How to turn a Steam gift card into real money
Steam is a one-way street: money goes into your Steam Wallet, never back out. That's why the moment that matters is before you redeem the card. Unredeemed, it can still become money in your account.
Updated 2 min read
Why redeemed Steam money is stuck
Steam Wallet funds can only be spent on Steam. Selling items on the Steam Community Market pays you in more Wallet funds, not cash. And selling or sharing accounts breaks Steam's rules, so there's no safe way to cash out a balance.
An unredeemed card is different
A Steam gift card or digital code that nobody has added to an account still has its full value, and it can be sold. You'll need:
- The code: 15 characters, often in three groups of five, under the scratch strip or in the email.
- The card's country and currency, printed on the card or the receipt.
- The amount on the card.
Mistakes that cost the most
- Redeeming it "just to check" the balance. From that second it's Wallet money.
- Sharing a photo of the card on a forum or a group chat. If the code is readable, it's gone.
- Buying an "account with balance" or selling yours. Steam can lock accounts that are traded.
Questions
Can I withdraw money from my Steam Wallet?
No. Steam doesn't let you take Wallet funds out.
Can I sell a Steam card from another country?
Yes, if it's unredeemed. Choose the country the card is for.
How fast do I get paid?
A person checks every card first. Most orders are paid the same day.