Why do I have to spend $5 on Steam?Steam requires a minimum spend of $5 to unlock certain account features to combat fraud and spamming.

Here's a breakdown of why they enforce this policy:

1. Preventing Spam and Abuse

Steam's $5 minimum spend is part of their limited user system, designed to restrict accounts until they have demonstrated some level of commitment. By requiring a small financial investment, Steam reduces the number of fake or spam accounts created solely to exploit or abuse the platform.

2. Unlocking Features

Accounts that haven't spent $5 are considered "limited" accounts, and they have restrictions like:

• No access to friend requests (you can’t send them, but you can accept them).
• Limited access to Steam Community features (such as groups, trading, and the market).
• Inability to post in Steam discussions or use browser chat.
• Limited profile customization options.

3. Supporting the Platform

The $5 spend helps support Steam's infrastructure and maintain a high-quality experience for all users. It acts as a low barrier to entry to filter out those who might not be serious about engaging with the community.

4. No Requirement for a Subscription

Unlike some platforms, Steam doesn’t have a subscription