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If you bought a Steam game because you thought it was already released, request a refund through Steam Help while signed in to the account that made the purchase. Steam lists mistaken purchases as a reason to request a refund, but approval depends on its review. For most games, the standard rule is to request within 14 days of purchase and have played for less than two hours.
How to submit the refund request
- Go to Steam Help and sign in to the account used to buy the game.
- Select Purchases.
- Choose the game purchase. If it does not appear in the purchase list, Steam says it is too far outside the refund window to use this route.
- Select the problem you are having with the product.
- Choose “I’d like to request a refund.”
- Complete and submit the form. In the explanation, say plainly that you bought the game because you believed it had launched and ask for a refund. Choose Steam Wallet or the original payment method from the drop-down if those options are offered.
- Look for an email confirming that Steam received the request, followed by another email after it has been processed.
Steam’s official guide directs customers to sign in and select Purchases to begin the process: How To Request A Refund.
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$500 Apple Gift Card—Email Delivery | $500.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Which refund rule applies to the game?
Steam’s policy, last updated April 23, 2024, says most game and software purchases are eligible for a refund request if submitted within 14 days of purchase and with less than two hours of playtime. Steam also says it may review requests outside those conditions. A mistaken belief that a game had launched is a reason you can give, not a guarantee of approval. See Steam Refunds.
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|---|---|
| Game was not playable before its release date | You can request a refund any time before release. The standard 14-day and two-hour period starts on the release date. |
| Early Access or Advanced Access game | Playtime before full release counts toward the two-hour limit. |
These distinctions matter if the game appeared on Steam before its release but was not yet playable, or if it offered access before full release. Check the game’s status and your playtime before submitting; the purchase date, release status, and account-specific details determine which timing rule is relevant.
#1 Best Overall
- Visa Virtual eGift Cards are designed for online use only. Gift Cards are subject to Terms and Conditions: a.co/5bw3qXJ
- When you access your Visa Virtual eGift Card for the first time, you’ll need to register your name, address, phone number, and email address via activationspot.com. These details should also be used as your billing address for online purchases, as many merchants require address verification for purchase authorization.
- This Visa Virtual eGift Card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Visa Virtual eGift Cards are emailed active.
- Funds do not expire but your Visa Virtual eGift Card has a ‘valid thru’ date (9 years from date of purchase). If funds remain after this date has passed, please call the Toll Free number found on your Visa Virtual eGift Card for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout.
- This item is not eligible for refund, resale, or return. Available for sale within the United States only. Not available to residents of Puerto Rico, Hawaii, New Mexico, South Dakota, West Virginia and the US Virgin Islands.
What happens if you are outside the usual limits?
Submit a request if the game is missing the standard conditions. Steam says it will review requests outside its ordinary rules, but it does not promise approval. Explain the misunderstanding accurately rather than suggesting that the game was unavailable or unplayable if that was not the case.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where will an approved refund go?
Steam says approved refunds are issued within a week. The form may offer a refund to your Steam Wallet or to the original payment method; some payment methods do not support a return to the original method. The options shown for your purchase determine what you can select.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Visa Virtual eGift Cards are designed for online use only. Gift Cards are subject to Terms and Conditions: a.co/5bw3qXJ
- When you access your Visa Virtual eGift Card for the first time, you’ll need to register your name, address, phone number, and email address via activationspot.com. These details should also be used as your billing address for online purchases, as many merchants require address verification for purchase authorization.
- This Visa Virtual eGift Card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Visa Virtual eGift Cards are emailed active.
- Funds do not expire but your Visa Virtual eGift Card has a ‘valid thru’ date (9 years from date of purchase). If funds remain after this date has passed, please call the Toll Free number found on your Visa Virtual eGift Card for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout.
- This item is not eligible for refund, resale, or return. Available for sale within the United States only. Not available to residents of Puerto Rico, Hawaii, New Mexico, South Dakota, West Virginia and the US Virgin Islands.
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Rank #3
- Visa Virtual eGift Cards are designed for online use only. Gift Cards are subject to Terms and Conditions: a.co/5bw3qXJ
- When you access your Visa Virtual eGift Card for the first time, you’ll need to register your name, address, phone number, and email address via activationspot.com. These details should also be used as your billing address for online purchases, as many merchants require address verification for purchase authorization.
- This Visa Virtual eGift Card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Visa Virtual eGift Cards are emailed active.
- Funds do not expire but your Visa Virtual eGift Card has a ‘valid thru’ date (9 years from date of purchase). If funds remain after this date has passed, please call the Toll Free number found on your Visa Virtual eGift Card for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout.
- This item is not eligible for refund, resale, or return. Available for sale within the United States only. Not available to residents of Puerto Rico, Hawaii, New Mexico, South Dakota, West Virginia and the US Virgin Islands.
Rank #2
- Visa Virtual eGift Cards are designed for online use only. Gift Cards are subject to Terms and Conditions: a.co/5bw3qXJ
- When you access your Visa Virtual eGift Card for the first time, you’ll need to register your name, address, phone number, and email address via activationspot.com. These details should also be used as your billing address for online purchases, as many merchants require address verification for purchase authorization.
- This Visa Virtual eGift Card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Visa Virtual eGift Cards are emailed active.
- Funds do not expire but your Visa Virtual eGift Card has a ‘valid thru’ date (9 years from date of purchase). If funds remain after this date has passed, please call the Toll Free number found on your Visa Virtual eGift Card for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout.
- This item is not eligible for refund, resale, or return. Available for sale within the United States only. Not available to residents of Puerto Rico, Hawaii, New Mexico, South Dakota, West Virginia and the US Virgin Islands.
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.
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