Steam Gift Cards may be a go-to gift if you’re shopping for a PC gamer, but these physical cards have just been discontinued. Valve has confirmed that it is no longer restocking physical gift cards and expects retailers to be fully out of stock by the end of 2026. In a blog post, the company points towards scammers as the reason they have been canned.

Valve says it has “responded to gift card scams over the years” – but this doesn’t stop scammers from adapting. The Steam creator has actively worked with retailers and law enforcement, among other precautions, to counteract scams, but says the issue can never be fully resolved. Steam Digital Gift Cards will continue to operate as normal.

Existing Steam Gift Card stock should run out by the end of 2026

As Steam Gift Cards run out of stock at retail locations, we will not be restocking them. We expect all retailers to be out of stock by the end of 2026. Though we will no longer be selling physical gift cards, you will still have the ability to use your existing gift cards on Steam whenever you choose, subject to local laws.

We also continue to offer Steam Digital Gift Cards, and are working to make this an even better experience. Guest checkout, which we added last year, is another way for family members and friends to gift Steam users with a digital card anytime.

Valve is always looking to improve its Steam store in one way or another, but the removal of yet another buying option (after the whole PayPal payment fiasco last year) limits customers’ options. Either way, scammers have forced Valve’s hand – so if you’re looking to pick up a physical card right now, just know that stock is dwindling.

There have been other instances of Valve tackling anti-consumer behavior lately, after it launched the second-generation Steam Controller in May. Scalpers were hogging all the stock, forcing Valve to open a reservation queue that prioritizes trusted Steam accounts – we expect a similar program for the upcoming Steam Machine and Steam Frame.

About the Author

Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.