You have the money, you have the urge, but you can’t buy things on Steam because you don’t have a credit card? If that sounds true and you’ve exhausted other means (PayPal, etc.) and you abhor the added premium in prepaid Steam Cards, then this is the right guide for you, provided that you have a debit/savings card. In short, a Steam Debit Card!
I made this ‘How to’ article because most of my gamer friends don’t have any idea that they can use their salary pay cards (or their personal ones) for transactions. Steam always had this misleading notion that one can only use a credit card to access their stable of affordable games and software. Lamentably, this misconception leads to missed opportunities.
To start and make things easier, it is best to have the process done with Steam’s client (the application itself) rather than the webpage-based alternative.
Things You Need To Buy With A Debit Card:
- A debit card under Steam’s payment methods
- Cash on your account
- Your information listed under the bank (Name, Address, etc.)
- Internet Connection
- Literacy and Common Sense
How To Buy With A Debit Card
To set it up faster, we’re going to immediately buy a game. Do take note that the same routine works for Steam Wallet.
- Run Steam, assuming that you already have an account.
- Click on the game that your heart desires and add it to your digital cart
In this example, I’m going to purchase it for myself.
- You will then be led to a page such as one below. Best to have your card and account details with you by this time.
- Since we’re going to use a card, click on the (Change) beside My Steam Wallet, then click the drag-down box to select either Mastercard, Visa, etc. Fill in the form and click continue to proceed.
6. You will then be redirected back to the previous page in which all you have to do is click “Purchase”.
7. If the purchase is successful, you’ll be presented with this screen:
8. For confirmation you’ll also get an e-receipt in your Steam-attached e-mail.
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it. I’ve tried two bank cards for this one: BDO and Chinatrust. One is a personal Debit account while the other is a salary pay account. I again want to stress that you have to have the exact information given to the bank in order for you to transact.
The only problem now is how you’ll control yourself from buying Steam games. Once there’s a sale, you’re more likely to be tempted to buy one despite not seeing yourself play that game. That kind of observable behavior is best reserved for another story for another time.
On the bright side, this method is one that you need not spend more than your means. Your account would automatically stop the transaction as opposed to having a credit card. More control, more discipline. Moreover, most of us Filipinos, even college students, already have their own bank savings account. As such, this process is composed of materials already available to most of us.
If the process worked for you, do leave a comment below and share your bank/service (NOT YOUR BANK DETAILS/ACCOUNT) in order to help others too.