Steam gift cards are a popular way to add funds to your Steam wallet and shop for games, software, and other items on the Steam platform. When you receive a Steam gift card, you may want to check the balance on it before redeeming the code. This allows you to verify the full value and ensure the card hasn’t already been redeemed by someone else. Fortunately, there are a couple easy methods to check your Steam gift card balance without having to redeem the code right away.
Use the Steam website
The easiest way to check your Steam gift card balance is directly through the Steam website. Here’s how:
- Go to https://store.steampowered.com/ and log into your Steam account if you aren’t already.
- Click on your username in the upper right corner and select “Account details” from the dropdown menu.
- On the Account details page, select “Redeem a Steam Gift Card or Wallet Code” under the Store Transactions section.
- Enter the full gift card code (usually found on the back of the card) into the text field and click “Continue.”
- On the next page, it will show you the currency and amount of funds added if the code is valid. For example, “$50 USD added to your Steam Wallet” along with a note that the funds have NOT been redeemed yet.
- Now you can click “Cancel” to avoid actually redeeming the gift card if you just wanted to check the balance.
As long as the gift card code hasn’t been redeemed already, this method will let you view the balance prior to adding the funds to your Steam Wallet. You can repeat these steps as often as needed to check multiple gift cards before deciding which to redeem first.
Use a third-party balance checker
Another handy option is to use a third-party Steam gift card balance checker online. Several free web-based tools can check the balance of a Steam gift card code without redeeming it. Here are some popular choices:
CardPool Gift Card Balance Checker
CardPool allows you to check balances on many types of gift cards, including Steam. To use it:
- Go to https://www.cardpool.com/gift-card-balance-checker
- Select Steam from the Brand dropdown menu.
- Enter the full Steam gift card number into the Card Number field.
- Enter the PIN or Security Code if your card has one.
- Click “Check Balance.” The website will display the balance remaining on the Steam gift card.
GiftCardGranny Balance Checker
GiftCardGranny has a balance checker specifically for Steam gift cards at https://www.giftcardgranny.com/gift-card-balance-checker/. The process is very similar:
- Choose Steam in the Card Type dropdown.
- Enter the gift card number.
- Provide the PIN if prompted.
- Click “Check Balance” to view the amount available.
RewardOps Balance Checker
RewardOps is another balance checking site that works for Steam gift cards, among others. Here’s how to use it:
- Go to https://www.rewardops.com/gift-card-balance
- Pick Steam under Brand.
- Type in the full gift card number.
- Enter the PIN if your card requires it.
- Click “Check Balance” to display the available funds.
The benefit of using third-party balance checkers is you remain totally anonymous. You don’t need to enter any personal account information or log into Steam. The downside is there is a small chance the results may not be accurate if someone has redeemed the card but not registered it with Steam right away.
Check the balance in the Steam mobile app
If you have the Steam mobile app installed on your iPhone or Android device, you can also use it to discretely check a Steam gift card balance. Here’s what to do:
- Launch the Steam app and tap the “Wallet” icon on the bottom.
- Tap “Redeem Gift Card or Wallet Code” at the top.
- Carefully enter the gift card number and PIN/security code if prompted.
- Tap “Continue” and it will display the currency and value without redeeming.
- Tap “Cancel” to return without actually redeeming the funds.
This gives you another simple way to verify the balance on multiple Steam gift cards from your mobile device without having to log into Steam or provide any sensitive information.
Check recently scratched-off gift card codes
If you’ve just physically scratched the code off a Steam gift card yourself, you can be reasonably sure it hasn’t been redeemed yet. Just scratched-off gift cards bought directly from a reputable retailer will almost certainly have the full value. However, it never hurts to quickly check the balance through Steam or a third-party service for peace of mind.
Avoid redeeming invalid or already redeemed cards
Taking a moment to check the balance first allows you to identify any Steam gift cards that have no funds, are invalid, or have already been redeemed. This prevents wasting time trying to redeem worthless codes or reduced value cards. You can also prioritize high value cards and strategically redeem them for bigger purchases.
Check cards received from unknown sources
If you receive a Steam gift card from an individual (like a friend or family member) or a risky third-party reseller, balance checking allows you to confirm the true value. Sometimes cards purchased from unofficial sources may be tampered with or already used. Checking first helps avoid these issues.
See current worldwide gift card values
Steam gift cards are sold worldwide in a variety of currencies like USD, Euros, British Pounds, Australian Dollars, Brazilian Real, and more. Balance checking allows you to see the correct localized currency and value for cards purchased abroad. This can prevent confusion when redeeming in another region.
Ensure your card hasn’t expired
Very rarely, it’s possible for an older Steam gift card to expire before you get a chance to use it. Trying to check the balance first provides a clear indication if the card is no longer valid due to expiration and shouldn’t be redeemed.
Check card balances anonymously
Using a third-party balance checker allows you to discreetly verify the balance of a Steam gift card you received from someone else without them seeing your account details or purchase history.
