A Microsoft gift card adds money to a Microsoft account. You can use that balance for eligible purchases in the Microsoft Store online, on Windows, or on Xbox, including apps, games, movies, and TV shows; in most regions, it can also buy eligible hardware. It is not a Microsoft 365 subscription or product key, a Windows activation key, or a general-purpose prepaid card.
What you can buy depends on the account, country, currency, storefront, and specific product.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![$100 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41vrrAVO+zL._SL160_.jpg)
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$100 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code] | $100.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![$10 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41MEiiMQqmL._SL160_.jpg)
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$10 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code] | $10.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![$25 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Y0U46RO7L._SL160_.jpg)
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$25 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code] | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![$50 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Y+LDLtBFL._SL160_.jpg)
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$50 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code] | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
![$20 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/4187uRl3ouL._SL160_.jpg)
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$20 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code] | $20.00 | Buy on Amazon |
What a Microsoft gift card can buy
After redemption, the card’s value becomes Microsoft account balance. Microsoft says that balance can be spent on eligible purchases through these stores and devices:
| Where you shop | Examples of eligible purchases |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Store online | Apps, PC games, movies, TV shows, accessories, and eligible hardware |
| Windows | Apps, games, and other eligible Microsoft Store content |
| Xbox | Games, add-ons, apps, movies, TV shows, and eligible Xbox subscriptions |
In most countries and regions, Microsoft account money can also be used for physical products such as Surface, Xbox, accessories, phones, and PCs. Availability and exclusions vary by storefront and region. Hardware purchases in Taiwan are excluded.
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- THE PERFECT GAMING GIFT — Buy an XBOX Gift Card for yourself or a friend and let them choose the games, add‑ons, subscriptions, and accessories they want most.
- USE FOR GAMES & CONTENT — Redeem for thousands of digital XBOX games, from backward compatible classics to the latest new releases, plus DLC and in‑game currency.
- GAME PASS READY — Apply your balance toward XBOX Game Pass Ultimate to play new titles on day one* and access a library of hundreds of high‑quality console games.
- PRE‑ORDER & PRE‑INSTALL GAMES — Use your balance to pre‑order and pre‑download upcoming titles so you’re ready to play the moment they launch.
- NO FEES OR EXPIRATION — XBOX Gift Cards never expire and have no service fees, so your balance is ready whenever you are.
Games and add-ons
You can use the balance for eligible Xbox and PC games, downloadable content, expansions, and other items sold through the Microsoft Store. It can also pay for eligible in-app purchases. Microsoft’s gift-card terms exclude certain in-app subscriptions and purchases, so check whether the payment option is offered at checkout.
Xbox subscriptions
Microsoft says gift-card money can be used for Xbox-related subscriptions, but not for a Microsoft 365 subscription.
A Microsoft gift card is not general Microsoft-services credit. To pay for Microsoft 365, use another accepted payment method or a suitable Microsoft 365 product key or subscription code.
How to redeem the card
- Go to redeem.microsoft.com.
- Sign in to the Microsoft account that should receive the money.
- Enter or paste the gift-card code.
- Select Next.
A Microsoft account is required. The full card value is added to the account after redemption.
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Check the account before entering the code. Microsoft account money cannot be transferred to another person or account. If you redeem the card while signed in to the wrong account, the value stays on that account.
Rank #2
- THE PERFECT GAMING GIFT — Buy an XBOX Gift Card for yourself or a friend and let them choose the games, add‑ons, subscriptions, and accessories they want most.
- USE FOR GAMES & CONTENT — Redeem for thousands of digital XBOX games, from backward compatible classics to the latest new releases, plus DLC and in‑game currency.
- GAME PASS READY — Apply your balance toward XBOX Game Pass Ultimate to play new titles on day one* and access a library of hundreds of high‑quality console games.
- PRE‑ORDER & PRE‑INSTALL GAMES — Use your balance to pre‑order and pre‑download upcoming titles so you’re ready to play the moment they launch.
- NO FEES OR EXPIRATION — XBOX Gift Cards never expire and have no service fees, so your balance is ready whenever you are.
You can also redeem a prepaid code through the Xbox experience. Microsoft directs Xbox users to its current Xbox prepaid-code redemption page; the exact console interface can change, so follow the instructions displayed on Xbox.
How to check the remaining balance
- Open account.microsoft.com/billing/payments.
- Sign in to the Microsoft account that received the card.
- Review the Microsoft account balance shown under payment or billing information.
Ordinary, non-promotional Microsoft account balance does not expire and has no maintenance fees. Promotional credit can have an expiration date under the promotion’s terms.
What happens when the purchase costs more
If the product costs more than the account balance, Microsoft uses the balance first and charges the difference to another payment method.
If checkout does not automatically select the balance:
- Open the payment-method selector at checkout.
- Select Change.
- Choose the Microsoft account balance.
- Confirm the remaining amount and complete the purchase with another payment method if required.
Can you add money to someone else’s account?
You cannot move an already-redeemed balance to another account. A family organizer can add money directly to a family member’s Microsoft account through Microsoft Family Safety:
Rank #3
- THE PERFECT GAMING GIFT — Buy an XBOX Gift Card for yourself or a friend and let them choose the games, add‑ons, subscriptions, and accessories they want most.
- USE FOR GAMES & CONTENT — Redeem for thousands of digital XBOX games, from backward compatible classics to the latest new releases, plus DLC and in‑game currency.
- GAME PASS READY — Apply your balance toward XBOX Game Pass Ultimate to play new titles on day one* and access a library of hundreds of high‑quality console games.
- PRE‑ORDER & PRE‑INSTALL GAMES — Use your balance to pre‑order and pre‑download upcoming titles so you’re ready to play the moment they launch.
