A Steam key (also called a CD key) is a code you register on your own Steam account to add one game to your library. A Steam gift is a game someone buys for you inside the Steam store. A Steam Wallet code adds money, not a game. An "account" product is a separate account that already holds the game.
The four forms side by side
| Form | What you receive | How the game reaches you |
|---|---|---|
| Steam key (CD key) | A code of letters and numbers | You register it on your own account |
| Steam gift | An email or notification from Steam | You accept the gift on your own account |
| Steam Wallet code | A code worth an amount of money | You redeem it, then buy in the Steam store |
| Account product | Login details for a new account | The game is already on that account |
What is a CD key?
Steam Support describes a CD key as a printed combination of letters and numbers found on a card, sticker or disc in a game's packaging, and says that for online purchases the key is usually included in the emailed receipt. Today "CD key", "product key" and "game key" mean the same thing.
Steam Support also says many products sold by other retailers include a Steam key. You register the key through Activate a Product on Steam... in the client, or on Steam's browser page. The steps are in how to activate a Steam key. A key can be registered once, to one account.
What is a Steam gift?
In Steam's own words, a gift is a game you buy in the Steam store for someone on your Steam Friends List. According to Steam Support:
- the recipient gets an email and a notification in the Steam client, and chooses Accept Gift or Decline Gift;
- the recipient has 30 days to accept, after which Steam cancels the purchase and refunds the buyer;
- once accepted, the game is permanently added to the account that redeemed it;
- because of regional price differences, some gifts cannot be sent to recipients in other purchase regions.
So a Steam gift, as Steam defines it, involves no code.
What is a Steam Wallet code?
A Steam Wallet code is store credit. Redeeming it adds funds to your Steam Wallet, and you then buy whatever you like in the Steam store. Wallet codes are entered on a different Steam page from product keys. See how to redeem a Steam gift card.
What is an account product?
An account product is not a code for your own library. You receive login details for a new account that already has the game on it, and you play by signing in to that account.
For context, the Steam Subscriber Agreement describes a Steam account as strictly personal and says it may not be sold or transferred to others.
Which of these our games catalogue sells
We looked at the public games catalogue on 11 October 2026. The form is written in the product's name.
- Keys. In the catalogue pages we sampled, most products were keys. Their names usually end in "CD Key" or "Key", and the Platform line names where the key is registered.
- Gift products. Some Steam product names say "Gift". These are delivered as a link, not a key, and the Activation details tab on the product page explains how that link is used.
- Account products. Some names say "Account". Their page shows a notice, described below.
- Vouchers. Wallet cards and subscription cards are listed with the product type Vouchers. Steam Wallet cards also have their own page under Steam gift cards.
These are Steam products in the catalogue today:
| Product | Region | Price |
|---|---|---|
| WARDOGS PC Steam CD Key | Other | $34.64 |
| Football Manager 26 EU PC Steam CD Key | Europe | $16.36 |
| Europa Universalis V PC Steam CD Key | Rest Of The World | $45.51 |
| NIGHTREIGN (EU Steam) Mystery Steam CD Key | Europe | $7.26 |
| The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered PC Steam CD Key | Rest Of The World (row) - Custom | $32.51 |
| Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Deluxe Edition PC Steam CD Key | Rest Of The World | $34.79 |
| Origins RoW (Steam) Mystery Steam CD Key | Rest Of The World | $6.05 |
| Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 PC Steam CD Key | Region Free | $15.09 |
From the KryptoMate catalogue on 11 Oct 2026. A few popular Steam products. Prices and stock change; each product's page shows today's price and its "Region" line.
What the account notice says
When a product's name contains the word "account", the product page shows a notice headed This is an account, not a product key. It says a new account will be created for you with the purchased content on it, and that you log in with the details provided in your inventory. It also says that changing the purchased account, such as adding a payment method or changing its region, may get the account banned, and that no refund applies in such cases.
How to tell which form a product is
- Read the full product name. Look for the words "Key", "Gift" or "Account" at the end.
- Open the product page and check the details list. Product type shows the catalogue's type, such as Base game, DLC or Vouchers.
- Look above the details list for the account notice. If it is there, the product is an account.
- Open the Activation details tab when the product has one. It describes how that exact product is delivered and used.
- Check Platform and Region last, so the form, the platform and your country all fit. See how to check a key's region lock.
Delivery and refunds
Delivery is usually instant, but it might take 0–24 hours in rare cases. Keys that have been activated are final, and a product bought in the wrong form or region by your own selection can't be refunded. An invalid or undelivered code is reviewed under the Refund Policy when reported within 48 hours of delivery.
Bought the key with crypto?
A key bought with crypto is still a key you register yourself. Browse Games, and read How to pay On-Chain for the payment step.
Frequently asked questions
It is a code of letters and numbers that unlocks a game. Steam Support describes it as printed in a game's packaging, or included in the emailed receipt for online purchases. You register it on the platform it is made for.
Ready? Read the product name and its notices, then choose your key under Games.
Get startedLast checked: 11 Oct 2026. Prices, products and payment options change; the checkout shows what applies to your order.