4 ways for Philippine gamers to top up Steam funds without using a credit card

The Steam Summer Sale is upon us! But if you’re from the Philippines, adding funds to your Steam wallet can be quite the challenge, as credit cards aren’t as common here as in most countries. Worry not, though, because we’ve got you covered! Here are four ways for you to top up your Steam funds if you’re from the Philippines:

1. Steam Wallet codes

Steam Wallet codes work the same way as mobile phone cards or prepaid game cards. You can purchase a code through retail outlets in the Philippines like Data Blitz, the Secret Shop, and eClubstore.

Data Blitz

This video game, toy, and electronics store has multiple branches all over the Philippines. There is no online price list, though, and interested players need to contact it via Facebook for more information, or go to one of the store locations.

Mineski’s Secret Shop

The Secret Shop is often found during Mineski‘s game events. It sells Steam Wallet codes, gaming apparel, and some sweet merchandise. It also has an online store that supports three kinds of payment methods—bank deposit via Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), mobile payment via Globe GCash, and online payment via Dragonpay.

You can purchase Steam Wallet codes via The Secret Shop here. After you purchase the code, log in your Steam account and redeem your code here.

eClub Store

Ordering via the eClub Store can be done online. Customers from the Philippines can choose from a wide variety of payment methods ranging from money transfers to bank deposits. More details can be found here. You can also buy through their local partners located all over the Philippines. Find a store near you by checking out the complete list here.

Pacific Live and Wired Internet

Pacific Live and Wired Internet or simply, Pacific, is known not only for its eSports events, but also for its chain of internet and gaming cafes nationwide. You can buy Steam Wallet codes from any of its outlets, and even get free PC game time if you buy at least $15 worth of Steam funds. You can find its updated price list here.

2. GameX

GameX is an ePin portal exclusively for Smart, Talk N’ Text (TNT), and Sun Cellular subscribers. Players can choose the game ePin they would like to buy (in this case, Steam credits) and will be prompted to input their mobile number upon checkout. After they send the correct verification code, the total amount due will be deducted from their phone credits and the codes or ePins will be sent via SMS. More information can be found here while top up instructions can be found here. You can also inquire via its Facebook page here.

3. Money Online (MOL) Points

MOL Points are a bit more complicated than the previous ones. In a nutshell, you need to purchase MOL points for your MOL account via retailers listed here. Then, you will be able to purchase a Steam Wallet Code by following these instructions. Topping up your MOL points can be tricky, but in my experience, the easiest way to do that is via Load Central, which works much like the electronic load Pinoys are very familiar with.

4. Reloadable credit card alternatives

It’s difficult for a regular person to get a credit card in the Philippines because not everyone has the required documents and financial capacity. Prepaid credit cards, however, are a different story, as they act like a reloadable credit card so you don’t have monthly bills or interests to worry about.

Before you can purchase anything with your card, you have to add funds to it either by over-the-counter deposits or online banking. Most (if not all) of these cards have 100 percent approval and are even accepted by PayPal.

Among all the options listed here, prepaid credit cards are by far the most cost-effective because you’re paying for the exact converted amount from US Dollar to Philippine peso. There is no markup price because you’re directly adding funds. It’s also very convenient if you link it to your bank account because you can make fund transfers online.

To apply for a prepaid credit card, you have to head to a bank that offers them. To my knowledge, BPI (ePrepaid card), Metrobank (Metrobank Prepaid Card), and Unionbank (EON VISA) have these cards, but it never hurts to ask other banks if they offer them as well. You have to wait for a few days to get your card, but its convenience later on will definitely be worth the wait.

What about you? What method do you use to top up your Steam funds without using a credit card? Share it with us in the comments. You never know if you could help a fellow gamer scratch that Steam sale itch.

UPDATE 1 24-06-14: The article has been updated to add the link to store locations for EClub Store partners and to add Pacific Live and Wired Internet to the list.

UPDATE 2 24-06-14: The article has been updated to add extra information for reloadable credit card alternatives to make it more informative.

(Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

The post 4 ways for Philippine gamers to top up Steam funds without using a credit card appeared first on Games in Asia.