There are days when turning on your console can be a nice surprise. This is what several Xbox users discovered when receiving an unexpected message… with money to spend. “Xbox owners report receiving free store credits in their account via the console’s messaging system.” A gift falling from the sky, for no apparent reason, but perfectly authentic.
Sent directly via Xbox’s internal messaging system, these credits are in the form of vouchers to be used on the store. The amount varies depending on the case, and the messages do not always explain the origin of this sudden generosity. However, testimonies are multiplying, confirming that the offer is indeed real and signed by Xbox.
What is the value of free credit received by players?
Some users receive €5, others €8, or even more. On Reddit, user iZian says he found £8 in credit on his account, without warning. “The accompanying message was essentially a thank you message, thanking iZian for being part of the Xbox family.” The message comes directly from Microsoft and does not contain any questionable links, reassuring the most suspicious about possible phishing.
© Reddit @iZian
This generosity could be seen as a simple gesture of recognition, or as an attempt to regain player loyalty after a difficult year for Xbox Game Pass. The service, which has experienced a decline in attractiveness in recent months, could seek to promote its most loyal subscribers through this type of gift.
Loyalty gift or draw? The mystery remains
What troubles the community is that there seems to be no logic explaining why some receive this credit, and others do not. Do you have to subscribe to Game Pass? Have you used your Rewards points recently? Or is it just chance? “It seems like there’s literally no way to know.”
No official communication from Microsoft has been released to date. Messages are sent sporadically, without a clear pattern, and no one seems to be able to predict who will be next to receive a surprise voucher.
Log in quickly: you may have received this credit too
The only valid recommendation today: turn on your console and check your messages. The offer appears to be limited in time, and there is no guarantee that it will be renewed. In all cases, this credit can be used immediately to purchase a game, DLC or any other content available in the store.
This gesture is timely, as Xbox prepares an ambitious catalog for 2026, in a context of increased competition with the imminent launch of Valve’s new Steam Machine. In the meantime, every little bonus is worth taking.