The leading global platform for PC gaming, Steam, offers an extensive library of games along with beneficial community features to cater to countless gamers worldwide. Lately, a significant number of Steam users have encountered difficulties when attempting to buy games using PayPal.
Valve Corporation, which operates Steam, didn’t provide an immediate explanation for the occurrence. Many users speculated that it might be related to the recent wave of game removals due to vendor-led content restrictions.
From now on, if you try to purchase a game using PayPal and opt for a currency other than EUR, CAD, GBP, JPY, AUD, or USD, you’ll encounter a message informing you that PayPal is currently unavailable for this transaction. The message will also provide an explanation as to the reason behind this change.
Here’s a breakdown of the current situation, along with some advice on navigating the recent PayPal restrictions in specific currencies for Steam transactions.
Understanding the current predicament and learning to maneuver around the recently implemented PayPal limitations concerning certain currencies in Steam transactions is essential.
Why is PayPal no longer available on Steam for certain currencies?
A Reddit user pointed out an update on the Steam checkout page earlier on Tuesday, sharing a screenshot that explained why transactions using currencies beyond the six mentioned previously have been restricted due to changes in PayPal’s policies.
In the current scenario, the typical message stating that PayPal is not accessible in your specific region still appears. However, Valve has provided additional details to better clarify this situation. The comprehensive explanation follows below.
Beginning on July 2025’s early days, PayPal informed Valve that their banking partner for transactions involving specific currencies would stop processing any payments related to Steam, effective immediately. This change applies to Steam purchases made using PayPal, except in the cases of EUR, CAD, GBP, JPY, AUD, and USD.
In due time, we aim to provide PayPal as a payment choice for these specific currencies; however, the exact schedule is yet to be determined. Meanwhile, we’re considering alternative payment options for our customers who have been impacted by this situation.
While we are working on resolving the issue with your preferred payment method, feel free to proceed with any of our alternative current payment options at checkout. If none seem suitable for you, you might want to think about purchasing a Steam Wallet code to top up your account instead.
From what I understand, Valve has yet to make any further comments about the PayPal situation. This tends to suggest that PayPal may have concluded its dealings with most currencies on Steam’s platform. It appears, however, that these restrictions don’t seem to be affecting other PC gaming storefronts that also accept PayPal in a similar manner.
It’s worth noting that Steam is exploring options for users dealing with currencies not supported by PayPal at present. However, this leaves many gamers temporarily unable to purchase games due to the lack of an alternative payment method.
Comment from r/Steam
In response to a Reddit post, another user shared an analogous problem they encountered in Malaysia, indicating that a local payment solution is being developed because PayPal has been unavailable in the country for a decade. As this user notes, eClub eCash gift cards are commonly used as an alternative instead.
It’s important to note that this situation in July 2025 remains unclear, as neither Steam nor PayPal has provided a definitive reason for the abrupt separation of their services.
Does the new PayPal issue relate to Steam’s recent NSFW financial censorship?
It’s uncertain whether the current PayPal restrictions are connected to the recent NSFW game censorship controversy on Steam, where many games were removed following pressure from specific payment processors. However, at present, there seems to be no direct link between the two issues.
The new addition to the Steamworks Documentation during the onboarding process introduced a rule about the type of content prohibited on Steam. Specifically, it mentioned content that could potentially breach guidelines established by Steam’s payment processors, card networks, banks, internet network providers, and pertains to adult-only content in particular.
The onboarding documents for Steamworks recently included a new clause, specifying the types of content not allowed on Steam. This includes content that might contradict the regulations set by payment processors, card networks, banks, internet network providers, and even certain forms of adult-exclusive content.
According to a statement on SteamDB’s social media, it appears that the recent censorship incidents can be attributed to this change they made.
Steam has implemented a new regulation prohibiting games that breach the guidelines established by payment service providers, credit card companies, and internet network providers.
SteamDB
Regardless of your preference for such games, it’s troubling to observe that payment processors, influenced by activist movements, are determining what purchases you can make. This situation appears to be the first step down a potentially dangerous path.
It appears that PayPal continues to offer its services in both Australia and the UK, which might imply that the reason for this isn’t primarily related to the implementation of new age verification laws in specific countries.
How do you buy games on Steam when PayPal doesn’t work?
Removing PayPal as an option for certain currencies in Steam transactions doesn’t automatically prevent gamers from purchasing games. Instead, other existing payment methods remain accessible during the checkout process.
Different payment options may change based on your location. Generally, many users can make purchases using credit or debit cards. Additionally, the Steam Wallet can be refilled through either cards or codes.
Based on your location, Steam could potentially accept bank transfers and some region-specific payment options as well.
Worldwide, Steam Wallet codes and gift cards are available for purchase, often proving to be a lifesaver for numerous PC gaming enthusiasts. Here’s a simple guide on how to redeem them:
1. Launch the Steam client on your computer.
2. Sign into your Steam account if you aren’t already logged in.
3. Click on “Steam” in the top-left corner of the screen, then select “Account” from the dropdown menu.
4. Choose “Redeem a Steam Wallet Code” or “Activate a Product on Steam” option from the list.
5. Enter your code when prompted and follow the instructions to complete the process.
6. Once redeemed, the value of the code will be added to your Steam wallet balance, allowing you to purchase games, downloadable content, and other items on the Steam platform.
- 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.
Simply input the code from your gift card or digital wallet, and watch as the funds instantly become available in your Steam account.
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2025-08-13 00:11