Paying in the UK · Paysafecard
Paysafecard for games
Paysafecard is a prepaid voucher bought in UK shops with a 16-digit code. It lets you pay for games without a bank card, which makes it a firm budget. It also has fees that most people don't notice until later.
Last checked 24 September 2026
What it is
A Paysafecard is an electronic money voucher. You buy it for a fixed value at a UK shop, receive a printed 16-digit code and enter that code at checkout. In the UK it is issued by Prepaid Services Company Limited, which is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority as an e-money issuer. You can also use it through a "my paysafecard" account, which some stores, including Google Play, require.
Where it works for games
| Store | Accepts Paysafecard? | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Steam | Yes | Refunds go to your Steam Wallet, not back to the voucher |
| PlayStation Store | Yes | Listed as a payment service for UK accounts |
| Riot Games | Yes | Works on the server where it was bought |
| Google Play | Yes | Through a my paysafecard account, not a bare code |
| Epic Games Store and GOG | Partly | Offered at checkout in some countries |
| Xbox and Microsoft Store | No | Use an Xbox gift card instead |
| Apple App Store | No | Use an Apple gift card instead |
The fees
You pay the face value when you buy, with no fee at the till. The costs come afterwards.
- Monthly maintenance fee. Charged on unused balance from the second month after purchase. Paysafecard's UK fees page gives £3 a month, and its UK terms from May 2026 give £4. Either way, a £10 voucher left unused for a few months loses a large share of its value.
- Redemption fee. Getting unused balance paid back to you costs £6.
- Currency conversion. Paying a store that charges in another currency adds a conversion fee of 3% where euros are involved and more for other currencies.
- Account fee. A my paysafecard account with no activity for 12 months is charged £5 a month from the 13th month.
Buy a Paysafecard for a specific purchase and spend it the same day. That way you get the budgeting benefit and none of the fees.
Age rules
Paysafecard's UK terms cover both standard vouchers and junior vouchers for under-18s. A junior voucher can't be used to buy goods or services restricted to adults. Game stores apply their own age rules on top.
Staying safe
- Buy only from shops or Paysafecard's authorised online sellers. Buying codes on exchange sites is against the terms.
- Treat the code like money in your purse. A lost or stolen code usually can't be recovered.
- No genuine company, government body or bank asks to be paid with a voucher code. If someone does, it is a scam: stop, and report it to your bank and to Report Fraud.
Sources: Paysafecard UK fees and limits page and UK terms and conditions, store payment method pages, checked 24 September 2026.