My gift card just refuses to redeem..

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bagelussy Nov 5, 2024 @ 3:39am

So, a few days earlier i bought a 20 euro steam gift card in a store next to me. And it just doesn't work. Seriously, i've tried everything. I have moved a few years ago from Ukraine to Germany, and it is not my first time buying a gift card here. It always worked, i bought a gift card like 3 times already and it always worked, but now - nothing. Not even the Steam support could help me, i have explained the whole situation to them. (my friend had the same problem, but i thought it's something with his own account, because my cards always worked....)

The error message is the very normal one, as if the code didn't ever even exist. (check if the code is correct or it wasn't activated yet..) I do have the receipt, and it clearly says that the card is activated. Just, nothing helps... what can i possibly do? did i like get scammed :nerd:

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Showing 1-15 of 15 comments

Aluvard Nov 5, 2024 @ 3:46am

Try to do it via browser instead of client.

bagelussy Nov 5, 2024 @ 3:55am

Originally posted by Aluvard:
Try to do it via browser instead of client.

nice try but no it doesn't work.. even deleted all cookies, still same error

J4MESOX4D Nov 5, 2024 @ 3:57am

What was Steam Support's actual response?

bagelussy Nov 5, 2024 @ 4:24am

Originally posted by J4MESOX4D:
What was Steam Support's actual response?

basically, the respond was just what it says in the error. obvious stuff. like try to make sure if the code is correct, make sure the card was purchased in your region, etc... then i replied to that saying that all is correct and the card should work, but it just doesn't POSSIBLY a bug. then another reply came from them, saying that they can't help, and i should ask for help from the seller and they're closing the support request. Also, i did not go to the store where i purchased the card to ask for help, idk..

Ogami Nov 5, 2024 @ 4:40am

You are not the first one with this problem this week. I seen a few threads of users with the same problem and it always involved Ukrainian Steam accounts.

Last edited by Ogami; Nov 5, 2024 @ 4:40am

bagelussy Nov 5, 2024 @ 4:46am

Originally posted by Ogami:
You are not the first one with this problem this week. I seen a few threads of users with the same problem and it always involved Ukrainian Steam accounts.

i haven't checked threads but i can imagine, yeah.. thanks for the info tho, cus my friend i mentioned is from ukraine too, same situation..

Ogami Nov 5, 2024 @ 4:50am

I suspect they deactivated the redeeming of non Ukrainian currency cards on Ukrainian accounts.
Normally you cant redeem cards with a different currency then the steam store your account is using, that was introduced a few years ago.
There were a few exceptions like Ukraine but maybe they now enforce the rule?
Steam is really bad in communicating changes like that, they just do it and thats it.

If this is the case you have two options, since you now live in Germany switch to the German Steam Store, the Euro card will definitely work there.
OR you have to buy Steam Wallet cards in Ukrainain hryvnia.

Last edited by Ogami; Nov 5, 2024 @ 4:51am

bagelussy Nov 5, 2024 @ 4:59am

Originally posted by Ogami:
I suspect they deactivated the redeeming of non Ukrainian currency cards on Ukrainian accounts.
Normally you cant redeem cards with a different currency then the steam store your account is using, that was introduced a few years ago.
There were a few exceptions like Ukraine but maybe they now enforce the rule?
Steam is really bad in communicating changes like that, they just do it and thats it.

If this is the case you have two options, since you now live in Germany switch to the German Steam Store, the Euro card will definitely work there.
OR you have to buy Steam Wallet cards in Ukrainain hryvnia.

the code redeeming page says that the cards currency will be converted to your store currency, and that's what always been happening to me, i redeemed 20 euros and got 900~ hryvnyas. And as of right now, i don't have the option to switch to German Steam store, cus i don't have a credit/bank card myself yet

Ogami Nov 5, 2024 @ 5:06am

Originally posted by bagelussy:
the code redeeming page says that the cards currency will be converted to your store currency, and that's what always been happening to me,

They never changed the message which they really should do but if you look at the FAQ:

Yes. We have made some changes to how Steam Wallet Codes are redeemed on Steam, as part of our ongoing effort to reduce scams like the ones explained here. These changes should not impact regular customers who enjoy using Steam wallet codes they purchase at retail in their local currency.

Each Steam User Account is associated with a specific currency, which you can see in the top right corner of your Steam Client. Going forward, you may encounter an error if you try to activate a Steam Wallet Code issued in a different currency than the one of your Steam User Account.

bagelussy Nov 5, 2024 @ 5:15am

Originally posted by Ogami:
Originally posted by bagelussy:
the code redeeming page says that the cards currency will be converted to your store currency, and that's what always been happening to me,

They never changed the message which they really should do but if you look at the FAQ:

Yes. We have made some changes to how Steam Wallet Codes are redeemed on Steam, as part of our ongoing effort to reduce scams like the ones explained here. These changes should not impact regular customers who enjoy using Steam wallet codes they purchase at retail in their local currency.

Each Steam User Account is associated with a specific currency, which you can see in the top right corner of your Steam Client. Going forward, you may encounter an error if you try to activate a Steam Wallet Code issued in a different currency than the one of your Steam User Account.

i've read this, makes sense i guess but bruh man what do i do it was fine before but what about now? i thought steam support could add funds to your wallet (amazon support does that) but no, they're just here to give info i guess

#10

Ogami Nov 5, 2024 @ 5:32am

Originally posted by bagelussy:
i've read this, makes sense i guess but bruh man what do i do it was fine before but what about now? i thought steam support could add funds to your wallet (amazon support does that) but no, they're just here to give info i guess

Maybe wait a few days and try again? Maybe its just a bug and it resolves itself after a while.
But could also be a permanent change.
Again, Valve is generally VERY bad at communicating changes like this, as in AT ALL.

Last edited by Ogami; Nov 5, 2024 @ 5:32am

#11

bagelussy Nov 5, 2024 @ 5:37am

Originally posted by Ogami:
Originally posted by bagelussy:
i've read this, makes sense i guess but bruh man what do i do it was fine before but what about now? i thought steam support could add funds to your wallet (amazon support does that) but no, they're just here to give info i guess

Maybe wait a few days and try again? Maybe its just a bug and it resolves itself after a while.
But could also be a permanent change.
Again, Valve is generally VERY bad at communicating changes like this, as in AT ALL.

okay, thank you very much for the info

#12