To see when you bought a game on Steam, click your account name, open Account Details > View purchase history, and read the date of the transaction containing the game. Sign in to the account that paid for it to find the correct record. For a gift you received or a Steam key bought elsewhere, check the purchaser’s record or the retailer’s original receipt.
The short version
- Steam purchases: Open Account Details > View purchase history and read the game’s transaction date.
- Browser access: You can check Steam purchase history on the website without installing Steam.
- Gift dates: Check the purchaser’s payment record because delivery and acceptance can happen later.
- Retail keys: Use the original retailer’s receipt to find when you bought a key activated on Steam.
| Where to look | When to use it | Record to check |
|---|---|---|
| Steam desktop client | You bought the game through Steam | The game’s transaction in purchase history |
| Steam website | You want access through a browser | The game’s transaction in account history |
| Steam Wallet balance | Your balance appears at the upper right | Purchase history through the balance shortcut |
| Steam Support | You have the support website open | Purchases or View complete purchasing history |
| Steam email receipt | You still have the original receipt | The date of the receipt message |
| Gift purchase records | You bought or received a Steam gift | The purchaser’s transaction, with gift history for context |
| Retailer receipt | You bought a Steam key elsewhere | The retailer’s original transaction date |
Find the purchase date in the Steam client
Open Steam and sign in to the account you used to buy the game. Click your account name at the upper right, choose Account Details, then select View purchase history. Locate the transaction containing the game and read its date. Select the transaction to inspect its details and confirm that it contains the title you want.
If the transaction is missing and you have another Steam account, sign in to the account you used to pay and repeat these steps. For a received gift or a key bought from another retailer, use the matching method below.
Open purchase history in a browser
Open Steam purchase history and sign in to the account that bought the game. Find the transaction containing the title and read its purchase date.
You can also reach these records from the Steam website by choosing your account name, then Account Details > View purchase history. The direct link skips that navigation. If the purchase is missing, confirm that you signed in to the purchasing account.
Use your Steam Wallet balance as a shortcut
If your Steam Wallet balance appears at the upper right, select it, then choose View purchase history. Locate the game’s transaction and read its date.
If no Wallet balance appears, select your account name instead. Open Account Details > View purchase history to reach the same records.
Look up the transaction through Steam Support
Open Steam Support in your browser and sign in to the purchasing account. Select Purchases, then select the relevant purchase and read its date.
If an older transaction does not appear in the initial selection, choose View complete purchasing history. Locate the transaction containing the game and check its purchase date. If you still cannot find it, check that you are using the account that paid for the game.
Find the original Steam email receipt
Open the mailbox associated with the Steam account you used for the purchase. Search for the game title and Steam, then open the matching purchase receipt. Confirm that the receipt covers the game you want, and check the date your mailbox shows for the message.
Your email provider determines the search controls and labels, so there is no single email menu path to follow. If several messages match, use the original purchase receipt for the correct game. If you cannot find it, check Steam’s purchase history through the client or browser. For a key purchased elsewhere, search for the retailer’s receipt instead.
Check the purchaser’s records for a gift
For a game you bought as a gift, open Account Details > View purchase history on your purchasing account. Locate the transaction marked with a gift icon and read its purchase date.
For additional gifting details, open your Steam Inventory, select ..., then choose View Gift History. Valve provides this option for tracking gifts. Use the purchase transaction to establish when you paid, since gift delivery and acceptance can happen later.
If someone gave you the game, ask the purchaser to locate the gift transaction in their purchase history and read its date. The payment record belongs to their account, so their record is the place to check when they bought it.
Use the retailer’s receipt for a Steam key
For a Steam key bought from another retailer, find the retailer’s original emailed receipt containing the key or your original physical receipt. Check the game and transaction date to establish when you paid for it.
You can also look in the retailer’s online order history by following that retailer’s instructions. Steam has no universal menu path for another store’s purchase records. If your receipt is missing, follow the retailer’s process for locating the original order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my Steam purchase date on a phone?
Yes, you can open Steam purchase history in a mobile browser. Sign in to the purchasing account and find the game’s transaction to read its date.
Do the desktop steps work on Mac and Linux?
Yes, you can use the account purchase history route in the current Steam desktop client on supported Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. You do not need a different method for each operating system.
Is a Steam key activation date the date I bought the game?
No, an activation date does not establish when you bought a key from another retailer. You can buy a key and activate it later, so use the retailer’s original transaction date.
Can a bank statement tell me exactly when I bought a particular Steam game?
A bank statement may help you match a transaction, but it does not necessarily identify the game or its Steam purchase date. Use it alongside the game’s purchase record to confirm which transaction you are looking at.