Xbox 'easy' free store credit comes with 1 major catch

Xbox gamers can claim free store credit but it comes with one major catch and you must apply this with absolute caution.

It’s always nice to claim free store credit, whether it’s via a competition courtesy of Twitter accounts such as Free Steam Games, or loyalty schemes like Microsoft Rewards and PlayStation Stars.

With that in mind, one Reddit user has recommended an easy way that you can claim free Xbox store credit but you must only do so if you’re financially able and can resist the temptation to spend more than you should (unlike me).

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“I got the Xbox Credit Card,” announced Reddit user SpideySonic to fellow members on the thread. “I hope this doesn't turn out to be a bad financial decision, but I copped the Xbox Mastercard.”

“This is gonna sound like an ad,” they continued. “If you didn't know, the card gives you 5x points per $1 for buying things in the Microsoft Store, 3x points for streaming services and dining delivery services (Doordash, Uber Eats, etc.), and 1x points for everything else.”

“My interest rate is 20.99%, but it varies based on each person, going all the way up to 29.99%. I'm pretty good with using my credit cards, so I never buy anything that I can't pay off immediately, so I don't worry about the interest rate.”

Usually, if you spend on a credit card, you won't be charged any interest, as long as you pay it off within a set time limit. However, those kinds of offers can vary from card to card and person to person.

“There's also no annual fee. They give you 5000 points ($50) for your first purchase, so I went ahead and spent about $50 on some games that are on sale, so they were essentially free,” they continued.

I know perhaps more than most, especially with my neurological brain making spontaneous purchases, that credit cards can be a very slippery slope if you allow yourself not to be in control.

You should only ever apply for a card if you have self-control and you’re financially able to obtain the card. If not, I would highly suggest staying away from credit cards, and even if you’re able, they should fall under heavy consideration.

If you’re able to control what you spend, offers such as free Xbox store credit is a great incentive, though just to be safe, it might be wise to cut up the card and keep it out of sight once the offer has been claimed.

I know it feels like I’m lecturing, but it's better safe than sorry, especially when we’re tempted by video game freebies.