How to Save Money on Digital Game Purchases Using Gift Cards (Smart & Easy)

Let’s face it — digital games aren’t cheap, especially if you’re trying to keep up with the latest releases. But here’s the good news: there’s a surprisingly effective way to cut your gaming costs without missing out. The trick? Gift cards.

When used wisely, gift cards can help you spend less and play more, whether you're gaming on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo. Here’s a no-fluff guide to saving real money with gift cards:

1. Buy Gift Cards at a Discount

One of the simplest ways to save is by buying gift cards for less than their face value. Several websites offer discounted gift cards for popular gaming platforms like:

Steam
PlayStation Store
Xbox Live
Nintendo eShop

Where to look:

Eneba
CDKeys
GameKeyDistribution.com
Raise

For example, you might grab a $50 Steam card for $45. That’s an instant 10% savings — before you even buy a single game.

2. Use Cashback Sites and Credit Card Offers

Some cashback websites and even credit cards give you rewards when purchasing gift cards. This is like getting paid for buying something you were already going to buy.

Top cashback platforms:

Rakuten
TopCashback
Swagbucks

Let’s say you buy a $100 PlayStation card and earn 5% cashback — that’s $5 right back into your pocket. Do this consistently, and it adds up fast.

3. Stack Your Savings During Game Sales

Here’s a pro tip: buy discounted gift cards ahead of major sales. Then, use them when the game store offers seasonal deals.

For example:

Buy a $100 Xbox card for $90
Wait for the summer sale where your favorite game is 50% off
Now you're saving both on the card and the game — win-win.

It’s the easiest way to double dip on discounts.

4. Join Memberships for Bonus Perks

If you're already paying for gaming memberships like:

PlayStation Plus
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Nintendo Switch Online

…you might get bonus deals on gift cards, extra store credits, or access to exclusive discounts.

Always check your member dashboard — these perks often go unnoticed, but they can save you serious money.

5. Look Out for Gift Card Bundles

Sometimes, online stores or major retailers run special bundle deals — like “Buy 2, Get 1 Free” or bulk discounts.

Watch sites like:

Amazon
Best Buy
Walmart

These deals often show up around big holidays or gaming events. If you catch them at the right time, you can buy $150 worth of gift cards for just $120 or less.

6. Use Price Tracking & Comparison Tools

Before hitting that “buy” button, use tools that compare gift card prices across multiple sites. This ensures you're getting the best price possible.

Try:

GiftCardGranny – compares prices across gift card sellers
Honey – browser extension that finds hidden deals
CamelCamelCamel – great for tracking Amazon prices

Set price alerts and let the deals come to you.

7. Follow Social Media & Email Newsletters

This one’s easy but underrated. Gaming stores often drop flash sales or limited-time gift card discounts on social media or via email.

Follow platforms like Steam, Xbox, and Nintendo on Twitter/X, Instagram, and Facebook
Sign up for newsletters from your favorite deal sites or gift card sellers
Enable notifications so you don’t miss a good deal

Some of the best discounts don’t last long — staying alert gives you an edge.

Bonus Tip: Automate Your Savings

Want to take it to the next level? Use tools like Honey, DealDrop, or PriceBlink to set up price alerts for specific gift cards. When prices drop, you’ll get notified instantly — and you can grab the deal before it’s gone.

Final Thoughts

Gift cards aren’t just for birthdays — they’re one of the smartest ways to save on digital games year-round. By combining discounted cards with cashback offers, seasonal sales, and membership perks, you can stretch your gaming budget further than ever.

So next time you’re about to hit “Buy” on that new release, stop and ask yourself:
Can I game smarter... and cheaper?

The answer is yes — and gift cards are your secret weapon.