US: Microsoft launches new Xbox MasterCard for Insiders

Xbox Insiders in the US can apply for a new Xbox Mastercard starting September 21. Not only does the credit card have no annual fee, it also gives players points upon use, which they can then use at the store. xbox.com can recover.

For the first ones, from 2024 onwards for everyone

It should be fresh Microsoft blog post Accordingly, initially it was a sort of trial run. The new Xbox Mastercard will gradually become available to Xbox Insiders from the US, Alaska and Hawaii. The company doesn’t expect widespread availability of the Xbox platform for all US users until 2024. However, Microsoft has yet to comment on the launch in other regions, so it’s difficult to assess at the moment whether the offer will also come to Germany. .

Points, points and more points

To provide the service, the software group has partnered with international financial firm Barclays, headquartered in London. By using a credit card for everyday purchases, users can earn card points that can be used to make purchases at the Xbox Store. Microsoft explains that there are points “For every dollar“, which players spend on their purchases, but the company leaves open how many points are involved.

However, Microsoft offers users various multipliers when using certain services. For example, anyone paying at a Microsoft Store with an Xbox MasterCard should earn five times the card points. However, you’ll get triple points when paying for streaming services like Netflix or Disney+ and select food delivery services. For all other day-to-day payment transactions with credit cards, a multiplication factor of one always applies.

Microsoft promises a bonus of 5,000 points after the first purchase, which is said to be worth $50. Additionally, the Xbox Mastercard is available in five different designs and can be customized with a unique GamerTag. Anyone who isn’t already a Game Pass member should benefit from three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This offer is available to existing customers.