Valve will stop selling Steam gift cards by the end of 2026 to prevent their misuse in scams.

Valve has announced that it will cease production of physical Steam gift cards for sale in brick-and-mortar stores, and expects to run out of stock by the end of 2026. Physical Steam gift cards were a way for users to purchase Steam balance with cash without using bank accounts or credit cards, but the reason for discontinuing them is that they were frequently used for fraud.

Steam Support :: Steam Wallet
https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/78E3-7431-1E88-AD59#retailers

Valve kills its retail gift card program due to scammers - Ars Technica
https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2026/06/valve-kills-its-retail-gift-card-program-due-to-scammers/

Valve to discontinue physical Steam gift cards by the end of 2026 due to scammers — says nefarious actors continue to exploit them despite years of restrictions | Tom's Hardware
https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/pc-gaming/valve-to-discontinue-physical-steam-gift-cards-by-the-end-of-2026-due-to-scammers-says-nefarious-actors-continue-to-exploit-them-despite-years-of-restrictions

Physical Steam gift cards were introduced in 2012 and have been used as a way to add funds to your Steam wallet with cash. As PC game sales shifted to digital distribution, they were one of the few payment methods connecting Steam with physical stores. They are also sold in Japan at retailers such as electronics stores and convenience stores.

According to Valve, a scam is rampant in which victims are tricked into purchasing gift cards and then sharing their card information and security PINs. The stolen information is then sold at a discount on the black market and misused as a highly anonymous and difficult-to-trace payment method.

Valve had previously taken measures such as collaborating with retailers and law enforcement agencies, restricting redemption and sales regions, and including warnings on the cards, including a notice stating, 'Do not share your PIN via email, social media, or phone.' However, they stated that they decided to terminate the Steam gift card program for physical stores because 'fraudsters continue to adapt despite stricter regulations.'

While physical gift cards have been a major sales success for Valve, they also represent a significant burden due to printing, shipping, and fraud prevention measures. Now that the limitations of their fraud prevention measures have become clear, Valve will be withdrawing from in-store gift card sales.

Existing physical cards will remain redeemable, and existing stock in stores will continue to be sold. Digital gift cards that can be purchased and sent via Steam will also continue to be available, and the option to add funds to your Steam balance using certain prepaid debit cards will also remain.