Today, Microsoft announced a brand new product geared towards gamers. It is not a new Xbox or a game or accessory. Microsoft has announced they are releasing an Xbox branded Mastercard in partnership with Barclays.
The new Xbox branded Mastercard that is being introduced will have no annual fee, will allow cardmembers to earn points with everyday purchases and redeem those points on games and add-ons at xbox.com. The one catch is that this new card will be available exclusively to Xbox Insiders in the United States beginning on September 21st. So while you are out at the store buying some milk or whatever, you can be earning Xbox points.
According to the release by Microsoft, players can earn card points for ever $1 spent on purchases including the following:
- Xbox & Microsoft – Earn 5x card points on eligible products at the Microsoft Store
- Streaming Services – Earn 3x card points on eligible streaming services like Netflix and Disney+
- Dining Delivery Services – Earn 3x card points on eligible dining delivery services like Grubhub and DoorDash
- Everyday Purchases – Earn 1x card points on all other everyday purchases
Some additional benefits to being a cardmember are:
- A bonus of 5,000 card points ($50 value) after first purchase
- Three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for new Game Pass members after their first purchase. If already a Game Pass member it can be gifted to a friend.
- Choice of one of five iconic designs for their card and it can be personalized with their gamertag
- Flexibility of use with contactless payments and digital wallets
- Free online access to cardmembers’ FICO Credit Score, which allows users to keep an eye on their credit score and receive alerts when their score has changed
- $0 fraud liability protection, cardmembers are not responsible for charges they didn’t authorize
So I have a few thoughts, I am a big fan of points. I racked up a ton of airline miles and used that to fly to New York this October to attend NYCC, it just cost me the tax. One issue that I have with this card is that a huge draw is you get three months of Game Pass Ultimate with your first purchase, however, the majority of people in the Xbox Insider program more than likely already have Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. So right away, you are losing a benefit. You should have the option if you are member already to bank those points versus giving it away to a friend.
What do you think about this Xbox Mastercard? Will you be applying? Are you getting one with your Gamertag emblazoned on it? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on our Twitter account let us know what kind of content you want to see. As always stay tuned to Culture Splat for more content coming your way!
