Barclays Xbox Mastercard

Quick Snapshot

• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 20.24%–29.99% variable
• Rewards: 5x Microsoft Store, 3x streaming/dining delivery, 1x everywhere else
• Bonus: 5,000 card points ($50) after first purchase + 3 months Game Pass Ultimate
• Best For: Xbox gamers, Microsoft ecosystem users, streaming enthusiasts
• Credit Needed: Good to Excellent (690+)

Overview

The Xbox Mastercard is a gaming-focused rewards card designed for Xbox enthusiasts and Microsoft ecosystem users who want to maximize rewards on digital entertainment and gaming purchases. Launched in 2024 in partnership with Barclays, this no annual fee card offers 5x points on eligible products at the Microsoft Store, 3x on select streaming platforms and dining delivery services, and 1x on all other purchases—transforming your everyday spending into Xbox games, Game Pass subscriptions, and Microsoft products.

What makes this card unique is its gaming-centric benefits: earn 5,000 bonus card points (worth $50) after your first purchase of any amount, plus three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for new Game Pass members—giving you immediate access to hundreds of games. For existing Xbox players, the card also offers two three-month Game Pass Ultimate codes to gift to friends or family when you spend $7,000 or more within the first 12 months.

Beyond gaming, the 3x earning on select streaming platforms (like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu) and dining delivery services (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub) makes this card valuable for digital entertainment enthusiasts beyond just Xbox. With no annual fee and points redeemable for Xbox games, Game Pass, hardware, and Microsoft products, this card seamlessly integrates rewards into the Xbox and Microsoft ecosystem.

The card is available to qualified U.S. residents 18 years and older across all 50 states, making it accessible to gamers nationwide who want to turn their spending into more gameplay.

APR Breakdown

• Purchase APR: 20.24%–29.99% variable
• Balance Transfer APR: 20.24%–29.99% variable
• Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable
• Penalty APR: None specified

Note: Standard APR for rewards cards with no promotional intro periods. The card's value comes from gaming and streaming rewards rather than financing features.

Benefits Overview

Gaming & Xbox Benefits

• 5x card points per dollar on eligible products at the Microsoft Store
• 5,000 bonus card points ($50 value) after first purchase
• 3 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for new Game Pass members (worth ~$50)
• Two 3-month Game Pass Ultimate gift codes when you spend $7,000+ in first 12 months (worth ~$100)
• Redeem points for Xbox games, Game Pass subscriptions, Xbox hardware, accessories
• Access to Microsoft Store exclusive deals and promotions
• Integration with Xbox ecosystem and Microsoft Rewards program

Entertainment & Dining Benefits

• 3x card points per dollar on select streaming platforms (Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and more)
• 3x card points per dollar on select dining delivery services (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, Postmates)
• 1x card point per dollar on all other everyday purchases
• Support for digital entertainment lifestyle beyond gaming

Everyday Benefits

• No annual fee—keep earning gaming rewards cost-free
• Three months of Spotify Premium Individual for new and existing cardholders (new Spotify Premium users only)
• Points never expire as long as account is active
• Zero fraud liability protection
• 24/7 customer service
• Digital wallet compatibility (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
• Online account management and mobile app access

Mastercard Benefits

• Standard Mastercard purchase protection
• Zero fraud liability
• Digital card access for immediate use after approval
• Identity theft protection assistance

Rewards & Earning Structure

• 5x card points per dollar on eligible products at the Microsoft Store (games, Game Pass, hardware, software, Xbox consoles, accessories)
• 3x card points per dollar on select streaming platforms (Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Spotify, Apple Music, and more)
• 3x card points per dollar on select dining delivery services (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, Postmates, and more)
• 1x card point per dollar on all other purchases where Mastercard is accepted
• No caps or limits on points earned
• Points never expire as long as account is active
• Redemption: Xbox games, Xbox Game Pass subscriptions, Xbox hardware, Microsoft Store products, Microsoft 365 subscriptions

Xbox Mastercard points are valued at approximately $0.01 per point when redeemed for Xbox and Microsoft products, making the 5x earning rate equivalent to 5% back at the Microsoft Store and 3x equivalent to 3% back on streaming and dining delivery.

Welcome Bonus

Earn 5,000 bonus card points ($50 value) after your first purchase, plus 3 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for new Game Pass members.

This welcome bonus requires only a single purchase of any amount—one of the easiest welcome bonuses to earn. The 5,000 points ($50 value) can be redeemed for Xbox games or Game Pass subscriptions, while the 3 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (worth approximately $50) provides immediate access to hundreds of games across console, PC, and cloud gaming.

