Grinding Microsoft Rewards points to cover your Xbox Game Pass is about to get a lot tougher. Players are reporting a new notice on their rewards dashboards that says points will no longer be redeemable directly for Game Pass subscriptions. While there’s no formal announcement yet, the change is reportedly set to take effect on October 1.
Microsoft is nudging members toward Xbox gift cards instead, which can be applied to Game Pass. The catch? Gift cards usually cost more points than a direct subscription redemption did. One example making the rounds: a $20 Xbox gift card costs 19,000 points, whereas a month of Game Pass Ultimate previously required only 12,000 points. For anyone who built a routine around covering monthly fees with points, that’s a meaningful gap.
This shift lands on top of a broader feeling that Microsoft Rewards has become less generous. Earning points has slowed for many players, with fewer opportunities and longer grinds—even for those who diligently complete Game Pass quests and daily activities. It’s no surprise that longtime members are frustrated.
There may be more cost pressure ahead, too. Game Pass last saw a price increase in July 2024. While nothing official has been announced for 2025, code hints surfaced in June suggesting subscription rates could rise again. With console prices trending upward, some subscribers worry services will follow.
If you’ve stockpiled points, consider your timing. With direct Game Pass redemptions reportedly ending on October 1, redeem sooner rather than later if that option is still available to you. After that, Xbox gift cards become the fallback, even if they aren’t as points-efficient.
There’s a small silver lining: a major sales event is expected in October, and Xbox gift cards are likely candidates for discounts. Keep an eye out—stacking a sale with your rewards points could ease the sting.
Bottom line: Microsoft Rewards is changing in a way that makes it harder to fully fund Game Pass with points. Plan redemptions now, watch for October deals on Xbox gift cards, and re-evaluate which Game Pass tier makes the most sense for your budget going forward.