- NO FEES OR EXPIRATION — XBOX Gift Cards never expire and have no service fees, so your balance is ready whenever you are.
- Sign in at family.microsoft.com.
- Find the family member.
- Select Add money if the account has no funds, or Manage spending and then Add Money if it already has credit.
- Choose an amount and select Next.
- Choose a payment method and select Buy. If necessary, select Add a way to pay.
This is a new purchase of account credit for the family member, not a transfer from the organizer’s existing balance.
Important restrictions
Region and currency
A card generally must be redeemed to an account registered in a jurisdiction that uses the card’s currency. The balance can be spent only in the jurisdiction where the account is registered and cannot be converted to another currency. A card bought in one country may therefore fail when used with an account registered in another.
Retail Microsoft Stores
Microsoft account money cannot be used at Microsoft Store retail locations. The balance is intended for supported Microsoft Store online, Windows, and Xbox transactions.
No cash or gift-card conversion
The balance cannot be exchanged for cash, gift certificates, or similar payment products, except where applicable law requires it. Microsoft gift cards are not reloadable.
Refunds
Once redeemed, a gift card generally is not refundable except where required by law. Microsoft generally does not refund products bought with account balance except where required by law. If Microsoft accepts a return, the refund is normally credited back to the Microsoft account rather than paid as cash.
Rank #4
- THE PERFECT GAMING GIFT — Buy an XBOX Gift Card for yourself or a friend and let them choose the games, add‑ons, subscriptions, and accessories they want most.
- USE FOR GAMES & CONTENT — Redeem for thousands of digital XBOX games, from backward compatible classics to the latest new releases, plus DLC and in‑game currency.
- GAME PASS READY — Apply your balance toward XBOX Game Pass Ultimate to play new titles on day one* and access a library of hundreds of high‑quality console games.
- PRE‑ORDER & PRE‑INSTALL GAMES — Use your balance to pre‑order and pre‑download upcoming titles so you’re ready to play the moment they launch.
- NO FEES OR EXPIRATION — XBOX Gift Cards never expire and have no service fees, so your balance is ready whenever you are.
Lost, stolen, or incorrect cards
If you bought the wrong code, contact the retailer. For a card purchased from a third party, that seller’s return policy applies. Microsoft says it is not responsible for cards that are lost, stolen, misplaced, or used without permission.
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Microsoft account balance limits
Limits vary by country. In the United States, Microsoft’s current limits include:
| Action or balance | Current limit |
|---|---|
| Add money or redeem gift cards per day | USD 1,000 |
| Spend per day | USD 1,000 |
| Balance stored in one account | USD 1,000 |
| Combined limit for additional accounts associated with the same person | USD 5,000 |
Microsoft lists country-specific exceptions, including AUD 1,520 for Australia, EUR 150 for France, HKD 8,000 for Hong Kong, INR 50,000 for India, NZD 5,000 for New Zealand, SGD 1,000 for Singapore, CHF 3,000 for Switzerland, and TWD 10,000 for Taiwan. France also has a 30-day redemption and spending limit. Microsoft can change limits and local-currency equivalents, so check its current limits page if a large redemption is rejected.
Do not confuse a Microsoft gift card with a product key
| Code type | Correct redemption method |
|---|---|
| Microsoft or Xbox gift card | redeem.microsoft.com; adds account money |
| Microsoft 365 or Office product key | office.com/setup; enter the 25-character code |
| Windows activation key | Settings > System > Activation > Change product key |
A Microsoft gift card is not a Windows license and does not directly activate Office. Microsoft does not document command-line syntax for redeeming or spending gift-card money; documented workflows use the Microsoft redemption page, Microsoft Store checkout, Xbox, Microsoft Family Safety, Office.com, or Windows Settings.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Can a Microsoft gift card be used for Xbox games?
Yes. Redeemed Microsoft or Xbox gift-card money can buy eligible Xbox games, add-ons, apps, movies, and TV shows.
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- THE PERFECT GAMING GIFT — Buy an XBOX Gift Card for yourself or a friend and let them choose the games, add‑ons, subscriptions, and accessories they want most.
- USE FOR GAMES & CONTENT — Redeem for thousands of digital XBOX games, from backward compatible classics to the latest new releases, plus DLC and in‑game currency.
- GAME PASS READY — Apply your balance toward XBOX Game Pass Ultimate to play new titles on day one* and access a library of hundreds of high‑quality console games.
- PRE‑ORDER & PRE‑INSTALL GAMES — Use your balance to pre‑order and pre‑download upcoming titles so you’re ready to play the moment they launch.
- NO FEES OR EXPIRATION — XBOX Gift Cards never expire and have no service fees, so your balance is ready whenever you are.
Can I use a Microsoft gift card to pay for Microsoft 365?
No. Microsoft’s current support guidance allows gift-card money for Xbox-related subscriptions but not for a Microsoft 365 subscription.
Can I buy a Surface or Xbox console with a Microsoft gift card?
In most countries or regions, Microsoft account balance can buy eligible Surface, Xbox, PC, phone, and accessory products through the Microsoft Store online. Availability and exclusions vary, and hardware purchases are not supported in Taiwan.
Can I transfer the balance to another Microsoft account?
No. Redeemed Microsoft account money is non-transferable. Check the account carefully before redeeming the code.
Does Microsoft gift-card balance expire?
Ordinary, non-promotional account balance does not expire or incur maintenance fees. Promotional credit may expire under the promotion’s terms.
What should I do if the code is wrong or does not work?
If you purchased the wrong code, contact the retailer. Also check that the card’s currency and region match the Microsoft account. For a card bought through a third party, that seller’s return policy applies.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