Additional Bonus: Spend $7,000 or more within the first 12 months of opening your account and receive two three-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate codes to gift to friends or family—worth approximately $100 total.

Fees Summary

• Annual Fee: $0
• Foreign Transaction Fee: Not specified (likely 3%, check terms)
• Balance Transfer Fee: Not typically offered
• Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40

Who This Card Is Best For

Ideal For

• Xbox gamers who regularly purchase games, Game Pass, and gaming content
• Microsoft ecosystem users buying hardware, software, and subscriptions
• Streaming enthusiasts with multiple subscription services (Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Spotify)
• Dining delivery users frequently ordering through DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub
• Game Pass subscribers wanting to earn rewards on subscriptions
• Digital entertainment consumers combining gaming, streaming, and delivery spending
• Those gifting Game Pass to friends/family (earn gift codes at $7K spend)
• PC and console gamers in the Microsoft/Xbox ecosystem

Not Good For

• PlayStation or Nintendo-focused gamers (rewards locked to Xbox/Microsoft)
• Those not interested in gaming or Microsoft products
• Infrequent Microsoft Store shoppers (limited 5x earning opportunities)
• Those without streaming subscriptions or dining delivery usage (limited 3x earning)
• International gamers (card available only to U.S. residents)
• Those seeking premium travel benefits or high cash back rates
• Balance carriers (standard APR negates rewards value)
• Those preferring flexible cash back over gaming-specific rewards

Key Pros & Cons

Pros

• No annual fee keeps gaming rewards cost-free
• Strong 5x earning at Microsoft Store (games, Game Pass, hardware, software)
• 3x earning on streaming services and dining delivery (valuable for digital lifestyle)
• 5,000 bonus points ($50) after first purchase (instant reward)
• 3 months Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for new members (worth ~$50)
• Gift codes for friends/family at $7,000 spend milestone
• 3 months Spotify Premium Individual included
• Points never expire with active account
• Works everywhere Mastercard is accepted for 1x earning
• Seamless integration with Xbox and Microsoft ecosystem
• Available to all U.S. residents 18+ across all 50 states

Cons

• Points only redeemable for Xbox/Microsoft products (no cash back option)
• 1x earning on non-bonus categories is basic
• Limited value if you're not an Xbox gamer or Microsoft user
• Foreign transaction fees likely apply (check terms)
• Standard APR (20.24%–29.99%) without promotional periods
• $7,000 spend in 12 months required for friend/family gift codes (high threshold)
• Game Pass Ultimate bonus only for new Game Pass members
• Streaming and delivery 3x earning limited to "select" platforms
• No travel benefits or purchase protections
• Points value tied to Microsoft Store prices

Alternatives to Consider

How the Rewards Add Up

Example Annual Value

Assuming you're an active gamer and streaming subscriber spending $12,000 annually:

First Year Total Value (with gift codes): $422
Ongoing Annual Value: $192

No annual fee to subtract = $192 net annual value (ongoing)

For heavy Microsoft Store spenders—say $1,200 annually on games and Game Pass—the Microsoft Store rewards alone would be worth $60, significantly increasing the card's value for dedicated Xbox gamers.

Strategic Value: If you spend $7,000+ in the first year to unlock the two 3-month Game Pass Ultimate gift codes, you're earning approximately 6% total return on that spending when factoring in base rewards, welcome bonus, and gift code value.

Should You Get This Card?

You Should Get It If...

• You're an Xbox gamer who regularly buys games, Game Pass subscriptions, or hardware
• You spend significantly at the Microsoft Store on software, devices, or subscriptions
• You have multiple streaming service subscriptions (Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Spotify)
• You frequently order food through dining delivery services (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub)
• You want to earn 5,000 bonus points ($50) with just one purchase
• You're a new Game Pass member wanting 3 months free
• You can reach $7,000 spend in 12 months for friend/family gift codes
• You appreciate no annual fee gaming rewards
• You're integrated into the Xbox and Microsoft ecosystem
• You always pay balances in full (no promotional APR offered)

You Should Skip It If...

• You're not an Xbox gamer or Microsoft ecosystem user
• You game primarily on PlayStation, Nintendo, or PC (non-Xbox)
• You rarely purchase from the Microsoft Store (limited 5x earning)
• You don't have streaming subscriptions or use dining delivery services
• You want flexible cash back redeemable anywhere
• You prefer travel rewards or airline miles over gaming rewards
• You carry credit card balances (standard APR negates rewards)
• You're seeking premium benefits (travel insurance, purchase protection)
• You want higher rewards on everyday categories beyond 1x

Apply Now

Apply for Xbox Mastercard

Information accurate as of December 2025. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the issuer's website for the most current information.