Is CDKeys a Scam?

If you’re thinking of buying digital game keys from CDKeys, you need to know whether it’s safe. Is CDKeys a scam? 

Below, we explain whether CDKeys is a scam and discuss some steps you can take to improve your safety when buying from this online retailer. 

What Is CDKeys?

CDKeys (rebranded to Loaded in 2025) is an online retailer that sells digital game keys and gaming gift cards at discounted prices. 

It offers codes for PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo platforms.

In its FAQs section, CDKeys says it is able to provide cheap products due to its “extensive network of suppliers and contacts from which to source products.” 

Customers receive their codes via email and redeem them on the relevant gaming service.

The company has been operating for over a decade. 

Is CDKeys a scam?

No, CDKeys is not a scam. It’s a legitimate business that sells digital game keys and prepaid cards. 

User reviews of CDKeys/Loaded are mostly positive:

• 4.9 out of 5.0 stars (from over 1,000 reviews) on Google.
• 4.8 out of 5.0 stars (from over 200,000 reviews) on Trustpilot. 
• 4.4 out of 5.0 stars (from over 1,000 reviews) on REVIEWS.io.
• 4.2 out of 5.0 stars (from over 2,000 reviews) on Trustindex. 
• 4.4 out of 5.0 stars (from over 700 reviews) on Sitejabber.
• 1.8 out of 5.0 stars (from over 100 reviews) on PissedConsumer.
• 3.48 out of 5.0 stars (from over 200 reviews) on ResellerRatings.

The company delivers codes quickly, and many customers report smooth transactions. However, it operates in a legal grey area: it is not an authorised reseller and may source keys from regions with different pricing. 

Some users report receiving invalid or previously redeemed codes and having to rely on customer support to resolve issues.

On online forums like Reddit, users report varying experiences.

Most people say they’ve bought from CDKeys without any issues.

For example, one person says:

“I don’t know if they are reputable, but they are reliable. Did several purchases, instant delivery, keys accepted by Steam and Uplay.”

However, a few people said that they never received their code or got a refund.

Several customers also describe being asked to complete verification, including providing photos of government ID plus a handwritten note with the date and cdkeys.com, after placing an order.

One individual says:

“I tried ordering from them once, they asked me for my phone number after I paid (I used paypal)…to verify they said…I found it strange but i gave it to them. then they refused to give me my key until I sent them my photo id taken next to a piece of paper with CDKEYS.com written on it and the time and date on the paper. I asked for a refund instead and they said that they had refunded me and cancelled my order. BS of course they never did so I had to escalate it with Paypal.” 

On gaming community forums like EA Forums, people say that CDKeys is a third-party (unauthorized) seller and that sites like this often don’t disclose where their keys come from. 

CDKeys is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and holds an “F” rating. BBB ratings reflect how the BBB thinks the business is likely to interact with customers. 

As of this writing, the company has received 42 total complaints in the last three years, 19 of which have been resolved in the past 12 months. The complaint categories include issues with products and customer support. Many complaints involve invalid game codes or region‑locked keys for different markets.

CDKeys security

In its privacy policy, CDKeys briefly mentions its security measures.

It says it has put in place “suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online.”

The company does not go into detail as to what these measures are to reduce the likelihood of breaches. 

If you notice unusual unauthorized use of your CDKeys account, the company urges you to immediately contact it at info@loaded.com. 

There have been no major, publicly disclosed data breaches associated with CDKeys (now Loaded) at the time of writing. 

CDKeys privacy

CDKeys explains the kind of data it collects, why, and with whom it shares it in its privacy policy.

It may collect the following personal information:

• Name.
• Contact information, including your email address. 
• Demographic information, including preferences and interests. 
• Other data related to customer surveys and offers. 
• IP addresses. 
• Cookies. 

The company may also collect non-personally identifying information, such as browser type, language, and usage data (pages visited, links clicked, etc.)

