Microsoft
Points FAQ
Q: What are
Microsoft Points?
A: Microsoft Points is an online,
renewable, stored-value system that
lets people enjoy digital goods and
services from Games for Windows
� LIVE, Xbox 360, Zune
Software, and Zune Marketplace.
Q: How are
Microsoft Points used?
A: Use Microsoft Points to redeem
premium content downloads at Games
for Windows
�
LIVE Marketplace. You must first purchase Points (either by credit card or using a
prepaid Microsoft Points card
available at retail stores) before
using them to acquire digital goods
and services. Note: redeeming points
requires a Windows LIVE™ ID account,
which is a prerequisite for a
Games for Windows - LIVE account.
Q: What can I get
with my Points?
A: Any digital content downloads available at Games for Windows
� LIVE Marketplace
that aren't offered for free can be redeemed using Points.
Q: Where can I
purchase Points?
A:To purchase Points through Games
for Windows
� LIVE:
-
Select the
Marketplace tab.
-
Select the Add
Points link in the
left sidebar, which
will launch a Web
page in your Web
browser. For your
safety, you may be
asked to re-enter
your Windows Live ID
password.
-
Select the amount of
Points you wish to
purchase from that
page, or select
Redeem Code if you
have purchased a
prepaid Microsoft
Points card at
retail. Click Next
and follow the
instructions to
complete the
purchase or redeem
the code.
-
When the purchase or
redemption is
complete, close the
Web page, and click
the OK button on the
popup message in
Games for Windows
�
LIVE.
Q: How do I view
my Microsoft Points balance?
A: Your current Points balance will
be displayed in the left sidebar of
the Marketplace tab.
Q: Do I pay taxes
when I use my Points to obtain
digital goods and services?
A: No. Applicable taxes are paid on
the purchase of Points, not on the
redemption of the Points for digital
goods and services.
Q: How much does a
Point cost to purchase?
A: There is not a price associated with a single Point. Points are
sold in lots and the price per Point
may vary slightly depending on lot
size and the retail outlet.
Q: Can I transfer
my Points balance to someone else?
A: No. Points are designed around an
individual user. Sharing Points or
depositing Points into another
balance is not allowed.
Q: Do I lose my
Points if I close my account?
A: If you close your Games for
Windows
� LIVE account, your balance is still associated
with your Windows LIVE ID account
and will still enable you to obtain
digital goods and services from
certain other Microsoft affiliates.
If you close your Windows LIVE ID
account, the account will linger in
a "closed" state for 90 days, during
which time you can salvage your
Points by re-activating this
account. After 90 days, your balance
will be written off and you will be
placed in a not-registered state,
meaning you can still re-enroll, but
you will be starting from scratch,
with no associated Points.
Q: Is my Points
balance secure?
A: The Microsoft Points system was
developed in coordination with
Microsoft's best practices around
secure development and trustworthy
computing. Furthermore, the Points
system contains only your Windows
LIVE ID e-mail address, country
code, and balance-no personally
identifiable information is stored
in the Points system. You can help
with the security of your account by
not giving out information related
to your Windows LIVE ID account and
not permitting access to your Points
balance.
Q: Is there a
maximum number of Points that I can
have in my balance?
A: Yes, there is a limit. When you
reach that limit, you will be
notified that you've reached the
maximum number.
Q: Is there a
limit to how many Points I can
purchase in a day?
A: There is not a per-day limit, but
there is a limit per transaction.
You'll be notified if you reach this
limit.
Q: Is there a
limit to how many Points I can
redeem in a day?
A: Yes. If you reach this limit,
you'll be notified, and you'll have
to wait until the next day to redeem
more Points.
Q: Can I receive
cash for my Points?
A: No.
Q: Can I use my
Points with a loyalty program from
another company?
A: No.
Q: Can I get a
refund for my Points if I don't like
the content that I redeemed them
for?
A: There are no refunds. If you have
a Points-related customer-service
issue, please
contact LIVE customer support.
