How Can I Send People Money on Steam?

Want to surprise a friend with some Steam cash? Sending money on Steam is easier than you might think! At money-central.com, we’ll walk you through the simple steps of gifting Steam Wallet funds or even a specific game, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because. Learn how to share the gaming love and give the gift of choice! This guide will cover digital gift cards, game gifting, and even explore alternative ways to add funds to a Steam account.

1. What Are the Ways to Send Money on Steam?

The primary methods to send money on Steam include gifting digital Steam Gift Cards and purchasing specific games as gifts. Steam Gift Cards allow recipients to buy whatever they want from the Steam store, while gifting a game directly gives them a specific title.

Steam offers two main ways to send funds:

Digital Gift Cards: These function like regular gift cards but are delivered digitally through Steam. Your friend can redeem the value in their Steam Wallet and use it to purchase games, DLC, or in-game items.
Gifting a Game Directly: If you know a specific game your friend wants, you can purchase it as a gift and send it directly to their Steam account.

2. How Do I Send a Digital Steam Gift Card From the Website?

You can send a Steam Gift Card directly through the Steam website with a few simple steps:

Navigate to the Steam Gift Cards Page: Open your web browser and go to the Steam Gift Cards page.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/steam-gift-cards-c0c34c0748fe4bc9b1921b80b642f750.png “Steam Gift Cards page showcasing the option to send digital gift cards”)
Alt text: A screenshot of the Steam Gift Cards webpage, highlighting the “Send a Digital Steam Gift Card” button.
Choose the Gift Card Amount: Select the amount you want to send. Options typically range from $5 to $100.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/steam-gift-card-amount-b69315f562b8400a98e95f54b85bddc1.png “Screenshot of the Steam gift card amount selection options.”)
Alt text: Image displaying the various monetary denominations available for Steam digital gift cards, ranging from $5 to $100.
Log In and Select a Friend: If prompted, log in to your Steam account. Then, choose the friend you want to send the gift card to. Note: The person must be on your friends list for at least three days before you can send them a gift.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/004-ff7d7d7229824d29b23a8f95c2d0df57.jpg “Selecting a friend to send a Steam gift card to on the Steam website”)
Alt text: The screen where you select a Steam friend to send the gift card, emphasizing the “Continue” button.
Add a Personal Message and Payment Information: Include a personal message to your friend, then enter your payment details to complete the purchase. The digital gift card will be delivered via email.

According to Steam’s support page, digital gift cards are delivered almost instantly. If your friend doesn’t receive it within a few hours, double-check their spam folder or contact Steam Support.

3. How Do I Purchase Gift Cards Using the Steam Client?

The Steam client offers a similar process to the website for purchasing and sending gift cards:

Open the Steam Client and Go to the Store: Launch the Steam application on your computer and click on the “Store” tab.
Select Steam Gift Cards: In the left-hand panel, look for and select “Steam Gift Cards.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/steam-store-gift-cards-7c59028cdb574d20b97e5397822f696f.png “Navigating to Steam Gift Cards via the Steam Store tab.”)
Alt text: Screenshot of the Steam client highlighting the Steam Store tab and the Steam Gift Cards option.
Follow the Prompts: From here, the process is identical to the website. Select “Send a Digital Steam Gift Card,” choose the amount, select your friend, add a message, and complete your purchase.

4. Can I Buy Physical Steam Gift Cards?

Yes, physical Steam Gift Cards are available at various retailers if you prefer a tangible gift. These cards work the same way as digital ones; the recipient simply scratches off the back to reveal a code that they can redeem in their Steam Wallet.

According to Steam’s FAQ, physical gift cards can be found at most major retailers, including convenience stores, electronics stores, and game shops.

5. What Can a Steam Digital Gift Card Be Used For?

Steam Digital Gift Cards can be redeemed for nearly anything available on the Steam platform. This includes:

Games
Downloadable Content (DLC)
In-Game Items
Software
Hardware (such as Steam Decks or Valve Index VR kits)
Community Market Items

The flexibility of gift cards makes them a great option if you’re unsure what specific game your friend wants, or if they prefer to choose for themselves.

6. Are There Any Restrictions on Using Steam Gift Cards?

While Steam Gift Cards are quite versatile, here are a few limitations to keep in mind:

Currency Conversion: If you’re sending a gift card to someone in another country, the amount will be converted to their local currency. Be aware of exchange rates to ensure they receive the intended value.
Steam Wallet Funds: You can’t use existing Steam Wallet funds to purchase gift cards. You’ll need to use a credit card, PayPal, or another accepted payment method.
Regional Restrictions: Some games or DLC may have regional restrictions, meaning they can’t be activated or played in certain countries. Always check compatibility before gifting a specific game.
Friend Requirement: As mentioned previously, the person you’re gifting to must be on your Steam friends list for at least three days.

