Microsoft will launch an Xbox Credit Card later this month that will be available exclusively to Xbox testers in the US. Xbox Mastercard is a no-annual-fee credit card issued by Barclays, and purchases made with the card will earn points which can be redeemed in Xbox games and add-ons.
“With the Xbox Mastercard credit card, players can earn points on everyday purchases to redeem on games and add-ons on xbox.com.” explains Dave McCarthy, CVP of Xbox Gamer Services. “The Xbox Mastercard will be available exclusively to Xbox Insiders in the 50 United States starting September 21, and will be available to all Xbox players in the 50 United States starting in 2024.”
The Xbox Mastercard is not linked to Microsoft Rewards, so it is a separate set of points that can be earned through purchases with the card. Every dollar spent earns one card point, and 1,500 card points are enough to claim a $15 gift card that can be redeemed at Microsoft’s online Xbox store. Xbox Mastercard owners will also be able to earn five points for every $1 spent on eligible Microsoft Store products online, three points for every $1 spent on streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus, and three points for every $1 spent on delivery services like Grubhub and DoorDash.
APR rates range from 20.99 percent to 31.99 percent depending on the credit. The full Xbox Mastercard terms and conditions are available here.
Card members will also get a bonus of 5,000 points ($50 value) after their first purchase with the card, along with three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for new Game Pass members. You can also give these three months to friends or family if you are already a Game Pass member.
There are five designs to choose from for the Xbox Mastercard, with the option to personalize it with a gamertag. Xbox Insiders in the continental US, Alaska, and Hawaii can start applying for the Xbox Mastercard on September 21. Microsoft says Xbox Mastercard will be available in waves to Xbox Insiders this fall.
This is the first time Microsoft has offered an Xbox card in more than a decade, after the company previously allowed Xbox Live subscribers to get a free card. Xbox Live Diamond loyalty card in 2005 that offered discounts at participating retailers. Sony also offers theirs playstation credit cardwith a points-based system that can be redeemed for games, movies, electronics and more.