What is "XBOX GAME PASS" on my bank statement?
XBOX GAME PASS is a legitimate Microsoft subscription for Xbox and PC gaming access.
Merchant: Microsoft Xbox | Category: Subscription
What Is This Charge?
A charge from Microsoft Xbox reflects a purchase or subscription for Xbox and PC gaming services from Microsoft, the company founded in 1975. Microsoft operates a global digital business rather than a physical store chain, so this charge usually comes from an online account purchase, not a retail checkout. Xbox Game Pass is a gaming subscription that gives access to a rotating catalog of downloadable games on Xbox consoles and Windows PCs. The charge is legitimate when it matches a Microsoft account, Xbox profile, or family subscription tied to the cardholder.
Why Does This Charge Appear on My Statement?
This charge appears when someone starts or renews an Xbox Game Pass plan, including Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Core, or a PC Game Pass subscription. It also appears when a free trial converts to a paid plan after the trial end date. A charge can post after a family member buys a game, adds a subscription, or turns on recurring billing in the Microsoft Store or Xbox console. It can also appear a few days after the purchase because Microsoft may authorize the card first and settle the final charge later.
Typical Charge Amounts
Xbox Game Pass charges are commonly $9.99 per month for PC Game Pass or Game Pass Core and $16.99 per month for Game Pass Ultimate in the U.S. Some promotional offers start at $1.00 for the first month or a short trial period. A temporary card authorization can appear as $0.00, $1.00, or a small pending hold before the full subscription amount posts. Annual or prepaid gift card redemptions can also create charges that do not match a monthly billing pattern.
Common Variations
Common descriptor variations include XBOX GAME PASS, XBOX*GAME PASS, MICROSOFT*XBOX GAME PASS, XBOX GAME PASS ULTIMATE, and XBOX LIVE GAME PASS. Some statements also show MICROSOFT*XBOX, XBOX*SUBSCRIPTION, or MICROSOFT*XBOX LIVE. Store or account references may appear as XBOX GAME PASS 800-4MY-XBOX, MICROSOFT XBOX 800-469-9269, or a similar support-number format. The descriptor may also include a country or region code, such as US, GB, CA, or AU.
Is This Charge Legitimate?
A legitimate Xbox Game Pass charge should match a Microsoft account purchase history entry at https://account.microsoft.com/services or https://account.microsoft.com/billing/orders. The fastest way to verify it is to sign in to the Microsoft account used on the Xbox console or PC and compare the renewal date, plan name, and last four digits of the payment method. You can also check the Xbox app, the Microsoft Store app, or the console’s subscriptions page to confirm whether recurring billing is active. If the charge does not match any account you control, contact Microsoft Support at 800-642-7676 and review whether a family member used your card.
How to Dispute or Cancel
1. Cancel the subscription in your Microsoft account at https://account.microsoft.com/services, then turn off recurring billing for the plan. 2. If the charge is recent, check the order page for a refund option because Microsoft often allows digital purchase refunds only within a limited window and only for eligible transactions. 3. Call Microsoft Support at 800-642-7676 if you cannot identify the purchase, and ask them to trace the order ID, billing account, and device used. 4. If Microsoft cannot resolve the charge, file a dispute with your bank or card issuer and provide the statement descriptor, date, amount, and any proof that no authorized account exists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Microsoft charge show as XBOX*GAME PASS?
XBOX*GAME PASS usually means Microsoft billed an Xbox Game Pass subscription through its digital billing system. The asterisk is a normal descriptor separator, and the charge often matches a renewal, free-trial conversion, or family purchase tied to a Microsoft account.
How do I cancel my Microsoft Xbox Game Pass subscription?
Cancel it by signing in at https://account.microsoft.com/services, selecting the Game Pass plan, and turning off recurring billing. You should also check the Xbox console, the Microsoft Store app, and any family accounts to make sure no other subscription is active.
Why is my Microsoft Xbox Game Pass charge a different amount than expected?
The amount can differ because Microsoft may place a small authorization hold before the final charge posts, or because a trial converted to a paid plan at the standard monthly rate. Regional taxes, plan upgrades, and prepaid credit redemptions can also change the amount that appears on the statement.
Can Xbox Game Pass charges come from a family member's account?
Yes, a family member can create the charge if they used your card on a Microsoft account, Xbox console, or Microsoft Store profile. Check the purchase history, shared console settings, and family group subscriptions before disputing the charge.
What phone number should I use for Microsoft Xbox billing support?
Use 800-642-7676 for Microsoft support in the United States. Have the statement date, exact descriptor, charge amount, and any order number ready so support can locate the subscription faster.
Similar Charges
- XBOX GAME PASS
- XBOX*GAME PASS
- MICROSOFT*XBOX GAME PASS
- XBOX GAME PASS ULTIMATE
- XBOX LIVE GAME PASS