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.
Domande frequenti
- 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.
