Microsoft announced today that they have partnered up with Barclays to launch a brand-new Xbox Mastercard. Launching for Xbox Insiders in the US exclusively on September 21, the new gamer credit card will allow users to earn points with everyday purchases and redeem them on the Xbox store. The no-fee credit card is set to roll out for all Xbox users in the US starting next year.
Xbox Mastercard to Roll Out for Xbox Insiders Later This Month
Starting on September 21, members of the Xbox Insiders program in the US will be able to get their hands on Xbox’s new credit card. Any purchases made using the Xbox Mastercard will earn you points, with $1 spent on everyday items bagging you 1 point. With certain purchases, for instance, within the Microsoft Store or on eligible streaming services, you’ll be able to earn up to 5 points per $1 dollar spent.
This includes (via Xbox Wire):
- Microsoft and Xbox: Earn 5 points per $1 spent on eligible products at the Microsoft Store.
- Streaming Services: Earn 3 points per $1 spent on eligible streaming services like Netflix® and Disney+®.
- Dining Delivery Services: Earn 3 points per $1 spent on eligible dining delivery services like Grubhub® and DoorDash®.
- Everyday Purchases: Earn 1 point per $1 spent on everyday purchases.
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Once you’ve accumulated your Xbox Mastercard points, you can redeem them for games as well as add-ons. They will also be redeemable for Xbox Mastercard Gift Cards that can be used to make purchases on the Xbox store.
You can redeem your points at a 1% value, meaning that you can convert 1,000 points into $10 – for instance, a $10 dollar gift card. Note that this is a whole new type of point that’s not connected to the existing Microsoft Rewards program. (You can find all the terms and conditions here.)
Xbox Mastercard owners will also enjoy a bevy of benefits and bonuses once they successfully apply for their card. With your first purchase, you will get a 5,000-point bonus ($50 value) and three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
If you’re already a member, you will be able to gift this subscription to a friend. The Xbox Mastercard will be available in five different designs, and you will have the option to personalize it with your gamertag.
The Xbox Mastercard is a no-fee credit card issued by Barclays, meaning you will not have to pay an annual fee. Additionally, as with most modern credit cards, you will be able to use the Xbox Mastercard for contactless payments and add them to digital wallets. Thanks to the $0 Fraud Liability protection, you will not be responsible for charges to your card that you didn’t authorize yourself.
Launching for Everyone Else in the US in 2024
The Xbox Mastercard will initially only be available to Xbox Insiders who reside in the continental United States, Alaska, or Hawaii. Members will be able to apply starting September 21, with the card issued by Barclays rolling out in waves throughout fall this year.
This will essentially be a test phase for the new credit card ahead of a widespread launch. Microsoft plans to make it available to all Xbox players in the 50 United States in 2024. While this is Microsoft’s first credit card of this kind, Sony already has its PlayStation Visa Credit Card that lets you earn points and spend them on PlayStation games and other items.
Are you excited about an Xbox Mastercard? Will you be one of the first to take this new credit card for a shopping spree as an Xbox Insider? Let us know in the comments and on our social feeds. We would love to hear your opinion.
Source: Xbox Wire
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