Sometimes the cheapest way to buy a game is not a key at all. Topping up your platform wallet with a discounted gift card, then buying in the platform's own sale, can beat any single offer.
How The Saving Stacks
If a £50 gift card is on offer for £45, everything you buy with that balance is effectively 10% cheaper. Spend it during a platform sale and the two discounts stack.
It also works for things keys rarely cover: in-game purchases, subscriptions and add-ons.
When A Key Is Still Better
- The key price is already lower than the store's sale price minus your gift card saving.
- You want the game on a different launcher or platform from the one your wallet balance is on.
- The game is not discounted in the platform's own sale.
Check The Small Print
- Region and currency. A gift card must match your account's country and currency. See Region Locks Explained.
- Balance limits. Some platforms cap how much balance an account can hold.
- Refunds. Wallet balance is usually non-refundable to your bank card.
- Face value. Check the card's value against the price you pay, not just the percentage badge.
Keyper's Tip
Use the Gift Cards section to compare the price per £ of balance across stores, then set the balance aside for the next big platform sale.