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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Steam says an approved refund will be issued within a week of approval. That clock does not start when you submit the request, and the time it takes your bank or payment provider to post the money is not covered by a universal estimate from Steam.
When does Steam’s refund timeframe start?
The published timeframe starts once Steam approves the request. Valve’s Refunds policy says, “You will be issued a full refund of your purchase within a week of approval.” It does not promise that every request will be reviewed or approved within a week of submission.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
GameStop Physical Gift Card | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Xbox Physical Gift Card | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
$100 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code] | $100.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Fortnite Physical Gift Card | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
$25 PlayStation Store Gift Card [Digital Code] | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Where will the refund go?
An approved refund may be returned to the original payment method if that method supports refunds. If Valve cannot refund that way, Steam says it will credit the amount to your Steam Wallet. The policy does not give a single bank-posting estimate that applies to every payment method.
| Refund destination | When it applies |
|---|---|
| Original payment method | When the payment method supports refunds, according to Valve’s Refunds policy. |
| Steam Wallet | When Valve cannot refund the purchase through the original payment method, according to Valve’s Refunds policy. |
Does your purchase qualify for a refund?
Games and software
For Steam games and software applications, the standard refund offer generally applies when you request within 14 days of purchase and have played for less than two hours. Steam says you can still submit a request outside those conditions for review; approval is not guaranteed.
#1 Best Overall
- Redeemable at US GameStop, EB Games, Babbage's, Electronic Boutique, EBX, Planet X, and Software Etc. stores. Also redeemable online at and GameStop.com and EBGames.com.
- Over 6,100 stores located throughout the United States.
- GameStop. Power to the Players.
- Redemption: Instore and Online
- No returns and no refunds on gift cards.
Other purchase types
DLC, in-game purchases, subscriptions, Steam Wallet funds, hardware, bundles, and gifts have separate conditions. Check the relevant section of Steam’s refund policy rather than assuming the games-and-software rules apply.
Purchases made outside Steam
Valve says it cannot refund purchases made outside Steam, including third-party CD keys and Steam Wallet cards.
Rank #2
- XBOX GIFT CARD: Buy full digital game downloads, game add-ons, in-game currency, memberships, devices, apps, movies, TV shows, and more.
- DIGITAL GAMES: Choose from hundreds of games, from AAA to indie options. Start playing the moment your most anticipated game is available when you pre-order and pre-download it.
- GAME AD-ONS: Extend the experience of your favorite games with add-ons and in-game currency.
- MOVIES & TV SHOWS: Rent or buy new and popular movies and TV shows from a massive library.
- PERFECT GIFT: Great as a gift for a friend or yourself. Xbox Gift Cards are easy to use, never expire, and give the freedom to pick the gift they want. Enjoy more ways to play without a credit card attached to your Microsoft account.
How to request a refund or get purchase help
Steam directs customers to Steam Support to request a refund or get help with a purchase. The policy’s one-week timeframe applies after approval, not necessarily from the moment you contact Support.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Redeem for anything on PlayStationStore: games, add-ons, PlayStationPlus and more.
- Everything you want to play. Choose from the largest library of PlayStation content.
- Use gift card funds to contribute towards PlayStationPlus memberships.
Rank #4
- An Epic Games account is required to redeem an Epic Games Store Card code
- If playing on a console platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch or Mobile) you need to link your Epic Games account to that gaming platform (one time) to redeem your gift card code
- The 16 digit code on the back of the card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly through your gaming platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, etc.)
- Note: Nintendo devices do not support Fortnite Shared Wallet, so V-Bucks purchased using your account balance will not show up on your Nintendo device. However, if you purchase items in the web Item Shop — or another platform where you play Fortnite — those items will be available in your Locker across all platforms.
- Redemption: Online
Rank #3
- THE PERFECT GAMING GIFT — Buy an XBOX Gift Card for yourself or a friend and let them choose the games, add‑ons, subscriptions, and accessories they want most.
- USE FOR GAMES & CONTENT — Redeem for thousands of digital XBOX games, from backward compatible classics to the latest new releases, plus DLC and in‑game currency.
- GAME PASS READY — Apply your balance toward XBOX Game Pass Ultimate to play new titles on day one* and access a library of hundreds of high‑quality console games.
- PRE‑ORDER & PRE‑INSTALL GAMES — Use your balance to pre‑order and pre‑download upcoming titles so you’re ready to play the moment they launch.
- NO FEES OR EXPIRATION — XBOX Gift Cards never expire and have no service fees, so your balance is ready whenever you are.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.




