GameStop remains one of the most popular destinations for gamers looking to buy, sell, and trade video games, consoles, and accessories. One of the more attractive programs they offer is the GameStop Pro Membership, which allows members to earn and use trade credit on future purchases. If you’ve recently traded in games or hardware and received store credit, you may be wondering how to use that credit on GameStop’s website smartly and efficiently.
TLDR: Summary
GameStop Pro Trade Credit can be used both in-store and online. To use it on the website, you must ensure that your GameStop account is linked to your Pro membership. Trade credit appears as an option during checkout when your account has available credit. Make sure you’re logged in and items in your cart are eligible for trade credit usage.
What Is GameStop Pro Trade Credit?
When you trade games, consoles, or accessories at GameStop and you’re a Pro member, the value you receive can be given in the form of Pro Trade Credit. This can then be used for future purchases, effectively turning your unused items into purchasing power. Unlike cash or debit refunds, trade credit is non-withdrawable and intended to be used strictly within GameStop’s ecosystem—either online or in their physical stores.
The Pro Membership also includes a variety of benefits beyond trade credit:
- Extra in-store credit for trade-ins
- Monthly reward certificates
- Early access to certain sales and events
- Exclusive digital content and promotions
Understanding how to access and use that credit on the GameStop website not only ensures you get the most out of your membership but also helps you avoid potential frustration during the checkout process.
Step-by-Step: Using GameStop Pro Trade Credit Online
1. Ensure Your GameStop Account Is Linked to Your Pro Membership
Before anything else, make sure the GameStop account you’re using is the same one associated with your Pro membership.
To check this:
- Log in at gamestop.com
- Navigate to your account dashboard
- Look for an indicator that you’re a Pro Member—this is often labeled beneath your name
If you’re not seeing Pro Member status, you may need to link your account or contact customer service for help.
2. Confirm That Your Trade Credit Is Available
To see your available credit:
- From your account dashboard, click on “Wallet” or “Trade Credit”
- Your available trade balance will be displayed there
If your credit isn’t showing up, consider the following:
- It may take a few minutes or even hours for a recent trade to reflect online
- The trade credit was possibly issued on a physical trade card instead of your account
In such cases, you can still use that card’s number during the online checkout process.
3. Shop Normally and Add Items to Your Cart
Once you’ve confirmed your Pro membership and verified your trade credit balance, begin shopping for what you want. Most physical products on GameStop’s website are eligible for trade credit usage, though there are exceptions, like digital content and certain third-party seller items.
To avoid issues later, keep the following in mind:
- Stick to GameStop-sold items rather than third-party vendors on the same platform
- Check the item’s eligibility if there’s any uncertainty—usually denoted in the product description
4. Proceed to Checkout
Once you’re ready to make your purchase:
- Click on the shopping cart icon
- Review your items
- Click “Checkout”
Here’s where things get important. Make sure you’re still logged into the correct GameStop account. If not, payment methods—including trade credit—will not reflect properly.
5. Apply Your Trade Credit
During the checkout process, you’ll see an option to apply available credits. Your Pro Trade Credit will automatically appear as a selectable payment method, commonly labeled “Use Store Credit” or “Apply Credit”.
If you also have a physical card issued with store credit from a trade, you’ll want to:
- Select “Add a Payment Option”
- Choose “Trade Credit Card”
- Input the card number and security code from the physical card
Once applied, your order total will subtract the store credit balance. Any remaining amount can be paid via credit card, PayPal, or other available payment methods.
Important Tips and Troubleshooting
1. Mixing Store Credit and Other Payment Methods
You can split payments between Pro Trade Credit and credit/debit cards, which makes it easy to top off purchases that exceed your available credit. However, you can’t split between multiple trade credit sources unless you manually enter each one (such as combining digital credit with a trade credit card).
2. Expiration and Terms
Trade credit generally does not expire, but it’s wise to check:
- GameStop’s terms and conditions for any policy updates
- Your receipt or email confirmation of the trade
If credit was issued due to a promotion or bonus, the promotional portion might have an expiration date, so always read the fine print.
3. Know What’s Ineligible
You cannot currently use trade credit for:
- Digital games or add-ons
- Game currency like PlayStation Wallet Funds or Xbox Points
- Third-party reseller products listed on GameStop
4. Applying Coupons or Offers
Yes, you can often stack GameStop coupons on top of trade credit. For example, using a $10 coupon along with $25 in trade credit will reduce your total by $35 before taxes. Just make sure to apply the coupon before finalizing the credit application at checkout.
Recovering Lost or Unused Trade Credit
If you believe you have trade credit that’s not showing in your digital wallet, here are the steps you should take:
- Find any physical trade card or email confirmation associated with the trade
- Log into your GameStop account and go to “Add a Payment Method”
- Manually input the trade card number found on the receipt or card
- If unsuccessful, contact GameStop Customer Service with any reference number
Customer Service can manually validate and reissue trade credit once the trade-in is verified.
Conclusion
GameStop Pro Trade Credit offers a substantial advantage for frequent gamers who regularly buy and sell games and gear. With a linked account, verified credit, and a few simple steps, you can make your online purchases more affordable and more rewarding. Always ensure you’re logged in, verify item eligibility, and be careful during checkout to maximize the value of your trade credit. Using your account efficiently not only gets you the best deal—it ensures that none of your earned trade value goes to waste.