For the first time in more than a decade, Microsoft will be offering an Xbox card — and not just any card to boot. The tech giant has joined forces with Barclays to launch a new Xbox Mastercard, which earns members points on purchases to redeem games in the Microsoft Store. It will be available exclusively to Xbox testers in the U.S., with a wider release planned for next year.
“With the Xbox Mastercard credit card, players can earn card points with everyday purchases to redeem on games and add-ons at xbox.com,” explains Dave McCarthy, CVP of Xbox player services. “The Xbox Mastercard will be available exclusively to Xbox Insiders in the 50 United States beginning on 21 September, with availability to all Xbox players in the 50 United States coming in 2024.”
The no annual fee credit card rewards users one point for every dollar spent on everyday purchases, and three points for every dollar spent on streaming services like Netflix and Disney+, as well as delivery services like Doordash. Spend some at the Microsoft Store, and the incentive grows to five points per dollar spent, with 1,500 card points eligible for a US$15 gift card redemption.
Additionally, owners will get a one-off bonus of 5,000 points after their first purchase with the card, alongside three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for new Game Pass members. For existing subscribers, this three-month special can also be gifted to others.
The Xbox Mastercard comes in five designs, and can be customised with a gamertag. Microsoft says it’ll work with contactless payments and digital wallets, with APR rates ranging from 20.99 percent to 31.99 percent based on credit (full terms and conditions on Barclays’ website). Previously, the company allowed Xbox Live subscribers to obtain a free Xbox Live Diamond loyalty card that gave discounts at participating retailers, but that was back in 2005.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
