Australian Steam users can't buy R18+ games without a credit card. Here's where to go instead

Valve implemented age verification for Australian Steam users earlier this month in response to local law requirements. To buy R18+ games on Steam in Australia or even access their store pages, players must provide a credit card.

The requirement creates a significant friction point. According to a Reserve Bank of Australia study of consumer payment behaviour, the share of payments made in Australia with credit card charges in 2025 was 23%, compared with debit cards at 49%. This contrasts sharply with the US, where 74% of adults own a credit card, according to Bankrate data.

Rather than building age verification infrastructure, Valve opted for the credit card requirement, which some Australian banks report caused a sudden rush of customer calls about the policy. Valve has not responded to inquiries about potential policy changes or alternatives.

Several major storefronts offer ways for Australian adults without credit cards to access R18+ games. Epic Games Store requires age verification but offers three options: face scan via Yoti, credit card via Stripe, or ID scan including driver's license, passport, or government-issued ID. GOG doesn't currently have an age verification system for Australian users, though that may change. Microsoft Store uses face scan via Yoti, email verification via VerifyMy, or official government documents.

Third-party key sellers Fanatical and Green Man Gaming don't require age verification when purchasing R18+ games for Australian users at time of writing. Both sell titles like Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 and Rimworld. Keys purchased through these sellers can be redeemed on Steam. However, inventory varies between sellers: neither currently stocks Grand Theft Auto 5, for example.

Using a VPN to circumvent the requirement carries risk. Valve's subscriber agreement explicitly prohibits using IP proxying to disguise residence location or circumvent geographical restrictions. The terms state that Valve may terminate account access for violations.