Steam Trading Cards: how to earn, where to buy and more

Steam Trading Cards are virtual achievements you get by playing games on Steam. Aside from being fun collectibles, you can craft the cards into badges and earn EXP to level up your profile. In this guide, we at Startselect will tell you everything you need to know about Steam Trading Cards. 

What are Steam Trading Cards?

Steam Trading Cards are virtual cards you earn by buying and playing games on Steam. You can trade them with other players and, if you have enough, craft them together to get Steam Badges. When you craft a badge, you earn EXP points. These points level up your profile and in turn grant you access to more customizable options you can buy with Steam Points.

What to do with Steam Trading Cards

There are a couple of things you can do with Steam Trading Cards:

1. Craft them into badges to level up your Steam profile
2. Sell your cards on the Community Market and fund your Steam Wallet
3. Trade with other players to get the cards you need or trade it for other items
   
   

How to earn Steam Trading Cards

There are different ways to get Steam Trading Cards. Check out all the ways below:

• Buying and playing games

You can easily score Steam Trading Cards just by playing Steam games. When you play a game on Steam that participates in trading cards, you'll automatically receive cards after a certain amount of time. The game will usually give you a few of the cards you need for a badge, but the remaining you’ll need to trade or buy.

• Trading with other players

To complete a set, you can trade cards with other players. Use the Steam Trading Community to find the cards you require and market your own.

• Buying cards on the Steam Community Market

If you don’t feel like trading, you can always search your cards on the Steam Community Market. Here you can buy trading cards. The cost depends on the availability and popularity of the card.

• Participating in special sales and other events

During special event and sales, you can collect trading cards. You’ll usually get those cards for certain actions, like buying a game. These trading cards are often exclusive to the event and can go up in worth after the event ends.

Where to Buy Steam Trading Cards

In need of a specific Steam Trading Card to complete your badge? By far the easiest way to get the card in by buying it on the Steam Community Market. The Community Market is regulated by Steam, so you know you’re buying the cards in a safe environment. 

There are also some third seller parties that offer Steam Trading Cards, but beware that the legitimacy of these companies is not always easily verifiable. Keep that in mind when buying from these sites.

The Most Expensive Steam Trading Card

There are a couple of highly sought after trading cards. The prices for these cards can go up to €1,000 and even beyond that. Some of the most expensive trading cards being sold on the Steam Community Market as of now are:

• I’m the Wiz! (€1,800)
• Three angry grannies (€1619.31)
• Kyurinaga (€1799.99)
• Long Stockings (€1725)
  
  

Why collect Steam Trading Cards?

Collecting Steam Trading Cards is a fun way to show off your gaming achievements and give your profile a boost. Check out all the benefits:

• Crafting Badges: If you have enough Steam Trading Cards, you can craft a Steam Badge. 
• Enhance your profile: With Steam Trading Cards and Badges, you can show off your achievements. Aside from that, you earn EXP when you craft cards into a Badge. This will level up your profile and unlock new customization options.
• Community Engagement: Trading cards are a way to show off your participation and dedication to the Steam community.
  
  

The 3 best tips on how to collect Steam Trading Cards

Want to upgrade your Steam Trading Cards collection? Check out our tips:

Tip 1: Play popular games for valuable cards

Popular games that support trading cards are usually on high demand. Special trading cards out of these games are very popular and can sell for pretty high amounts. Spending time in popular games can be a good idea if you want to widen your collection with some valuable card.

Tip 2: Play games that actually support trading cards

Not every game on Steam supports trading cards. If you want to collect these digital items, you’ll of course have to play the games that you can earn cards with.

Tip 3: Trade cards you have multiple of

If you have multiple versions of the same card, it’s a good idea to trade those with other players. This way you can collect cards that are missing from your collection or craft more special badges.

Do you have any questions about Steam Trading Cards or our Steam gift cards? Check if you can find your answer in the frequently asked questions below. If you still need help, you can always contact our customer support team. They’re here for you, 24/7!