Steam has announced that it will gradually phase out the program for physical Steam Gift Cards sold in stores during 2026.
According to the official statement, the reason for this decision is fraud related to gift cards. Valve states that scammers have been using gift cards from major brands, including Steam, to exploit users around the world for years.
Over the years, they have tried to reduce the number of frauds through various measures, including collaboration with retailers and law enforcement, adding warnings on the cards, limiting the availability of the cards, and removing cards from sale in cases of suspicious activity. Despite this, they report that scammers have adapted to the new rules and continued to use the system for fraud.
The cards currently on store shelves will not be pulled from sale, but once the existing stock is sold out, Valve will no longer replenish them. Most stores are expected to run out of stock by the end of 2026.
It is important to emphasize that users can still use the existing physical Steam Gift Cards they already own.
Digital Steam Gift Cards remain available, and Valve states that it continues to work on improving the digital gifting experience. Users will still be able to purchase and send digital gift cards to friends and family through Steam.
