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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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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
    2018-06-10T05:05:59+00:00

    My Online shopping world went to heck once Paypal stopped allowing prepaid cards for purchase & now require link to bank account...And for us married dudes= this leaves a trail in a partnership where most of us are trying to limit the wife/child excess spending or whatevs….

    ~~THE ANSWER FOR BUYING BACKWARDS COMPATABLE GAMES IS==

    = Boot up you're XBOX360 and purchase the game from the store this way as its  NOT a backwards compat game..

    Very frustrating and I have yet to do this for Red Dead,,Skate3 & Midnight Club L.A

    Speaking of MIdnight Club LA~ it is the uber edition being sold via backwards compatable..this was something I researched cause there's ALOT of content added..most crap though...

    ~I kept my Xbox360 & PS3 instead of the $40 from evil Gamestop.. most aren't prepared..

    ****PLAN B****

    Buy any prepaid credit card from any Walgreens,RiteAid, drugstore,Supermarket,Walmart,Target etc..

    These work with anything in life requiring a credit card and work AMAZING for someone offering a free trial but wants you're credit Card...

    Never use/trust you're main bank Debit card..This method demands that every single person with access @ every single company you've used it is= HONEST! and that's no different then asking a stranger to trust w/ money....don't do it!

    **PLAN C**

    Purchase the physical copy of said game @ Gamestop or better yet- @ the retro video game store in you're closest large town..

    ~~I was blown away when I saw all the Original Halo1+2 Xbox & Xbox360 games @ this store for .99. the most expensive game wasn't more then $5-8 bucks,, and they we're ALL buy 2 get 2 free. With better deals on certain whatevs….

    Red Dead Redemption~ This was the route I took..i just bought the special edition for $4. at this store..

    I coulda went to Gamestop but I don't have the patience for a overweight Gamer tough Guy with Pink Highlights

    to argue with me because im buying a Xbox game & not PlayStation or vice versa..

    (w/ no offense to overweight Gamer tough guys w/ Pink Highlights. I once was a overweight gamer toughguy ;)

    Hope this helps...…..

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-06-09T17:18:36+00:00

    Change location to what?

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-06-09T17:09:25+00:00

    I was also having the same problem but i figured out,

    Just cgange your systems location in settings

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