GIFT cards are the perfect presents for the gamers in your family that you just don’t know what buy them.
You know they have an Xbox but you don’t have a clue what type of games they are into, well we may have the answer to all of your problems.
Xbox gift cards can be purchased online and in store
Where can you buy Xbox gift cards online?
Xbox gift cards are sold at various online outlets.
Upon purchase, you’ll receive an email with a digital code that your gift recipient can use to buy popular games, add-ons, map packs and more.
The gift card can also be used to buy movies and TV shows on Xbox, as well as apps on Windows, and even devices like Xbox consoles.
In the UK, the easiest place to buy them is directly from the Microsoft website.
They give you the option to buy gift cards that range from £10-£50.
You can similarly purchase gift cards from:
- Amazon
- Currys
- Argos
- WHSmith
- GAME
If you are in the US, your first stop when buying an Xbox gift card should also be the Microsoft online store.
There, you can purchase one for as little as $1, and up to $100.
If you’re looking for other online retailers, try any of these:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
- Best Buy
- GameStop
Beware that Xbox gift cards are in local currency, so they only work in the country they are purchased from.
Which shops sell Xbox gift cards?
If you prefer to purchase gift cards the traditional way and go into a store, there are many retailers who offer a physical copy.
It’s an easy process and eliminates the risk of security scams associated with online shopping.
However, be sure to check with your local retailer first as products can differ from store to store.
Both the UK and the US offer some great options for buying gift cards in-store:
- Currys
- Argos
- WHSmith
- Walmart
- Best Buy
What are the dangers of Xbox gift cards?
While it’s often said that giving gift cards is “impersonal,” it turns out most people are just fine with that, as they remain incredibly popular with customers.
People enjoy the flexibility and convenience of gift cards.
Unfortunately, gift cards are prime targets for scammers and fraudsters, and gift card fraud can leave merchants vulnerable to damaging chargebacks from the credit cards that were originally used to purchase them.
With physical gift cards, which are still the more popular option, the person receiving one has to make sure to register it on time.
Otherwise, the card may easily be lost or stolen, and it can be very difficult to get a refund if it hadn’t been registered.
While Microsoft assures users that gift cards redeemable in their store never expire, there is always a danger of losing the money if the company goes out of business, for example.
Another thing to be aware of is that while Xbox gift cards don’t expire, promotional gift cards such as those from Microsoft Rewards or Xbox Live Rewards do.
Are there any Xbox gift card scams to watch out for?
In July 2021, Bloomberg reported about an elaborate Xbox gift card scam, where a Microsoft employee stole more than $10 million from the US giant.
Volodymyr Kvashuk found a glitch where he could generate gift card codes and trade them for Bitcoin, which he then turned to cash.
Scammers often send emails which appear to be from the official Microsoft account but are intended to steal personal data.
Although elaborate scams like that do exist, there are ways to remain smart about your gift card purchases online.
Hang Up on Fake Callers
No reputable company nor government agency (including the IRS) will ever demand payment with gift cards. If someone claims to be from the IRS, hang up. (Don’t believe emails either.)
Check the Email address
Look closely at the email address sending the gift card, and make sure it’s coming from @microsoft.com address.
Balance Check in Private
If someone asks to listen as you call to confirm the balance of a gift card, it is likely a scam.
Inspect Gift Card Packaging
If the packaging looks tampered with or the PIN is revealed, turn the gift card into the cashier and pick a different card.
Check the Activation Receipt
Be sure the gift card number listed on the activation receipt matches the gift card you receive. Alert the manager if it’s not a match.
Only Buy from Reputable Resellers
Only buy discount gift cards from a gift card reseller that has customer service and will give you a money-back guarantee on purchases.
Save Activation Receipt
Whenever you buy a gift card, save the purchase and activation receipt until the gift card is redeemed.
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