What to Do If Your Purchased Digital Code Is "Already Redeemed" or Invalid

If you receive a code that says it has already been redeemed, is invalid, or region-locked, do not rate or complete the order. This guide explains how to hold the transaction, open a dispute, and what evidence is required from both buyers and sellers to resolve the issue safely.

1. Immediate Steps for Buyers

If a code you purchased does not work:

1. Do NOT Rate or Complete the Transaction: Completing or rating an order releases funds to the seller and finishes the transaction.

2. Double-Check the Code: Ensure there are no typos (e.g., confusing 0 with O, or 1 with I) and confirm that your account region matches the product listing.

3. Hold the Transaction & Open a Dispute: Go to your order page, select Hold Transaction or Open Dispute, and choose Invalid Code / Already Redeemed as the reason. This pauses the escrow timer so your money remains safe while Support investigates.

4. If you and the seller don't come to a resolution, please escalate the dispute.

Check our FAQ article here to understand how to open a dispute and escalate it if needed properly.

2. What Evidence Is Required to Resolve an Escalated Code Dispute?

To verify the validity and redemption history of a disputed code, Gameflip Support will contact both parties to collect specific documentation.

📩 Evidence Required from the Seller

When a dispute is opened, sellers are sent a request to verify the code's source and status within 48 hours. Sellers must provide:

• Proof of Purchase / Original Receipt: Photos of the physical card (front and back) alongside the original receipt, placed next to a handwritten note stating "For Gameflip". For digital codes/e-cards, unedited full-page screenshots of the code and invoice.

• Official Publisher/Company Verification: Unedited, full-browser-page screenshots of a live support conversation with the code issuer (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox, Steam, Amazon, Apple):

  • For Gaming Codes: Confirmation showing the exact redemption date, time, and associated platform/account where the code was redeemed (with the full code clearly visible in the conversation).

  • For Non-Gaming Codes: Confirmation showing the exact redemption date, time, and location associated with the redemption.

⚠️ Important for Sellers: Failure to submit full-page, unedited browser screenshots within the 48-hour deadline will result in the dispute being resolved in favor of the buyer and a full refund being issued.

3. How the Resolution Process Works

Dispute Opened ──► Funds Held in Escrow ──► Evidence Requested (48-Hour Window) ──► Gameflip Investigation ──► Refund or Completion

• If the Code was Redeemed BEFORE Purchase: The dispute is approved, and the buyer receives a full refund back to their original payment method or Gameflip Wallet balance.

• If the Code was Valid & Redeemed AFTER Purchase: The transaction will be completed, and funds will be released to the seller.

Summary Checklist for Code Disputes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use mobile phone screenshots to submit my evidence?

A: No. To ensure security and prevent tampered images, all official evidence (support logs, account redemption history) must be captured as full-page, unedited screenshots from a desktop computer browser in JPEG or PNG format.

Q: What if the seller doesn't respond to the dispute within 48 hours?

A: If the seller fails to provide sufficient evidence within 48 hours, escalate the dispute so the Gameflip support team can intervene. 

Q: What if the code was for the wrong region?

A: If a seller lists a code without clearly labeling its region restrictions and it cannot be redeemed in your region, open a dispute for assistance.