Microsoft took everyone by surprise at the start of 2026. Without official communication, some Xbox users were surprised to see the appearance $5 free credit on their Microsoft Store account. A modest amount, but enough to buy an independent game, additional content or simply reduce an upcoming expense. And the good news? You could be one of them.
According to information shared by several players and confirmed by ScreenRant, this free credit is a reward linked to Xbox Countdown promotions which were held until the first days of January. Players who purchased an EA Sports or 2K Sports game during this period can receive, as a bonus, a virtual Xbox gift card, without having to claim it.
Why this free Xbox credit may have been offered to you
During the Xbox Countdown sales, many sports games were offered at reduced prices. To encourage purchase, Microsoft would have discreetly added a $5 Xbox Gift Card to certain transactions, provided they concern titles like NBA 2K26, FIFA 26 or Madden.
No notification was sent to beneficiaries. Result: many players are unaware that they have this credit. The amount is added in the form of Microsoft Store creditusable as a means of payment in its own right.
How to check if you received your Xbox gift card
The procedure for checking your balance is simple:
- Turn on your Xbox Series X or Series S
- Open the app Microsoft Store
- Click on your profile (top right)
- Go to the section “Offers and credits”
- View the balance or history of applied gift cards
If free credit has been added, it will appear here. You can use it for any content in the store: games, DLC, films, subscriptions, etc.
Pay attention to the expiration date of the offer
Like any gift card, this Xbox credit has a limited validity period. Although no precise expiration date has been communicated, it is strongly recommended to use it quickly, otherwise you risk losing it without prior warning.
The usual validity of Xbox gift cards varies between 30 and 90 daysdepending on promotions. This period begins on the activation date, which here corresponds to the moment when Microsoft credited your account (in January 2026).
A surprise offer… but not automatic
Not all Xbox players received this bonus. It is only aimed at those who have completed a eligible purchase during the holidays, without guarantee. If you haven’t received anything, this doesn’t mean your account is in error.
However, nothing prevents you from taking advantage of other loyalty programs offered by Microsoft in the future, such as the successes rewarded Or Rewards points. In the meantime, if you purchased an EA or 2K game recently, It’s worth checking your balance.