Steam, the preeminent platform for PC gaming, has recently encountered a significant hiccup affecting its users’ ability to make purchases via PayPal. This situation has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation among the gaming community, particularly in light of Valve’s, the company behind Steam, recent actions regarding game censorship.
PayPal’s Transaction Limitations
As of early July 2025, Valve received notification from PayPal that their acquiring bank would cease processing transactions for certain currencies on the Steam platform. This abrupt decision has left many users unable to complete purchases using PayPal, particularly for currencies outside of the six designated ones: EUR, CAD, GBP, JPY, AUD, and USD. Valve’s communication on this matter has been somewhat sparse, leading to a flurry of assumptions regarding the reasons behind this limitation.
In a recent Reddit thread, a user shared a screenshot revealing PayPal’s explanation for the currency restrictions. The standard pop-up message stating “PayPal is currently unavailable in your country” has been supplemented with additional context from Valve. The company expressed hope for reinstating PayPal support for other currencies in the future, though no specific timeline has been provided. In the interim, users are encouraged to explore alternative payment methods or consider using Steam Wallet codes to fund their accounts.
Despite Valve’s efforts to address the situation, many gamers find themselves in a bind, unable to purchase games as they normally would. Some users have reported similar issues in regions like Malaysia, where PayPal has not been an option for a decade. In such cases, local payment methods, such as eClub eCash gift cards, have become essential for gamers.
Does the New PayPal Issue Relate to Steam’s Recent NSFW Financial Censorship?
While the timing of PayPal’s withdrawal from certain transactions coincides with Steam’s recent controversies surrounding NSFW game censorship, there is currently no concrete evidence linking the two events. The censorship issue arose after Valve introduced a new clause in its Steamworks Documentation, which outlined restrictions on content that could potentially violate the standards set by payment processors and related networks.
SteamDB, a reliable source for Steam-related updates, confirmed that the new guidelines contributed to the removal of numerous games from the platform. This development has led to concerns about the influence of payment processors on what content is accessible to consumers, raising questions about the implications for the gaming industry as a whole.
How Do You Buy Games on Steam When PayPal Doesn’t Work?
For gamers affected by PayPal’s limitations, purchasing games on Steam remains feasible through various alternative payment methods. Steam’s disclaimer indicates that other options are still available at checkout, depending on the user’s location. Most players can utilize credit or debit cards, while the Steam Wallet can be replenished using cards and codes.
Additionally, Steam may accept bank transfers and specific local payment methods, depending on the region. For those who prefer gift cards, Steam Wallet codes are widely available and can serve as a lifeline for many users. To redeem these codes, follow these simple steps:
- Launch Steam and ensure you’re logged in.
- Click your account name in the top-right corner of the window.
- Click View my wallet in the dropdown menu.
- Click Redeem a Steam Gift Card or Wallet Code in the small menu on the right side of the window.
By entering the code from the gift card or wallet code, users can quickly see their account balance updated, allowing them to continue enjoying the vast array of games Steam has to offer.
