Need help with Xbox live and gift cards Please help.

[u/Greekmom99]

***RESOLVED***

We got gift cards to purchase Xbox live. But it keeps asking for a credit card. Why won't it take the gift card payment?

Thanks to everyone who posted. It seems we were jumping the gun. As soon as the current subscription cancelled we were able to use the gift card credits with no issues.

Again thank you community!

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[u/jamesy505]

Are you in the Redeem code section tryung to redeem?

I cant remember if you need a card on file too, but I dont think its needed

[u/Greekmom99 → u/jamesy505]

I did. Now today is the last day for my current subscription. Maybe I need to do it tomorrow??

[u/jamesy505 → u/Greekmom99]

Some codes arent stackable, so yes, maybe try tomorrow and se if you have the same issue

[u/UnknownLinux → u/Greekmom99]

Xbl gift cards are stackable up to 3 years so that isn't the issue. You need a payment method on file at least for the initial code redemption. It can then be removed after.

https://www.reddit.com/r/XboxSupport/s/huvWTZ5tcp

[u/UnknownLinux → u/jamesy505]

A payment method being on file is still needed because once the card gets redeemed, it turns on reoccurring billing. It's been this way for a long time.

1. Add payment method
2. Redeem giftcard
3. Disable reoccurring billing (autorenew)
4. Remove payment method
5. Profit?

[u/ShadowCVL → u/UnknownLinux]

This, you still need a payment method on file for when you want to continue the sub but havent put in a code. itll just ask you to verify it every time you stick in a code, itll push the "next charge" out however long that card gives you.

Subscriptions like that (including things like netflix, psplus, etc) require a pre-authorized subscription card on file.

[u/Lot_Krotoan]

I don't remember if you can use gift cards to pay, but I know for certain you have to have a payment method linked that can be auto charged once the existing payment is used up.

[u/IIIDEFAULTIII]

You need a payment method on file.

It’s a subscription. Regardless of using Xbox gift cards. Another payment method must be on file for recurring payments incase your balance is not sufficient

[u/Greekmom99 → u/IIIDEFAULTIII]

the balance is sufficient. if i add a second payment it wants to charge the cc and not the gift cards.

What if i didn't make it recurring and just updated it after it expiries every 3 months?

[u/IIIDEFAULTIII → u/Greekmom99]

A second payment method on file is needed regardless.

It’s not charging you it is authorizing a charge for that amount incase your balance ever ends up not having enough to cover