Earlier this month, Microsoft unveiled its plans for the Xbox Mastercard, a financial product developed in partnership with Barclays US Consumer Bank. Now, this highly anticipated credit card is making its way to Xbox Insiders, with a broader release slated for 2024. So, what’s the buzz all about, and how can you get your hands on this game-changing card? Let’s dive in.
What the Card Offers
The Xbox Mastercard aims to blend the worlds of gaming and finance in a seamless fashion. It comes with an array of perks designed to provide real value to Xbox users:
- No Annual Fees: That’s right, zero!
- Earning Structure: Cardholders can earn 5x points on eligible Microsoft Store purchases, 3x points on streaming services like Netflix and Disney+, and 3x points on dining delivery services like Grubhub and DoorDash. For all other purchases, you get 1x points.
- Sign-up Bonus: A whopping 5,000 points, equivalent to $50, after your first purchase.
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: New Game Pass members get three free months, while current members can gift this to a friend.
- Customization: Choose from five distinct designs and even personalize your card with your gamertag.
- Digital Integration: The card supports contactless payments and can be integrated into digital wallets.
- Credit Health: Free online access to your FICO Credit Score.
- Security: You’re protected against unauthorized charges with $0 Fraud Liability.
How to Apply
If you’re an Xbox Insider residing in the continental United States, Alaska, or Hawaii, applying for the Xbox Mastercard is quite straightforward:
- Open the Xbox Insider Hub: This can be done either on your Xbox or Windows PC.
- Navigate to Previews: Look for this option within the Hub.
- Select Xbox Mastercard Preview: This will lead you to the application process.
- Click on Join: And you’re in!
Note that the card is rolling out “on a rolling basis throughout this fall,” so not every Xbox Insider will see this option immediately.
The Bigger Picture
While the Xbox Mastercard is not Microsoft’s first experiment in fusing gaming with finance—the company had previously released an Xbox Live Diamond loyalty card back in 2005—it does represent a more integrated and tailored approach to cater to the Xbox community’s financial and gaming needs.
A New Chapter in Gaming Finance
The Xbox Mastercard is more than just a credit card with a gaming brand slapped on it; it’s a financial tool carefully designed to offer tangible benefits to the gaming community. As it begins its phased rollout to Xbox Insiders, it brings with it the promise of added value and a fresh layer of engagement for Microsoft’s gaming ecosystem. All said, this is a card that aims to be as dynamic and rewarding as the games it supports.
