Microsoft is changing how players can use their Rewards points to access Xbox Game Pass, and the update will make subscriptions more expensive for those relying on the loyalty program. Beginning October 1, members will no longer be able to redeem Rewards points directly for Game Pass subscriptions. Instead, they will need to exchange points for Xbox gift cards and then use those gift cards to cover the subscription cost.
According to Microsoft’s official notice, users must first redeem Rewards points for an Xbox gift card in a denomination that matches or exceeds the Game Pass subscription fee. The gift card balance is then applied toward purchasing Game Pass through the Microsoft Store. If the balance is insufficient, players can combine it with another payment method to complete the purchase.
This adjustment effectively raises the point requirement for Game Pass subscriptions. Reports indicate that one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will now cost at least 6,000 more Rewards points than before. While the change does not eliminate the ability to use points for subscriptions, it significantly reduces the value and convenience of the redemption system.
Once a subscription expires, members must repeat the process of redeeming for gift cards and then purchasing Game Pass, adding an extra step compared to the previous direct redemption option. For those who relied heavily on Rewards to offset Game Pass costs, this marks a noticeable downgrade in value.
The move has sparked frustration among users who see the update as a way of devaluing the Rewards program, though Microsoft has not commented publicly on the reasoning behind the shift.
