Microsoft Rewards Program No Longer Supports Free Xbox Game Pass Subscription Redemption

Microsoft has already announced an across-the-board price increase for the Xbox Game Pass subscription, with plans to introduce a new subscription tier, the Xbox Game Pass Standard, which offers fewer benefits than the flagship version.

The Microsoft Rewards Program is a points reward feature for Microsoft users, where users can earn points by frequently using products like Bing search. These points can then be redeemed for various online services, such as certain gift cards.

One of the redemption services offered was the Xbox Game Pass subscription, allowing users to automatically redeem their monthly earned points for a membership, continuing their gaming experience while saving some expenses.

However, with the adjustment in the Xbox Game Pass subscription prices, the redemption items have also been adjusted; rather than increasing the redemption points required, Microsoft has entirely removed the gaming-related redemption services.

According to an official announcement by Microsoft:

Starting August 12, 2024, there will be significant changes to the automatic redemption feature for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Xbox PC Game Pass subscriptions. Users will no longer be able to redeem these gaming service subscriptions with reward points. For other redeemable products, please visit the Microsoft Rewards Program homepage.

Users who have been automatically redeeming their points for Xbox Game Pass subscriptions need to adjust their renewal strategies promptly, as failure to do so will lead to the automatic cessation of their membership benefits upon expiration.

There's an unavoidable catch: the new subscription prices for Xbox Game Pass will take effect on September 12 for existing users, but are effective immediately for new users. Thus, users redeeming with points are essentially forced to cancel and resubscribe at the new prices, losing their status as existing users eligible for automatic renewal.