CDKeys collects this data when you visit or interact with its website or apps, create or use a CDKeys (now Loaded) account, contact the company (by email, phone, or online forms), make purchases or engage in transactions, and subscribe to newsletters or marketing. 

Cookies and analytics tools also track usage. 

You can refuse to provide data, but this may limit functionality or services.

The company may use your information to provide and manage services, products, and accounts, as well as process payments and transactions. Plus, to communicate with you, make improvements (to its website, apps, and services), conduct analytics and research, and market their services and, with consent, third-party services. It may also use your data to prevent fraud, improve security, and meet legal, regulatory, and compliance obligations. 

CDKeys may share your data with employees, trusted third-party service providers, business partners, affiliates, and regulators or authorities when legally required. Also, with buyers or sellers if the business is sold or transferred

The company says it does not sell personal data, except as required by law or with your consent.

It says it keeps data only for as long as necessary for business or legal purposes. 

CDKeys typically markets to you through email or electronic messages. You can opt out at any time using unsubscribe links or by contacting the company directly.

Any content you upload (including photos) may be used by the company in marketing if you consent.

It uses several types of cookies, including strictly necessary (for site functionality, etc.), analytics/performance, functionality (e.g., preferences and language), and targeting/advertising. 

You can disable cookies via your browser, but this could lead to parts of the site not working properly.

Depending on where you reside, you may have certain privacy rights, like the right to access your personal data, correct or update it if it’s inaccurate, request its deletion or restriction, object to certain types of processing, withdraw marketing consent, and receive explanations of how your data is used.

You can make your privacy requests to data@loaded.com. Some requests may take time or incur reasonable fees.

Continued use of the site after policy updates counts as acceptance.

So, Should You Use CDKeys?

Depends.

CDKeys can be a good option if you are willing to accept some risk to save money. It suits bargain hunters who are comfortable with grey‑market resellers who understand that occasional invalid codes and limited refund policies are possible. 

It may not suit gamers who want guaranteed legitimacy, full customer support, and authorised retailer protections. 

Buying directly from official platforms ensures valid keys but at higher prices. 

How to Use CDKeys Safely and Privately 

• Use the guest checkout. CDKeys allows you to check out as a guest rather than logging in/creating an account. Doing so can reduce stored data. 
• Use a dedicated email address. Create a separate email just for CDKeys purchases and account access. This limits exposure if marketing emails increase or data is shared with partners.
• Avoid ID verification whenever possible. Multiple users report being asked for sensitive ID verification after purchase. Do not submit government ID, selfies, or handwritten verification notes unless you are fully comfortable.
• Never reuse passwords. Use a unique password for your CDKeys account. If possible, store it in a password manager.
• Opt out of CDKeys marketing early. Use the unsubscribe link in emails immediately or email CDKeys’ unsubscribe address directly.
• Review cookie settings before browsing the CDKeys site. CDKeys’ policy allows targeting cookies and sharing cookie data with advertisers and analytics partners. Turn off targeting and advertising cookies in your browser where possible and consider using a browser that blocks third-party cookies by default.
• Use browser privacy tools for more private browsing. Turn on tracker blocking, third-party cookie blocking, and private browsing mode for purchases. Also, clear cookies after completing transactions (cookies track visited pages, products viewed, and user behavior).
• Be cautious about uploading content. Uploaded content may be reused by CDKeys for marketing if you give consent. To be on the safe side, don’t upload photos, personal identifiers, and similar unless strictly required.
• Use secure payment methods. Opt for payment options that limit data exposure (e.g., virtual cards or third-party payment processors) and avoid saving payment details to your account.
• Exercise your privacy rights. Depending on where you live, you may be able to request a copy of your data, correct outdated information, and request deletion of your data. 
• Close your CDKeys account if you no longer use it. Request your CDKeys account deactivation if you’re done using the service. This reduces long-term data retention risk. Otherwise, your data may be retained as long as it serves business or legal purposes.
• Watch for policy changes. Periodically check the privacy policy for updates, as continued use automatically means acceptance of changes.