Help Desk

PSLS Help Desk – Troubleshooting Problems Redeeming PlayStation Codes and Network Cards

It’s frustrating trying to redeem a PlayStation code or a network card only to find that it won’t work. It’s especially frustrating if you do so on your PlayStation console itself instead of copying and pasting into the PlayStation Store online. The PlayStation App makes it easier to redeem codes on the console, but that only works for the PlayStation 4. If you’re still using a PlayStation 3, you have to manually enter every letter/digit with the d-pad and on-screen keyboard. A good time is rarely to be had from this method, even if the code works the first try.

There are several things you can do to troubleshoot the issue with redeeming the code, but first, start with a simple process of elimination:

  • Make sure you are entering the code correctly. Unless you are copying and pasting directly to the PSN Store via a PC, it’s way too easy to make a mistake when entering in a code manually.
  • Double-check that the code is still valid. Sometimes codes, such as preorder DLC codes, have an expiration date.
  • Wait a few minutes and try again later. If there are any network hiccups, the code has a high risk of not being redeemed correctly.

If you’re still having trouble after you double-check everything, here are a few more steps you can take to resolve this issue.

Did You Buy From a Retailer?

  • Make sure the retailer activated the card. The PSN cards have to be activated at the retailer for the codes to work.
  • Note that PSN cards can only be redeemed by Master Accounts, not Sub Accounts, and the address of the Master Account must match the region of the PSN card.
  • If you received a PSN card or code online from either Best Buy or GameStop, you must contact their respective customer service centers. That information should be in the email you received with the code.

Do You Have One of These Error Messages?

“You must enter a PlayStation Network Card number”

Double check the Personal Identification Number (PIN) from the card. If the PIN is not filled out or only part of the PIN was entered, the PSN will not redeem the card.

“The PlayStation Network Card number is not valid. Please check the number and try again.”

This message pops up if the PIN was not entered correctly.

“The credit card transactions could not be completed. Your wallet has not been funded.”

The PSN Card was not activated by the retailer at the time of purchase. You must visit the retailer (bring your receipt!) and get them to activate it. If this card number was emailed to you, contact the online retailer for assistance.

“You cannot add the funds from this PlayStation Network Card without exceeding the maximum wallet funding limit.”

Your PlayStation wallet can only hold $150 at a time. If you’re redeeming a bunch of cards that you perhaps received as gifts, you will only be able to redeem the cards to the wallet limit. Cards cannot be partially redeemed, meaning that you can only add the card if the wallet has room for the full face value of the card.

If you’re still having trouble redeeming your card or code, reach out to PlayStation’s live chat for assistance.

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