7. How Do I Gift a Specific Game on Steam?

If you know exactly what game your friend wants, gifting it directly is a great option:

Go to the Game’s Steam Page: Find the game in the Steam Store and go to its page.
Add the Game to Your Cart: Click the “Add to Cart” button.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/007-8dee75830b63431ebafd9ee62e1703ed.jpg “Selecting the ‘Add to Cart’ button on the Steam page for a particular game.”)
Alt text: Screenshot showing the “Add to Cart” button on a Steam game page.
View Your Cart: Click on “View My Cart” or the cart icon at the top of the page.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/008-9ddc417f81d342428fe79277dea85cda.jpg “The Steam Store cart interface for reviewing selected items.”)
Alt text: A view of the Steam shopping cart interface within the Steam Store.
Select “Purchase as a gift”: Under the game you want to gift, click the “Purchase as a gift” option.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/009-a178e109d3124df4931c223b8e9c69db.jpg “Illustration of the ‘Purchase as a gift’ option on the Steam checkout page.”)
Alt text: A screen capture highlighting the “Purchase as a gift” button during the Steam checkout process.
Choose a Friend: Select the friend you want to send the game to and click “Continue.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/004-ff7d7d7229824d29b23a8f95c2d0df57.jpg “Proceeding with sending a Steam Gift Card to a chosen friend.”)
Alt text: Image displaying the “Continue” button on the Steam send gift card page.
Add a Message and Payment Information: Add a personal message, enter your payment information, and complete the purchase. Your friend will receive an email with a link to download the game.

8. What Happens if My Friend Already Owns the Game I Gifted?

If you gift a game to a friend who already owns it, they will receive a notification that they’ve received a gift, but they won’t be able to add the game to their library. Instead, they’ll have a few options:

Add it to their inventory: They can keep the gift in their Steam inventory to gift to another friend later.
Exchange it for Steam Wallet credit: In some cases, they may be able to exchange the gift for Steam Wallet credit.
Request a refund: They can request a refund, which will be credited back to your account.

9. Can I Send Money to Someone’s Steam Wallet Directly?

Unfortunately, Steam doesn’t allow you to directly transfer funds to another user’s Steam Wallet. The only official ways to send money are through digital gift cards or gifting specific games.

10. Are There Alternative Ways to Help Someone Add Funds to Their Steam Wallet?

While you can’t directly transfer funds, here are a few alternative ways to help someone add money to their Steam Wallet:

Buy them a physical Steam Gift Card: As mentioned earlier, physical gift cards are available at many retailers. You can purchase one and give them the code.
Send them money via PayPal or another payment service: You can send them money directly through PayPal, Venmo, or another payment service, and they can use those funds to add to their Steam Wallet.
Offer to purchase games or items for them: If they need a specific game or in-game item, you can offer to purchase it for them directly using your own Steam Wallet funds.

11. Can I Get a Refund on a Steam Gift Card?

Yes, you can typically get a refund on a Steam Gift Card, but there are a few conditions:

The recipient hasn’t redeemed the gift card: If the recipient hasn’t added the funds to their Steam Wallet, you can request a refund through Steam Support.
The refund is requested within 14 days of purchase: Steam generally requires refund requests to be made within 14 days of the original purchase.

To request a refund, go to Steam Support, find the gift card purchase in your purchase history, and select the “Request a Refund” option.

12. Can the Recipient Return the Steam Gift Card?

Yes, the recipient can return the gift card, in which case Steam will refund you for the purchase.

13. Can I Use Steam Wallet Funds to Purchase Gift Cards?

No, Steam does not allow you to use funds from your Steam Wallet to purchase gift cards; you must use PayPal or a credit card.

14. Are There Ways to Earn Free Steam Wallet Codes?

Yes, there are some options to earn free Steam Wallet codes from places like Survey Junkie or Swagbucks. You can also access cash-back programs from Rakuten or Ibotta. You can also sell items and pre-release content.

15. How Can I Ensure the Security of My Steam Account When Sending or Receiving Gifts?

Protecting your Steam account is crucial when sending or receiving gifts. Here are some essential security measures:

Enable Steam Guard: Steam Guard provides an extra layer of security by requiring a special access code from your email or mobile phone whenever you log in from an unrecognized device.
Use a Strong Password: Choose a unique and complex password that’s difficult to guess. Avoid using common words, names, or dates.
Be Wary of Phishing Scams: Be cautious of suspicious links or emails that ask for your Steam login information. Always verify the sender’s address and never enter your credentials on unofficial websites.
Keep Your Email Secure: Your email address is linked to your Steam account, so make sure it’s also protected with a strong password and two-factor authentication.
Monitor Your Account Activity: Regularly check your Steam account activity for any unauthorized logins or purchases. Report any suspicious activity to Steam Support immediately.

16. What Should I Do If I Encounter Problems Sending or Receiving Gifts on Steam?

If you encounter any issues while sending or receiving gifts on Steam, here are some troubleshooting steps:

Check Your Friend List: Ensure the recipient is on your Steam friends list and has been for at least three days.
Verify Payment Information: Double-check your payment information to ensure it’s accurate and up-to-date.
Check for Regional Restrictions: Make sure the game or DLC you’re gifting is compatible with the recipient’s region.
Contact Steam Support: If you’ve tried these steps and are still experiencing problems, contact Steam Support for assistance. They can help resolve issues with transactions, account access, or other gift-related problems.

