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 Microsoft billing support.
