Why can't I use $25 credit in my microsoft account to buy game apps?

Anonymous
2014-01-06T04:26:20+00:00

I received a $25 promo code from Best Buy when I purchased my new HP laptop. After following the directions, I was able to redeem the $25 and my microsoft account shows a balance of $25. When I try purchase a game app from the Microsoft store, I get prompted to enter my credit card information and am not given the option to use the $25 in my account. I tried contacting Microsoft support several times. First I was told I had wrong site, even though it was a link from the game I tried to purchase. (Which is showing as a Microsoft product by the way.)

Finally I was given a number to call for the Microsoft store support. After scanning my machine to find the problem, I got a sales pitch for their IT service. Needless to say they can't fix the numerous problems they found with new brand new laptop unless I purchase at least a 1 year plan for $175. Seriously, I am expected to pay over $100 so I can use my $25 of store credit.

Can anyone please tell me what I need to do to fix it so I can use this money in my Microsoft account to buy the game I want from the Microsoft store?  As of right now I am so turned off by the whole process which has taken up my entire evening, I'm ready to write off the money and move on. I don't really need the game apps anyway.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Microsoft Store

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Anonymous
2014-07-21T02:56:23+00:00

Just received an XBOX gift card and had a similar issue (cannot purchase a game add-on using "account" money).

However, when I logged on XBOX as myself, found the same item in store and made the purchase on XBOX, it used the account balance first, as expected.

Prior to purchase I did check in the account settings on XBOX that I could see the account balance > 0.

HTH,

Boris.

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Anonymous
2014-01-06T23:57:09+00:00

Hi,

I would suggest you to contact Microsoft Store support for better assistance:

**http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en\_US/DisplayHelpContactUsPage/**


Hope this information helps. If you need further assistance with Windows, let us know and will be glad to help.

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-12-31T16:50:51+00:00

    Extremely frustrated with this.  Bought a gift card for my son at store (on store's advice) to obtain a game for Christmas.  tried to buy game directly by redeeming gift card, technical difficulties.  tried to purchase through store, and as one would guess, can't work.  Nowhere is there no warnings or disclaimers to indicate that can't be done.  Tried to contact customer service and still have not got an answer how I can purchase a game with what type of gift card. It has been over 2 hours on hold with loops on Microsoft support number given here.  All I want to know now is what type of gift card can be used. Sorry, but this is worst customer service I have ever seen, and I advise anyone to think twice for gifts, gift cards.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-07-31T22:07:44+00:00

    xbox store is a terrible consumer experience in a lot of ways. I have a credit listed on my microsoft account and after about an hour I have still not found out how to spend it. Also in trying to do this I have had to enter my nsme and password  six times as well as 2 phone text verifications. In contrast my apple account is accessed easily. Microsoft provides a tourturous and frustrating customer experience loaded with suffering for those wanting to enjoy what they have to offer. Its a maze with the promise of cheese but as of yet no cheese. I give up.

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-08-25T00:22:24+00:00

    Hello! Having the same issue.  While signed in, I see my available balance, but it is not being used when making game purchases.  Not even an option.  What do you mean by "signed on as myself"?  Thanks

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