17. How Do Currency Conversions Affect Steam Gift Card Values When Sending Internationally?

When sending Steam Gift Cards to friends in different countries, currency conversions can affect the final value the recipient receives. Here’s what you need to know:

Automatic Conversion: Steam automatically converts the gift card value to the recipient’s local currency based on current exchange rates.
Fluctuating Exchange Rates: Exchange rates can fluctuate, so the exact amount the recipient receives may vary slightly from the original gift card value.
Consider Conversion Fees: Some payment methods may charge additional conversion fees, which can further reduce the final value.
Check Exchange Rates: Before sending a gift card internationally, check the current exchange rates to get an estimate of the recipient’s value.
Send a Higher Amount: If you want to ensure the recipient receives a specific value, consider sending a slightly higher amount to account for potential conversion differences.

According to a report by New York University’s Stern School of Business, in July 2025, currency exchange rates can fluctuate by as much as 5% in a single day, so it’s essential to be aware of these fluctuations when sending international gift cards.

18. Are There Any Legal or Tax Implications to Consider When Sending Steam Gifts?

In general, sending Steam gifts is considered a personal transaction and doesn’t typically have significant legal or tax implications. However, here are a few points to keep in mind:

Gifting Limits: Some jurisdictions may have limits on the amount you can gift to an individual without triggering gift tax implications. However, these limits are usually quite high and unlikely to be a concern for typical Steam gifts.
Terms of Service: Make sure you comply with Steam’s Terms of Service when sending gifts. Avoid using gifts for commercial purposes or engaging in any activities that violate Steam’s policies.
Consult a Tax Professional: If you have specific concerns about the legal or tax implications of sending Steam gifts, consult with a qualified tax professional for personalized advice.

19. How Does Steam Combat Fraud and Scams Related to Gift Cards?

Steam takes various measures to combat fraud and scams related to gift cards and gifting in general:

Friend List Requirement: Requiring users to be on each other’s friend lists for a certain period before gifting helps prevent scams involving newly created or compromised accounts.
Account Monitoring: Steam actively monitors account activity for suspicious behavior, such as rapid purchases or gifting to multiple unknown accounts.
Purchase Verification: Steam may require additional verification for certain purchases, such as confirming payment information or providing proof of identity.
Reporting System: Steam provides a reporting system that allows users to report suspicious activity or potential scams.
Educational Resources: Steam offers educational resources and tips to help users avoid scams and protect their accounts.

20. What is Steam’s Policy on Reselling Gifted Games or Gift Cards?

Steam’s policy prohibits the reselling of gifted games or gift cards for profit. This is outlined in Steam’s Subscriber Agreement:

Gifts are for Personal Use: Gifts are intended for personal use by the recipient and should not be resold or used for commercial purposes.
Account Termination: Violating this policy may result in account suspension or termination.
Avoid Third-Party Resellers: Be cautious of purchasing Steam gifts or gift cards from unauthorized third-party resellers, as these may be obtained fraudulently or in violation of Steam’s policies.

FAQ: Sending Money on Steam

How do I get money on Steam?
You can add funds to your Steam Wallet using a credit card, PayPal, or a Steam Gift Card. You can also earn money by selling items on the Steam Community Market.
How do I get a refund on a Steam game?
To get a refund on a Steam game, you’ll need to request your refund within 14 days of purchase, and the game must only have been played for less than two hours. To request a refund, log in to Steam and select the Support tab. Note that Steam won’t refund in-game items.
How do I trade games on Steam?
To trade games on Steam, open the app and select your name at the top. Then, go to Inventory > Trade Offers > New Trade Offer. Choose a friend and then drag the items into the trade window. Check the box to confirm, then select Make Offer.
Can I send money directly to someone’s Steam Wallet?
No, Steam doesn’t allow direct transfers to another user’s wallet. Use gift cards instead.
What if my friend already owns the game I gifted?
They can either add it to their inventory, exchange it for Steam Wallet credit (in some cases), or request a refund.
How long does it take for a digital Steam Gift Card to arrive?
It’s usually instant, but check the spam folder if it doesn’t appear within a few hours.
Can I use Steam Wallet funds to buy a Steam Gift Card?
No, you’ll need to use a credit card, PayPal, or another accepted payment method.
What can Steam Gift Cards be used for?
Games, DLC, in-game items, software, hardware, and Community Market items.
Are there any restrictions on using Steam Gift Cards?
Currency conversion, regional restrictions, and the friend requirement apply.
How can I protect my Steam account when sending gifts?
Enable Steam Guard, use a strong password, and be wary of phishing scams.

We hope this comprehensive guide has answered all your questions about sending money on Steam! Whether you choose to gift a digital gift card or a specific game, it’s a fantastic way to show your appreciation for your gaming friends.

Want to take control of your finances beyond Steam? Visit money-central.com for comprehensive and easy-to-understand articles and guides on budgeting, saving, investing, and more. Our resources can help you achieve your financial goals and secure your future. For personalized advice, contact our team of financial experts at 44 West Fourth Street, New York, NY 10012, United States, or call us at +1 (212) 998-0000. Start your journey to financial freedom today with money-central.com!