Why can't I use my account balance to subscribe to game pass PC ?

Question

Why can't I use my account balance to subscribe to game pass PC ?

Sav 0

Recently I have redeem my rewards point for a Microsoft gift card. Exactly 1300 JPY.
Those has been added to my account successfully.

However, when trying to subscribe to the game pass, only the card payment option is displayed. If I try to change for an other way, the only option I have is to add a different credit card.

My Microsoft account is set to Japan, and the xbox app display prices in JPY.

Can someone one help me ?

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2 answers

Your answer

Answer 1

Microsoft account balance can be used for purchases, but if the balance is not enough to complete the purchase, another payment method registered to the Microsoft account is required to cover the remaining amount. Microsoft also states that account balance may not be used for certain in-app subscriptions or purchases.

For subscriptions specifically, prepaid subscriptions cannot have their payment method changed because they are prepaid. Subscription billing is managed from Services & subscriptions at https://account.microsoft.com/services/.

What to check:

Confirm whether the PC Game Pass charge is higher than the available 1300 JPY balance. If it is, add another payment method so Microsoft can use the account balance first and charge the rest to the card or PayPal.
Go to Services & subscriptions and check the subscription payment setup there rather than only in the Xbox app.
If trying to use PayPal instead of a card, Microsoft requires the PayPal account to have a credit card or confirmed bank account as its funding source.
If the subscription still only asks for a card, contact Microsoft Support for purchase or billing help.

Answer 2

Carl-L 23,090 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hello Sav,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

There might be some explanation to this, however, before we proceed, may I have a a photo of the situation to check for you? Please remember to remove all personal information before posting.

I'm waiting for your reply.

Sav 0 Reputation points

2026-09-26T13:38:54.2766667+00:00

Hello Carl,

Thank you for your reply.

I have attached three pictures. When I want to subscribe (only visa available), when I want to change the paiement method (I can only add a new credit card) and my account balance (1300 JPY).

My account is in french, I hope it is not too much trouble.
Carl-L 23,090 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-09-29T13:08:07.6666667+00:00

Hello Sav,

Thanks for replying.

May I know did you try to pay directly from the website instead of the Xbox app yet? May I know if it list your Microsoft balance?
Carl-L 23,090 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-10-01T13:06:01.64+00:00

Hello Sav,

Just checking in to make sure that you have received my reply. Please let me know if you have any updates.
Sav 0 Reputation points

2026-10-02T01:00:56.4833333+00:00

Hello, sorry for the delay,

I tried from all the app/website I could but I have the same issue everytime. In the end, I've used my points to redeem an amazon card instead to get the game pass.

I have 1300 JPY on my balance that I still need to decide what to do with it now.

Thank you for you help.
Carl-L 23,090 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-10-02T13:50:03.47+00:00

Hello Sav,

Thanks for letting me know.

Regarding the leftover amount, you can try to get into the subscription section of your account to see if it allow you to set it as the renewal method.

Feel free to let me know if you have any other questions.