Changes are coming for Microsoft Rewards members who utilize the auto-redeem feature to maintain their Xbox Game Pass subscriptions.  Communications sent to some users indicate an impending price increase for Game Pass redemptions, potentially taking effect as early as April 2025.

The Microsoft Rewards program has long provided Xbox and PC gamers with a way to earn points through various activities like searches and quizzes, then redeem those points for Game Pass subscriptions.  Auto-redeem streamlined the process, allowing dedicated users to maintain their subscriptions without additional cost. Currently, one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate requires 12,000 points, while PC Game Pass requires 7,750 points. This is set to change.

Recent reports indicate a price hike for Xbox Game Pass redemptions is on the horizon. Leaked emails suggest the increase will be implemented around April 20, 2025.  This aligns with the appearance of new Game Pass redemption options in the UK Microsoft Rewards portal, reflecting substantially increased point requirements.  Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will require 17,000 points (a 41.6 percent increase), and PC Game Pass will jump to 10,500 points (a 35.4 percent increase).

While the existing redemption system remains available for now, indications suggest the lower-cost auto-redeem options will be phased out by April 20. Users will then need to manually re-subscribe under the new pricing.  Complicating matters further is the impact on Microsoft Rewards' tiered membership system. Level 2 members, who engage more frequently, currently enjoy a discount.  The price increase applies to Level 2 members, potentially meaning an even steeper increase for Level 1 members.

These changes appear to be region-specific currently, but wider implementation is possible.  Furthermore, there are concerns about the feasibility of earning the increased point requirements.  Earning 17,000 points monthly under the current Microsoft Rewards structure presents a significant challenge for many users, raising questions about whether Microsoft will adjust its earning system or if users will be forced to supplement their subscriptions with real-world currency.  Microsoft has yet to officially address the situation, though this isn't the first time Microsoft Rewards pricing has seen abrupt adjustments.