Why Are $100 Steam Cards Selling for $145 on eBay? The Bizarre Economics Explained

The Reverse Discount Phenomenon

In a world where gift cards typically sell at a discount, Steam wallet codes defy logic: listings show $100 cards selling for $145+ on eBay. This isn’t a glitch – it’s a perfect storm of digital economics, regional pricing, and hidden risks that turn basic math upside down.

Why Buyers Overpay: 4 Shocking Reasons

1. Regional Arbitrage:
   Buyers in countries like Argentina or Turkey (where Steam games cost 70% less) use US cards to bypass regional payment restrictions. A $100 card buys $300+ worth of region-priced games.
2. Money Laundering:
   Criminals use inflated gift card purchases to “clean” illicit funds. Overpaying lets them convert cash to untraceable digital value.
3. Currency Circumvention:
   When platforms block certain payment methods (like Russia after sanctions), gift cards become lifelines – worth paying premiums for.
4. Bidding Wars:
   Desperate buyers unaware of fair value drive prices up through competitive panic-bidding.

The Dark Side of the Deal

For Sellers:

• Risk account bans if Steam detects resale activity
• High chance of chargebacks after code redemption
• eBay/PayPal fees devour profits

For Buyers:

• 30% of codes are already redeemed or fraudulent
• Zero buyer protection from Valve if scammed
• Possible involvement in money laundering investigations

As one Redditor warned: “That ‘discount’ might cost you your Steam library.”

Why Are $100 Steam Cards Selling For $145 On eBay? Is It A Rare Type? Thousands Have Sold For This Price.
byu/FictionConsumer inSteam