What Are Microsoft Points

Microsoft Points are the currency of the Xbox Live Marketplace, Games for Windows - Live Marketplace, Windows Live Gallery and Zune online stores. The points allow users to purchase content without a credit card, and reduce the number of small credit card transaction fees which Microsoft would otherwise pay. Some downloads on the Xbox Live Marketplace are free, but most other downloads, such as full versions of arcade games and extras for some games, cost Microsoft Points.

 

How Much Do Microsoft Points Cost

Microsoft Points are purchased either online via credit card or in the form of Microsoft Points Cards (also known as "tokens") from retail locations. Points can be bought in a number of different allotments ranging from 100 up to 5000 Microsoft Points. In the United States, 80 points are equal to US$1. As a result, an 800 point arcade game would retail for US$10 in real-world currency.

Here is a table of the cost of Microsoft Points:

Country	100 Points	500 Points	1000 Points	2000 Points	4000 Points
United States	$1.25	$6.25	$12.50	$25.00	$62.50
Canada	$1.45	$7.25	$14.50	$29.00	$72.00
United Kingdom	£0.85	£4.25	£8.50	£17.00	£42.50
Australia	$1.65	$8.25	$16.50	$33.00	$82.50
Europe	€1.20	€6.00	€12.00	€24.00	€60.00
Japan	¥148	¥740	¥1480	¥2960	¥7400
Mexico	$14	$69	$138	$275	$687
Taiwan	$42	$210	$420	$840	$2100

 

How Can I Get Them Free?

To get them free, click here and you'll be instructed on how to get Free Microsoft Points.