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Xbox Mastercard: Bridging the gap between gaming and everyday life

By Aiden Crawford

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 15: Microsoft Vice President and head of 343 Industries Bonnie Ross introduces "Halo 5 Guardians" during the Microsoft Xbox E3 press conference at the Galen Center on June 15, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. The Microsoft press conference is held in conjunction with the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) which focuses on gaming systems and interactive entertainment, featuring introductions to new products and technologies. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 15: Microsoft Vice President and head of 343 Industries Bonnie Ross introduces "Halo 5 Guardians" during the Microsoft Xbox E3 press conference at the Galen Center on June 15, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. The Microsoft press conference is held in conjunction with the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) which focuses on gaming systems and interactive entertainment, featuring introductions to new products and technologies. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The gaming world is no stranger to branded merchandise, from clothing and accessories to collectibles and peripherals. Now, Xbox is taking it to the next level with the official Xbox Mastercard. This credit card, issued by Barclays, is designed to let gamers show off their passion in their everyday transactions.

Announced on September 11 via an Xbox news blog, the Xbox Mastercard offers an intriguing proposition for gamers. With this card, you can earn points from everyday purchases that can be used for games or add-ons in the Xbox store. But it doesn’t stop there; you can also customize your card with your gamertag etched onto one of five “iconic” card designs, all featuring the Xbox logo.

However, there’s a catch. This exclusive card is currently available only to Xbox Insiders, and even among them, it’s limited to those in the continental United States, Alaska, or Hawaii. So, while the card is undoubtedly appealing to gamers, not everyone can get their hands on it just yet.

In terms of earning points, the Xbox Mastercard operates much like other rewards-based credit cards. You’ll earn points for every $1 you charge, but there are some specific categories where you can earn even more points:

  • 5x points for eligible products at the Xbox and Microsoft stores.
  • 3x points on eligible streaming services, including popular platforms like Disney Plus and Netflix.
  • 3x points on eligible dining delivery services, such as Grubhub and Doordash.

However, the exact list of “eligible” storefronts and services remains somewhat unclear. Gamers are left wondering whether purchases made on related platforms, like buying in-game currency for a game like Overwatch through an Xbox account, will count towards earning extra points on the Xbox Mastercard.

As an added incentive, new cardholders will receive a $50 bonus in the form of points after making their first purchase with the card. Plus, they’ll enjoy three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for free, provided they’re not already a Game Pass member. This bonus can even be gifted to a friend, according to the Xbox news post.

For those interested in obtaining this gamer-centric credit card, becoming an Xbox Insider is the first step. Fortunately, this isn’t a complicated process. Players can simply download the “Xbox Insider Hub” on their Xbox console or PC via the Microsoft Store.

The Xbox Mastercard represents an intriguing fusion of gaming and finance. While it’s not yet clear how extensively it can be used or how many gamers will opt for it, it’s undoubtedly an exciting development in the world of gaming merchandise and a unique way for fans to showcase their Xbox pride in everyday life.

The introduction of the Xbox Mastercard marks an interesting move by Microsoft to further integrate gaming into everyday life. With this credit card, Xbox is aiming to make its brand a more prominent part of gamers’ daily routines, from buying groceries to dining out.

Gamer Identity

For many gamers, their passion for gaming is a significant part of their identity. The Xbox Mastercard capitalizes on this by offering customizable card designs, with options to have your gamertag displayed prominently. This not only reinforces a sense of belonging to the Xbox community but also allows gamers to proudly display their gaming identity wherever they make purchases.

Rewards and Incentives

The key attraction of the Xbox Mastercard is the rewards program. Earning points for everyday spending is a common feature of credit cards, but the Xbox Mastercard takes it a step further. Gamers can accumulate points for purchases at the Xbox and Microsoft stores, streaming services, and dining delivery services. This creates a compelling incentive for gamers to use the card for various transactions, further integrating Xbox into their daily lives.

Gaming Beyond the Console

The Xbox Mastercard extends gaming beyond the console. It recognizes that gaming is not limited to playing games but also encompasses a broader lifestyle that includes streaming, socializing, and dining. By offering rewards for streaming services and food delivery, the card acknowledges that gamers engage with a wide range of entertainment options.

Exclusive Access for Xbox Insiders

One aspect of this card that sets it apart is its exclusivity. At the moment, only Xbox Insiders in specific regions have access to it. This exclusivity not only creates a sense of privilege among Xbox Insiders but also encourages others to become part of the program to access this unique card. It’s a clever marketing strategy to grow the Xbox Insider community.

The Gaming Lifestyle

The introduction of the Xbox Mastercard reflects the gaming industry’s evolution. It’s not just about consoles and games anymore; it’s about creating a gaming lifestyle. This lifestyle extends into various aspects of everyday life, from entertainment choices to financial transactions. Xbox is positioning itself at the center of this lifestyle, offering gamers a way to seamlessly integrate their passion for gaming into their daily routines.

The Xbox Mastercard is more than just a credit card; it’s a statement about the role gaming plays in people’s lives. By offering rewards, customization, and exclusive access, Xbox is reinforcing its connection with gamers and making sure its brand is present in various aspects of their daily activities. It’s a bold move that showcases the ever-expanding influence of gaming culture.

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