Xbox to launch the Xbox Mastercard, its first-ever credit card in the U.S., issued by Barclays
September 11, 2023 | WILMINGTON, Del., PURCHASE, NY, REDMOND, Wash.- The Xbox Mastercard has no annual fee and rewards Xbox players 5X card points on qualifying purchases within the Microsoft Store, 3X across eligible dining delivery and streaming services, and 3 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate after the first purchase (for new Game Pass members).
- Cardmembers can pick from one of five Xbox-inspired card designs, in addition to the option to have their Xbox gamertag printed on the back of the card, bringing together virtual experiences and everyday purchases.
Today, Xbox, Barclays and Mastercard announced the Xbox Mastercard, Xbox’s first-ever co-branded credit card in the United States. The no annual fee card provides players with best-of-both-worlds value they need for gaming and everyday purchases, including points to redeem on Xbox games and add-ons, select streaming and dining delivery services, and more.
Issued by Barclays US Consumer Bank, the Xbox Mastercard will be available on September 21 exclusively to qualified Xbox Insiders across all 50 states, with availability open to the general public in the U.S. in 2024.
With no annual fee and a bonus of 5,000 card points after their first purchase, the card was built to offer perks to reward cardmembers across different experiences, including three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate when they make their first purchase within 180 days of opening their account (for new Game Pass members, or to gift to a friend). Additional benefits include 3X card points on select streaming platforms and dining delivery services, 1X card points for other everyday purchases, and more. With a choice of five iconic card designs and the option to customize it with their Xbox gamertag, the Xbox Mastercard brings together the virtual experiences players love most, into everyday purchases, for wherever and whenever they want to shop.
Additional benefits include:
- 5X card points on eligible products at the Microsoft Store
- Free online access to cardmember’s FICO® Credit Score
- Access to meaningful experiences on Priceless.com, available exclusively to Mastercard cardholders
- The benefits of the Mastercard network, ID Theft Protection™, Zero Liability Protection and Global Services for emergency assistance
- Terms and conditions apply.
“We’ve heard feedback from the Xbox community that they want more ways to get value for their purchases,” said Dave McCarthy, corporate vice president, Xbox Player Services. “We’re excited to partner with Barclays and Mastercard to expand the ways Xbox players can earn rewards for gaming.”
Barclays is a top-ten U.S. credit card issuer with more than twenty years of experience in creating award-winning co-branded credit card programs in partnership with some of America’s best-known brands.
“We’re excited to partner with Xbox and Mastercard to tap into the passion and enthusiasm of the Xbox community and deliver a product and experience that heightens their gaming enjoyment,” said Denny Nealon, CEO, Barclays US Consumer Bank. “Xbox is a great brand, and we look forward to building upon our partner-first model to deliver a credit card product that sets the standard for gaming enthusiasts everywhere.”
The release of the Xbox Mastercard marks a new milestone in the longstanding partnership between Mastercard and Microsoft, which is rooted in innovating safe, secure and seamless commerce experiences leveraging digital technologies including artificial intelligence, cyber security solutions, and fraud management offerings. Mastercard and Microsoft have also partnered to help small business partners through Microsoft Advertising, helping scale their online business through benefits across their search network.
“Mastercard has a long history in innovating across esports and mobile and online gaming, which has given us unique insight on what gamers want most,” said Sherri Haymond, executive vice president, Global Digital Partnerships, Mastercard. “From new ways to personalize your card, to rewarding Xbox players with experiences they love, we’re thrilled to be collaborating with Xbox and Barclays to bring together an exciting, digital-first product.”
Xbox Insiders with residence in the continental United States, Alaska, or Hawaii can apply through the Xbox Insider Hub on the Xbox console or on a Windows PC after joining the Xbox Mastercard Preview. The Xbox Mastercard will be available in waves to Xbox Insiders throughout this fall. For more information on the Xbox Insider program, details on how to become an Xbox Insider, and to apply for the Xbox Mastercard, visit Xbox Wire. Terms and conditions apply.
About Microsoft
Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @Microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
About Barclays US Consumer Bank
Barclays US Consumer Bank is a leading co-branded credit card issuer and financial services partner in the United States that creates highly customized programs to drive customer loyalty and engagement for some of the country’s most successful travel, entertainment, retail, and affinity institutions. The bank offers co-branded, small business, and private label credit cards, installment loans, online savings accounts, and CDs. For more information, please visit www.BarclaysUS.com.
About Mastercard
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.