Effective October 1, 2025, Microsoft Rewards members will lose the ability to exchange points for Xbox Game Pass memberships. Subscribers must finalize redemptions by September 30 before this option disappears permanently.

Industry observer Wario64 highlighted Microsoft’s announcement, clarifying that rewards points can still indirectly fund subscriptions through Xbox Store gift cards. However, this workaround demands substantially more points – an additional 6,000 for one month of Ultimate-tier access compared to direct conversion.

This policy revision continues Microsoft’s ongoing adjustments to its loyalty program, sparking widespread disapproval among dedicated users. Community discussions reveal frustration over inflated point requirements for maintaining subscription access through alternative methods.

Coinciding with these changes, reports indicate Microsoft is expanding its Game Pass initiatives despite criticism from industry veterans. Former Bethesda executive Pete Hines recently argued that subscription models fail to adequately compensate developers for their contributions to platform content libraries.