Choose between spending balance and a subscription entitlement. They are different products, even when both are used on Xbox.
A gift card adds a stated balance. A Game Pass product grants a specified plan or subscription period under its own terms. Balance alone is not a promise of a particular plan.
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Choose the product for the job
Microsoft says gift-card balance may be used toward eligible subscriptions, but eligibility and payment requirements must be checked at the subscription checkout.
| Decision | Xbox gift card | Game Pass product |
|---|---|---|
| What is purchased | A currency amount of account balance | A named subscription plan or entitlement |
| Best fit | Letting the recipient choose eligible content | Giving a specific subscription experience |
| Key labels | Market, currency, face value | Plan, market, duration and eligibility |
| Renewal | Adding balance does not itself set a renewal plan | Recurring billing and renewal terms depend on the offer |
| Arcavanta catalogue | Regional stored-value codes | Do not infer Game Pass inventory from this catalogue |
If the recipient wants one specific game
Check the game’s local store price, account market and eligible payment methods. A balance card lets the recipient make the purchase; it does not reserve the game or hold its current price.
If the recipient wants Game Pass
Confirm the exact plan, market, existing membership and checkout requirements. Some offers can require a payment method or have conversion and eligibility rules. Do not calculate a subscription duration from a face value without checking the current offer.
Keep the terms next to the decision
Use Microsoft’s current product and subscription checkout for eligibility. Arcavanta’s seller price and minimum quantity are separate from Microsoft’s subscription conditions.
Read Microsoft’s gift-card FAQSources and product terms
Microsoft product and redemption information checked September 17, 2026. Issuer product rules do not establish Arcavanta stock, sale prices or service timing.
Choose the right codes for your business
Review the product market, denomination and quantity in your business account. Keep the recipient balance separate from the seller amount.