How to buy games on Steam without a credit card

Buying games on Steam has become second nature to millions of players all over the world. However, one hurdle still stands in the way for some: not having a credit card. Maybe you’re a student without a line of credit, someone who prefers to keep financial data private, or just looking for an alternative payment method. 

With Steam, you’re not out of options. It has evolved into a flexible platform that caters to different users and regions. 

CashtoCode voucher on Steam 

CashtoCode is a method that’s gaining popularity. This is a prepaid voucher system that allows users to convert physical cash into online payment power. CashtoCode vouchers are especially attractive to people who want to avoid using bank accounts or digital wallets entirely. These vouchers can be purchased at physical retail locations or online, and they’re typically used to fund betting sites, online casinos like you can see here, and certain other entertainment platforms.

But can they be used on Steam? Not directly. As of now, Steam does not accept CashtoCode vouchers as a payment method at checkout. However, there’s a potential workaround. You can use CashtoCode to fund digital wallets or payment services that Steam accepts, such as Neteller. Once your CashtoCode balance is transferred into your Neteller account, you can then use Neteller to buy games on Steam—if this feature is supported in your region. It’s a slightly roundabout method, but it works for those committed to paying with cash indirectly. Be sure to check Steam’s region-specific payment policies first, as availability varies by country.

Using Steam wallet codes 

One of the most straightforward ways to buy games on Steam without a credit card is by using Steam Wallet codes. These are essentially prepaid gift cards designed for Steam purchases. Available at gaming stores, convenience shops, and major retailers, they come in various denominations and can be used to top up your Steam account.

Once you have a Steam Wallet code, you just need to log in to your Steam account, navigate to your account’s wallet section, and redeem the code. The balance appears instantly, and you can use it to buy any game, downloadable content, or in-game items. For people who want to give the gift of gaming or maintain tight control over spending, Steam Wallet codes are an ideal solution. Plus, they make excellent gifts.

Paying through PayPal and digital wallets 

If you don’t own a credit card but have access to a bank account or even some digital cash, PayPal and other digital wallets like Skrill and Neteller can bridge the gap. Steam supports PayPal in most regions, allowing you to make purchases without ever entering card details. You’ll need to create a PayPal account, link it to your bank account or fund it using other methods, and select PayPal as the payment method at checkout.

For users concerned about online privacy or security, PayPal adds a helpful layer of protection. It acts as a buffer between your sensitive financial information and online retailers. In case you’re making purchases on a shared computer or don’t want your card details lingering in browser autofill fields, this method is both safer and cleaner.

Other wallets like Skrill or WebMoney may be accepted, depending on your country. Steam customizes its accepted payment options based on geographic region, so it’s worth checking your account’s payment settings to see what’s available to you.

Buying through mobile payment services 

Depending on your mobile carrier and country, Steam may allow you to purchase games using your phone balance. This method typically appears as “Pay by Mobile” at checkout and is a blessing for users without access to traditional banking systems. Once selected, the charge is either deducted from your prepaid mobile balance or added to your next phone bill.

This method does come with limitations. Usually, there are low transaction caps to prevent abuse, and not all games or downloadable content may be eligible for purchase this way. Still, if you’re making a quick buy or topping up a game with small in-game transactions, it’s a smooth and instant solution. No financial accounts required, just your phone number.

Bank transfers and payment gateways 

In some regions, direct bank transfers are also an option. Steam partners with localized payment gateways to process these transactions securely. Services like iDEAL (Netherlands), Boleto (Brazil), and others provide a direct path from your bank account to your Steam Wallet or game checkout.

The advantage here is convenience and traceability. You won’t need a credit card, but you’ll need online banking credentials and a cooperative financial institution. Unlike instant purchases with cards or PayPal, bank transfers can take a few minutes to a few hours to clear, so patience may be required.

If you go this route, keep your transaction receipt handy. In the rare case that something goes wrong, having documentation makes customer service interactions much smoother.

Gift games from friends and family 

Sometimes, the simplest way around not having a credit card is to let someone else do the buying. Steam makes it easy to send games as gifts. If you have a friend or family member with a credit card, they can buy the game and send it directly to your Steam account via gifting.

This isn’t always sustainable in the long term, but it works great for birthdays, holidays, or the occasional favor. The best part? The gifted game appears in your library just as if you had bought it yourself, with full access to all features, updates, and content.

Crypto isn’t an official option–yet 

Cryptocurrency might seem like a logical way to buy digital goods, especially for tech-savvy gamers. However, Steam currently does not support Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any other cryptocurrencies. Valve, Steam’s parent company, previously accepted Bitcoin via a partnership with BitPay but discontinued it due to high volatility and transaction fees.

That said, third-party platforms and voucher resellers may offer Steam gift cards in exchange for crypto. These aren’t officially endorsed by Steam, so proceed with caution and do your research before using one. Always check the legitimacy of the platform and avoid sites with shady reviews or incomplete terms of service. Until Valve reopens the door to crypto, this method remains an unofficial workaround.

Third-party retailers and marketplaces 

Several reputable third-party marketplaces sell Steam game keys. Websites like Humble Bundle, Green Man Gaming, and Fanatical are known for their security and legitimacy. These platforms often offer alternative payment methods, sometimes including more region-specific options not available on Steam.

Once you buy a game key from one of these marketplaces, you can redeem it in Steam just like a normal game purchase. You’ll need to enter the product code in the “Activate a Product on Steam” section, and the game will appear in your library.

Just make sure you’re not shopping on grey-market sites that sell keys from unknown sources. Some of these platforms deal in stolen or unauthorized keys, which can result in your account being suspended or banned. Always choose authorized sellers with visible customer support and refund policies.

The game isn’t locked behind plastic 

Not having a credit card doesn’t mean you can’t explore the world of Steam games. From Steam Wallet codes and PayPal to mobile payments, prepaid cards, and even creative workarounds like using CashtoCode via Neteller, there are plenty of legitimate options. Each method comes with its own pros and limitations, so the right one for you depends on your region, tech comfort level, and preferred level of privacy.

Fetured image: Pixabay