Valve to Discontinue Physical Steam Gift Cards by 2026
Photo: Tom's Hardware
Quick answer
Valve will phase out physical Steam gift cards by 2026 after years of battling fraudsters who exploit them despite security measures.
Valve has announced it will discontinue physical Steam gift cards. According to an official support page update, these cards will no longer be restocked in retail stores by the end of 2026. Remaining inventory will be sold out by the end of 2024, after which restocking will cease. Users with existing physical cards can still use them without restrictions, subject to local laws.
The decision stems from persistent scammer activity exploiting physical cards. Since their launch in 2012, Valve has implemented multiple protective measures: collaborating with retailers and law enforcement, adding fraud warnings on cards, restricting activation to local currency wallets, and temporarily removing cards from sale in high-fraud regions. However, scammers adapted to these restrictions, forcing Valve to abandon physical media entirely.
Despite discontinuing physical cards, the ability to gift Steam funds remains intact. Users can still purchase and send digital Steam Wallet gift cards via the platform. This move is part of Valve’s ongoing efforts to combat fraud and speculation, including the recent introduction of a pre-order system for the new Steam Controller to curb bot and reseller activity.
Common questions
- Why is Valve discontinuing physical Steam gift cards?
- The decision follows persistent scammer activity exploiting physical cards despite years of security measures and restrictions.
- Can I still use existing physical Steam gift cards?
- Yes, users can activate already purchased physical cards at any time, provided it complies with local regulations.
- Will digital Steam gift cards still be available?
- Yes, digital Steam Wallet gift cards will remain purchasable and sendable via the Steam platform.
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