PayPal vanishes from Steam for most players after strict content ban

PayPal disappeared from Steam for users in most countries as Valve battles over adult game bans and payment processor rules.

In July, Steam axed dozens of adult titles with extreme or controversial themes. The goal was to keep big payment partners like Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal from walking away. The new rules ban anything that might upset banks or processors. Problem is, developers aren’t sure what’s allowed anymore, and games keep getting pulled.

The crackdown follows pressure from activist groups and ongoing political talk about holding platforms legally responsible for user content – something that has sparked waves of criticisms and debates over free speech.

As such, the vague guidelines and surprise removals have resulted in petitions, protests, and a growing feeling that payment companies are deciding what stays on Steam.

PayPal only works on Steam in just six currencies

In August 2025, PayPal stopped supporting most Steam transactions. Only payments in Euro, Canadian Dollar, British Pound, Japanese Yen, Australian Dollar, and US Dollar still work.

Valve confirmed the change happened because one of PayPal’s acquiring banks ended transaction processing for all other Steam currencies. Thus, users outside these currencies lost direct PayPal access.

Dexerto

Steam suggested switching to other payment options or using third-party-bought Steam Wallet codes instead. Valve has not said if PayPal will return for other currencies.

Valve told media that the decision is tied back to “content concerns” that echo previous disputes with Mastercard. While Mastercard denied direct involvement, Valve claimed payment processors rejected lawful adult games by citing a brand protection rule. This rule allows blocking sales if they might harm Mastercard’s image, even if legal.

That stance forced Steam to adjust policies to keep processors “happy.” Valve said Mastercard communicated only through payment partners, never directly. PayPal’s issue appears to follow the same pattern, with its acquiring bank pulling support rather than PayPal itself.

These changes highlight how much control payment networks have over digital marketplaces. Even without breaking laws, games can vanish if they risk upsetting financial partners.

Steam now faces a narrower payment landscape, stricter adult content rules, and growing mistrust from its community.