How to enter pre-paid codes for content, subscriptions, or Microsoft Points

This article describes how to enter pre-paid codes to extend an Xbox LIVE subscription or to redeem Microsoft Points for use in the Xbox LIVE Marketplace or purchase individual pieces of content on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace.

About pre-paid codes

You can enter pre-paid codes for subscriptions, Microsoft Points, or content items in from the following places:

• Xbox 360 console dashboard
• Xbox LIVE Marketplace
• Xbox.com

Notes about pre-paid codes

• You can use Xbox 360 subscription codes only for the Xbox 360 console, not for the original Xbox console. However, you can use original Xbox subscription codes for the Xbox 360 console.
• You cannot use or activate pre-paid codes if your account is suspended or if your account has a past-due balance. These issues must be resolved before you can activate a pre-paid code.
• You can use pre-paid subscription codes to extend time on your Xbox LIVE subscription. To do this, enter your pre-paid subscription code in the Account Management area of the profile for which they must be used.

Xbox.com

The easiest way to redeem a pre paid code is to use the Xbox LIVE Web Marketplace. Via a single location on Xbox.com, you can redeem all types of pre paid codes and have them applied to your account immediately.

To redeem a prepaid code, visit http://live.xbox.com/accounts/RedeemToken.aspx (http://live.xbox.com/accounts/RedeemToken.aspx) or follow these steps:

1. From Xbox.com, use your Windows Live ID to sign in to your Xbox LIVE account.
2. Select My Account from the My Xbox drop-down menu.
3. Click Redeem Code to apply the additional pre-paid time to your existing credit card-based subscription.
4. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to enter and to confirm the addition of the pre-paid code.

Xbox 360 console

Pre-paid Xbox LIVE subscription codes

To redeem an Xbox LIVE subscription prepaid code from the Xbox 360 console, follow these steps:

1. In the My Xbox area, select the Xbox LIVE profile.
   
   Collapse this imageExpand this image

   
   
   
   Collapse this imageExpand this image

   
2. Select Manage Account, and then select Memberships.
   
   Collapse this imageExpand this image

   
3. Select the current membership, and then do one of the following things:
   • To convert your account to a pre-paid membership, select Change Payment Options then select Redeem Code.
   • To apply the additional pre-paid time to your existing credit card based subscription, select Redeem Code.
4. Enter the pre-paid code, and then select Done to continue.

Microsoft Points pre-paid codes

You can add Microsoft Points pre-paid codes by using the Xbox 360 console or by using Xbox.com.

Xbox 360 console

To enter a pre-paid Microsoft Points code by using the Xbox 360 Guide main menu, follow these steps:

1. Press the Xbox 360 Guide button, and then go to the Marketplace area.
2. Select Redeem Code.
3. Enter the 25-character pre-paid code.

Pre-paid codes for games or game content

You can add redeem pre-paid codes for content by using either the Xbox 360 console or by using Xbox.com.

Xbox 360 console

To enter a pre-paid Microsoft Points code by using the Xbox 360 Guide main menu, follow these steps:

1. Press the Xbox 360 Guide button, and then go to the Marketplace area.
2. Select Redeem Code.
3. Enter the 25-character pre-paid code.
4. Follow the instructions to download the content.