Buy and redeem prepaid codes and Microsoft Points on your Xbox LIVE or Xbox Music account

This article explains how to buy and redeem prepaid codes and Microsoft Points so you can make Xbox and Xbox Music purchases or extend your memberships.

Watch the following video to learn how to redeem a prepaid code.

Watch the video “Redeem a code for a downloadable game”

What’s the difference between prepaid codes and Microsoft Points?

A prepaid code is purchased at a retailer and doesn’t require a credit card. Once you have a prepaid code, you can redeem it for Microsoft Points and use those points to buy items and services from Xbox LIVE or Xbox Music.

Microsoft Points is a currency system that is used by Xbox Music and Xbox LIVE. You can buy Microsoft Points directly in the Zune software or on Xbox.com by using a credit card.

You can redeem prepaid codes from your console or at Xbox.com to purchase the following:

• Xbox LIVE Gold Memberships
• Microsoft Points
• Content from Xbox LIVE

Note If you’re on the Xbox 360 Entertainment For All Plan, you cannot “stack” or combine prepaid subscriptions during the life of the contract. If you cancel the subscription before the end of the two years, you will be charged an Early Termination Fee and any applicable taxes.

Prepaid codes offer a “pay-as-you-go” option, along with the following benefits:

• If you purchase points from a participating retailer, you don’t have to keep credit card information stored online. You own the content that you purchase by using points.
• You can burn music and music videos to a CD or DVD if you made a purchase using Microsoft Points.

Exception You can't burn "download to own" TV videos to a CD or DVD.

How to get a prepaid code

You can buy a prepaid code at a retailer, or you might receive a prepaid code as a gift, like a gift card.

You can redeem the different types of prepaid codes and have them applied to your account immediately. Here’s how:

• On Xbox.com
1. On a computer, go to Redeem Code and sign in with your Microsoft account.
2. Enter the 25-character prepaid code and click Redeem Code.

• In the Zune software
1. Start the Zune software and click Settings at the top of the page.
2. Click ACCOUNT in the upper-left corner.
3. Click redeem code under Microsoft Points, and then enter your code.

1. Sign in to Xbox LIVE using the account for which you want to use the prepaid code.
2. Press the Guide button on the controller.

3. Go to Games & Apps and select Redeem Code.

4. Enter the 25-character prepaid code and select Done.
5. When prompted, click Yes to confirm the redemption.

Here is what happens to your account when you redeem different types of prepaid codes:

• Xbox 360 Entertainment For All Plan: You cannot “stack” or combine prepaid subscriptions during the life of the contract.
• Xbox LIVE Gold Membership: An Xbox LIVE Gold Membership is added to your account, or an existing membership is extended.
• Microsoft Points: Microsoft Points are added to your account.
• Xbox LIVE Marketplace content: The content is added to your account and begins downloading.

You can buy points by using a credit card on Xbox.com or in the Xbox Music software. Here’s how:

• On Xbox.com
  1. Go to the Xbox My Account page. If you are prompted, sign in using your Microsoft account (formerly called Windows Live ID).
  2. In the Microsoft Points section of the screen, click Add Points, and then complete the steps. You might be asked to enter your Microsoft account password again.

• In the Zune software
  1. Start the Zune software, and then click Settings at the top of the screen.
  2. Click ACCOUNT in the upper-left corner, select Buy Microsoft Points from the list in the center of the screen, and then complete the steps.

Your Microsoft Points balance

To see your Microsoft Points balance and your payment history:

1. Go to your Microsoft account page, and sign in using the Microsoft account email address and password associated with the account.
2. After signing in, you are prompted to enter a code that you’ll receive by email. This is proof of identity. (For more information about setting up proof of identity, see Get help with your Microsoft account security proofs.)
3. From your Microsoft account homepage, click Payment options to see how many points you have left.

You can also check for your Microsoft Points balance at the top of the Xbox.com page after you sign in, as well as on your Xbox My Account page.

The following limits apply to Microsoft Points:

• You can use up to 20,000 points (or $400.00) per day.
• You can purchase up to 10,000 points (or $125.00) per 24-hour period.
• You can have up to 76,000 points (or $950.00) in your account at one time.