title you want and are hunting for the best price on that one game.

Risks with game keys

Only buy game keys from trustworthy sellers, since some keys originate in regions where Steam won't activate them, or come from fraudulent sources that get revoked later. Always check that the listing explicitly states the key works in your region.

Preguntas frecuentes

Can I exchange a game key for wallet credit?
No, a game key immediately activates a specific title and can't be converted into freely spendable Steam wallet credit.
Does Steam wallet credit work in every Steam region?
Credit is tied to your account's currency, so buy a code that matches your Steam account's region and currency.
Can Steam wallet credit be gifted to another account?
Yes, you can send credit as a gift to a friend's email address, and they add it to their own account themselves.

Comprar ahora

Los productos de los que habla esta guía, con los gastos de gestión visibles antes de pagar.

  • SteamDesde 5,00 €Sin costes de servicioVer
  • GOGDesde 10,00 €Sin costes de servicioVer
  • Epic GamesDesde 10,00 €Sin costes de servicioVer

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