7 Best Sites to Buy Cheap Game Keys (Verified & Safe) — 2024 Guide

Looking for the best sites to buy cheap game keys without getting scammed? You're in the right place.

With AAA games costing $60-70 at launch, smart gamers know where to find legitimate discounts. The trick is knowing which sites are trustworthy and which ones might leave you with a revoked key.

Why Game Keys Cost Less Than Retail

Game keys exist because publishers sell to different regions at varying prices. Authorized resellers buy in bulk during sales or from regions with lower pricing, then pass those savings to you.

The key difference? Authorized retailers get keys directly from publishers, while gray market sites source from unknown suppliers. Stick with authorized sellers to avoid headaches.

Top 7 Legitimate Sites for Cheap Game Keys

1. Green Man Gaming

Green Man Gaming partners directly with publishers, making it one of the safest options. You'll find new releases like Elden Ring DLC at 10-30% off, plus frequent promo codes for extra savings.

Best for: New releases and pre-orders Typical savings: 15-40% off retail

2. CDKeys

Despite not disclosing their exact sourcing methods, CDKeys has built a solid reputation over years of operation. They offer some of the steepest discounts—like Lego City Undercover for $6.69 instead of $59.99.

Best for: Deep discounts on older titles Typical savings: 50-90% off retail

3. Fanatical

Formerly Bundle Stars, Fanatical excels at game bundles where you can snag premium titles for $2-4 each. They're an authorized reseller with excellent customer service.

Best for: Building your game library cheaply Typical savings: 70%+ off in bundles

4. Humble Bundle

Beyond their famous charity bundles, Humble Store offers individual game keys at competitive prices. Every purchase supports charity, and you get a Steam key plus DRM-free download when available.

Best for: Supporting charity while saving money Typical savings: 60-80% off in bundles

5. GOG (Good Old Games)

GOG specializes in DRM-free games, meaning you truly own what you buy. While their selection focuses on older and indie titles, their prices are fair and you never have to worry about activation issues.

Best for: DRM-free gaming and classic titles Typical savings: 50-75% during sales

6. GameBoost

GameBoost guarantees authentic keys sourced directly from publishers. They offer competitive prices across all major platforms with zero risk of key revocation.

Best for: Risk-free purchasing with authenticity guarantee Typical savings: 30-60% off retail

7. Newegg

While primarily known for hardware, Newegg's digital game section offers legitimate keys during sales events. They're particularly good for console gift cards and in-game currency.

Best for: Console gamers and gift cards Typical savings: 20-50% during sales

Red Flags: Sites to Avoid

Steer clear of gray market sites like G2A, Kinguin, and Eneba. While they might offer lower prices, the risks include:

• Keys purchased with stolen credit cards
• Region-locked keys that won't activate
• No customer support when things go wrong
• Potential account bans from game platforms

The Steam community consistently flags these sites as problematic, with many users reporting revoked keys months after purchase.

How to Shop Smart for Game Keys

Use Price Comparison Tools

Sites like Allkeyshop and IsThereAnyDeal track prices across 50+ retailers. They'll show you historical lows and alert you to deals on your wishlist games.

Check Region Restrictions

Always verify if a key works in your region before buying. Look for "Global," "EU," or "ROW" (Rest of World) in the product description.

Read the Fine Print

Confirm the platform (Steam, Epic, Origin), edition (Standard vs. Deluxe), and any DLC inclusions. A cheap "base game" key might not include the content you want.

Payment Protection

Use PayPal or credit cards for buyer protection. Avoid direct bank transfers or cryptocurrency payments that offer no recourse.

Platform-Specific Shopping Tips

For console gamers, consider checking out our Xbox Game Pass Ultimate deals and PlayStation Plus Premium subscriptions for even better value.

Our Recommendation

Start with Green Man Gaming for new releases and Fanatical for bundle deals. Both offer excellent customer service and guaranteed legitimate keys.

For maximum savings, bookmark price comparison tools and set up wishlist alerts. The best deals often appear during seasonal sales when even authorized retailers slash prices by 75% or more.

Remember: if a deal seems too good to be true on an unknown site, it probably is. Stick with our recommended retailers and you'll save money without the headaches.

Ready to start saving? Check out our gaming category for the latest Steam gift card deals and other digital gaming products at competitive prices.