Microsoft is wading into new waters with its gaming model: bank cards. On Monday, the corporate introduced a brand new Xbox bank card, which permits card holders to earn factors redeemable for rewards…however solely on Xbox.com.

The launch begins on September 21 for Xbox Insiders residing in a U.S. state. Availability will later increase in 2024 to all Xbox players in that very same territory.

This branded Mastercard is obtainable via the U.S. shopper division of Barclays, with no annual payment and a rewards system that ensures one level for each greenback spent. A number of classes qualify for greater rewards: Eligible purchases on the Microsoft Store earn 5 factors for each $1, whereas eligible streaming and meals supply providers earn 3 factors for each $1. These factors are collected individually from the Microsoft Rewards program.

The card additionally gives an preliminary sign-up bonus of 5,000 factors ($50 worth) and three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for brand new Game Pass members after the primary buy. Applicants may have a alternative of 5 totally different card designs and might have their gamertag printed on the cardboard. Digital pockets and contactless funds are supported.

For diehard Xbox followers, this new promotion could sound like an ideal new avenue to precise their model loyalty — one thing to choose up along with, say, the mini drink fridge or the upcoming full-scale Xbox 360 replica construct equipment. But for these on the sidelines, the restricted phrases of the brand new card will probably fail to enchantment. You can already get video games (and even pay for Game Pass) without spending a dime utilizing the Microsoft Rewards program. There’s additionally a technique to get Xbox Game Pass for cheap if you happen to don’t have the persistence (or skill) to earn factors via Bing searches and Xbox console exercise.

The higher name is to make use of the Microsoft Rewards program, decide up a typical cashback rewards card if you happen to can repay your steadiness every month, and slap a decal on your credit card if you wish to present your Xbox pleasure. It gives rather more flexibility and much better returns. But you may’t at all times put a worth on love — which Microsoft is probably going banking on.