What a real gift card code looks like, per platform

Every platform's gift card code has a consistent format. Knowing what a real one looks like helps you sanity-check a code before redeeming, and spot a fake before you pay. Here is the shape of a legitimate code on each platform, and where you redeem it.

By platform

• Roblox — an alphanumeric code redeemed at roblox.com/redeem. Not case-sensitive, but every character matters.
• Fortnite V-Bucks — a PIN from the back of the card or a digital code, redeemed at fortnite.com/vbuckscard on your Epic account.
• Steam — a 15-character wallet code in three groups of five, like XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX, redeemed in the Steam client.
• PlayStation — a 12-character code, redeemed on the console or in a browser under Redeem Codes.
• Xbox / Microsoft — a 25-character code, redeemed on the console or at redeem.microsoft.com.
• Nintendo eShop — a 16-character code, redeemed in the eShop on a Switch or at nintendo.com.

What the format tells you

If a 'Steam code' does not look like three blocks of five, or an 'Xbox code' is not 25 characters, be cautious — it may not be a real code. Format alone does not prove a code is valid (a fake can copy the shape), but a code that does not even match the format is a clear red flag.

The rule that always holds

You redeem a real code yourself, only on the platform's own redemption page — never on a third-party site, and never by logging in somewhere to 'claim' it. If a code won't go through, our guide on what to do if a code won't redeem walks through the fixes.