Microsoft has sent out free $100 gift cards
Microsoft sent 50,000 Microsoft Store gift cards to U.S. customers earlier this week, ranging in value from $10 to $100. Apparently Microsoft Christmas has come early.
A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed the giveaway to The Verge in a statement subsequently supplied to Mashable, saying that 25,000 recipients were emailed $100 gift cards, while another 25,000 people received $10 gift cards. It may seem as though Microsoft Santa is playing favourites, but Microsoft says the the giftees were randomly selected.
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If you haven't seen a Microsoft Store gift card arrive at the email linked to your Microsoft account, you might want to check your spam folder. You never know.
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These Microsoft gift cards are redeemable on the Microsoft Store until the end of the year, though recipients have 90 days to use the cards after they've been redeemed. This could go toward a shiny new accessory for yourself, or an end of year gift for a friend — the choice is yours.
If you aren't sure what to spend your Microsoft Store gift card on, though, I suggest you at least put $1 toward your first month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. It's basically like Netflix for games, and tends to get some great day-one releases such as Age of Empires IV and Unpacking. Just remember to cancel it after the first month, or you'll get hit with a $14.99 monthly subscription fee.
Gift cards are generally bad when you or a friend are buying them for each other. But if they're a digital freebie from a big tech company, it's hard to complain.
UPDATE: Nov. 15, 2021, 10:17 a.m. This article has been updated to include Microsoft's response to Mashable.