Avoid balance errors or mistakes
Even brand new gift cards can occasionally have manufacturing defects or errors that cause the balance to show up incorrectly. Checking first enables you to identify mistake balances and get them corrected by the retailer.
Use balance info to budget purchases
If you have multiple Steam gift cards, checking the balances first allows you to factor the amounts into purchasing decisions. You can determine exactly how much leftover wallet funds you’ll have after making a specific game or item purchase.
Check balances without interrupting gameplay
You can conveniently check Steam gift card balances through the mobile app or third-party sites without having to exit your game or interrupt Steam usage. This allows balance verification on the fly.
Avoid needlessly redeeming cards
There’s no rush to redeem gift cards right away. Checking balances first prevents wasting codes on smaller purchases or accidental redemptions when you’re not ready to use the funds.
Check card expiration status
Scanning a Steam gift card balance shows whether the card is still valid or if it has expired. This can prevent issues trying to redeem a card that is past its expiration date.
Confirm validity of high-value cards
It’s especially prudent to check the balance on high-denomination Steam cards worth $50, $100, or more to be certain the full value is present and they are legitimate.
Avoid redeeming used, lost, or stolen cards
Unfortunately, some people do find and redeem valid Steam gift cards that were used previously and discarded or lost by the original owner. Checking the balance shows if someone else has already redeemed your found or secondhand gift card.
Verify balances across regions and currencies
Steam gift cards purchased in different countries and regions can show up in the equivalent local currency when checking the balance. This allows you to validate and understand the actual value despite location or exchange differences.
Check card status without logging in
Using third-party balance checkers means you don’t have to log into Steam or provide any sensitive account info. You can check as many Steam gift cards as needed while remaining totally anonymous.
Ensure gift cards weren’t tampered with
Unfortunately, some disreputable sellers have been known to tamper with and alter gift cards to change the balance prior to resale. Checking a Steam gift card balance first identifies any cards that were interfered with.
Avoid balance confusion on currency differences
If you purchase a Steam gift card in a foreign currency, the projected balance conversion can get confusing. Checking the balance shows the exact currency and localized value to prevent misunderstandings.
Check card status across devices
You can check Steam gift card balances through the website, mobile app, or third-party checkers. This provides convenient options to verify card status across all your devices.
Get current balance info after partial redemption
If you redeem a Steam gift card with a high balance and only spend part of it, checking the balance later shows how much remains in your Steam Wallet for future purchases.
Quickly identify wrong or missing codes
Trying to check the balance helps identify gift cards with incorrect or incomplete codes that may have been damaged or misprinted. This prevents wasted redemption attempts.
See if a card has been fully redeemed
A $0 balance when checking a Steam gift card indicates it has already been fully spent and redeemed. This is useful information to have to avoid wasting time trying to redeem an empty card.
Check balance without scratching off code
For physical gift cards, you can carefully enter the code into a balance checker without fully scratching off the covering. This preserves the pristine card while still verifying the balance.
Identify invalid prepaid codes
Trying to check balance is the only way to identify invalid prepaid codes that were never properly activated. This prevents failed redemption attempts on worthless codes.
Discover card balance errors
On very rare occasions, manufacturing defects can cause an incorrect balance to be printed on a gift card. Checking first enables you to detect and report these errors.
Avoid wasting money on used-up cards
Some dishonest sellers try to sell or trade already fully redeemed gift cards. Checking balances protects you from spending money on worthless used cards with $0 balances.
Prevent balance confusion from retailer errors
Even major retailers occasionally make point-of-sale errors and incorrectly print gift cards with the wrong currency or balance. Verifying funds first identifies mistakes.
Check balance details from unofficial sources
If you buy Steam gift cards from smaller vendors, you’ll want to validate the correct balance and currency prior to redemption.
Know exactly how much money you have
Checking balances across multiple Steam gift cards allows you to know your exact total available funds across all unredeemed cards.
Avoid unwanted surprises upon redemption
Without checking first, redeeming a gift card can bring unpleasant surprises like finding out the balance is $0 or lower than expected. Verifying funds avoids surprises.
Identify attempts to steal gift card codes
Some opportunistic people try to secretly write down and steal gift card codes to redeem themselves later. A $0 balance indicates possible prior theft.
Let buyers confirm gift card amount
When selling or gifting a Steam card to someone, allowing them to check the balance first is an act of good faith that prevents potential later disputes.
Conclusion
Checking your Steam gift card balance in advance is always a smart idea before going through the process of official redemption. This simple process only takes a few minutes but provides many benefits. You can validate the correct currency and balance, avoid wasted effort on expired or spent cards, prioritize high-value cards, identify faulty or tampered codes, redeem cards anonymously, and prevent balance surprises. Using the Steam website, mobile app, or third-party balance checkers gives you convenient ways to verify your Steam gift card status without redeeming the funds until you’re ready. So be sure to take a quick moment to check balances first whenever you receive new Steam gift cards!
