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I don’t often talk about it on this blog, but I have always been a fan of video games. And since I love serving up money-saving tips for you, I decided to help you save on video games. In this post, you’ll find out how to get free Xbox gift cards.
One of the reasons I decided to make this a post here at TFF is because a lot of “free gift cards” sites are spammy sites. It’s not uncommon for these sites to claim they will offer you 100% legitimate, FREE gift cards. Except they don’t.
Instead, they redirect you to a page to complete some kind of offer – or worse. It’s not outside the world of possibility that they could infect you with malware. So, I wanted to put together a resource that won’t do any of these things.
These methods will allow you to get both free Xbox gift cards as well as free Xbox One gift cards.
Note: there isn’t a huge number of ways to get free Xbox gift cards. Perhaps that’s why these sites are made to look so enticing; they know the reality is less tempting.
The truth is that there are only a few ways, and most of them take time. However, in the interest of saving you from the spammy sites, I thought I would go through them.
Xbox Gift Cards vs. Microsoft Gift Cards
Microsoft offers a wide variety of products and services, all of which cost money. Some of these include:
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Office
- Surface Tablet
- Laptops (Lenovo brand)
- Xbox
Is there a difference between Microsoft gift cards and Xbox gift cards? Actually, there is not. When you sign into Xbox Live or Xbox Live Gold, you sign in with your Microsoft account.
Thus, if you have a Microsoft store gift card, you can use the same gift cards you use to make Xbox purchases on the Microsoft store and vice versa.
There are also no separate Xbox Live gift cards.
Ways to Earn Free Xbox Gift Cards
In the list below, we will go over the ways to earn a free gift code. Remember that these gift cards can be used anywhere on the Microsoft store.
In other words, they are not exclusive to purchases of Xbox games and related items.
1. Microsoft Rewards
Of all of the ways to get free gift cards, this is probably the most sensible way. How it works is you complete basic tasks and earn points in return.
It’s very similar to how a survey site usually works, and you can quickly redeem your points.
If you didn’t know, you actually earn Microsoft Rewards points every time you search on Bing. In fact, this program has been around since way back in 2010.
Every time you search on Bing, you earn a few points.
Once you have enough points, you can claim a free digital gift card. This might be the easiest way, although it will take a while to rack up enough points.
2. Complete Surveys to Claim Free Gift Cards
Another easy way to earn free gift cards is by completing surveys. There are literally dozens of survey sites out there and many of them have Microsoft or Xbox points as a reward.
Not every single one offers Xbox gift cards as a reward, though. That’s why I went ahead and put together a list of all of the survey sites that do:
- Swagbucks
- Toluna
- PrizeRebel
These are just a few of the sites that specifically have this option. However, you can always just cash out via PayPal and then add the money to your Xbox account.
I’m especially a fan of Swagbucks because it rewards you when you play games and complete other simple tasks. You can also earn by completing offers and watching videos and TV shows.
Toluna also has the option to get an Xbox Live gift card if that’s what you want.
Check out this list of surveys if you prefer the cash option. Here you’ll find lots of ways to get free rewards you can use for free Xbox codes.
3. Xbox Game Pass Quests
First, a note: in order to be eligible for this option, you must currently be a member of Xbox Game Pass. That might be obvious based on the heading, but I want to be sure to mention it upfront.
When Do Xbox Gift Cards Expire?
Generally speaking, they do not expire. In some cases, you may have older reward gift credits that could expire.
However, any gift cards you buy going forward should never expire. That would include buying them at a brick-and-mortar store, physical Microsoft stores, or almost any store online.
Are Xbox Gift Cards Region Locked?
Yes, they are region-locked. However, there is a workaround. More on that in a bit.
When a gift card is region-locked, that means it can only be redeemed where it was purchased. So if you are in the US, you can only redeem free gift cards while in the US.
However, there is (at least) one workaround. On an Xbox One, you can change your location in the following menu:
Settings > System > Location & Language
If you change your console’s location to match the location of the gift card, you should be able to redeem it.
I have not tested this one, but the same should also be true if a use a virtual private network (VPN) which matches the gift card.
How to Redeem Xbox Gift Cards
Before you are able to actively use your Microsoft Store points, you will have to activate the gift card. There are several different ways to do so. Each gift card can only be redeemed once, so they will be no good any longer once redeemed.
See below for a list of the ways to redeem your Xbox gift cards.
1. From an Xbox One
To redeem on an Xbox One, first, sign into your account on the Xbox (the one you want to add the gift card to). Then, press the Xbox button.
From there, select the store tab, choose use a code, then enter the 25-character card code. You can ignore hyphens.
At that point, simply follow the prompts and the card’s balance should be added to your account.
2. From a Web Browser
In your favorite web browser, go to redeem.microsoft.com.
Make sure you are signed into the Microsoft to which you’ll add the points. You will see that on this page:
Once you’ve verified you are signed into the right account, simply add your claim code and follow the prompts.
3. On a Windows 10 PC
Then, you can add your 25-digit claim code. Follow the prompts and it will be added to your account.
4. On iOS, Android, or Windows 10 Mobile
Lastly, enter the 25-digit code and it will be added to your account.
5. On the Xbox Console Companion App in Windows 10
First, open the Xbox Console Companion App on your PC. Be sure you’re signed into the PC using the Microsoft account that should get the points.
Then, select Microsoft Store from the left navigation bar and click redeem a code. On that screen, enter the 25-digit claim code and follow the prompts. The points will then be added to your Microsoft account.
6. On an Xbox 360
Still running an Xbox 360? No problem. On an Xbox 360, sign in with the Microsoft account that should receive the points.
Then, press the Xbox Guide button your controller. Select Games & Apps, then Redeem a Code.
Enter the 25-digit claim code, follow the prompts, and the points will be added to your account.
Who Sells Xbox Gift Cards?
Can Xbox Gift Cards be Used on Windows Store?
To verify this, use the instructions above to add the gift card(s) to your account. Once that is done, you should see the balance in the Microsoft Store as well. At that point, you will be able to use them for any purchase in the Microsoft Store.
This is the nice thing about having a unified platform. Rather than having to buy separate gift cards for each one, you simply buy one gift card and it will work for any type of purchase. Definitely convenient.
Are Xbox Gift Cards Refundable?
Conclusion on Free Xbox Gift Cards
There are a few ways to get free Xbox gift cards, although the list is fairly short. It includes earning points through Microsoft rewards for tasks such as searching on Bing.
This program has been around since 2010 and is one of the easiest ways to earn free Microsoft Store points. You simply use Bing to search which then credits your account with points.
I am you are gift me gift cards
Whaaaaaaat