Redeeming physical store gift cards

This page covers most of those details. Check the FAQ at the bottom.

The important parts would be

"Do gift cards expire?

No, gift cards purchased at retail never expire. Note that promotional gift cards like those from Microsoft Rewards or Xbox Live Rewards do expire."

"What is the difference between a Microsoft Gift Card and an Xbox Gift Card?

The cards work just the same. Once redeemed to your Microsoft account, you can spend your balance at Microsoft Store online, on Windows, and on Xbox."

"Where can I spend a gift card?

Once redeemed to your Microsoft account, your gift card balance is available to spend when you shop at Microsoft Store online, on Windows, and on Xbox. Gift cards do not currently work at physical Microsoft Stores."

Should cover you. One thing I'm not certain with is if "gift cards" can be used to pre-order physical goods. Might want to check with Microsoft Store support on that?

i'm sorry the physical stores close three years ago and any program that may have existed to redeem the gift cards as long since over, I couldn't find one

Just as you can no longer redeem your gift card and other closed retailers, you're probably stuck with this one

If you have a physical gift card in your hand, you can give the person the code that's on the card. However, if it's digital, say redeeming it from Microsoft Rewards, it will go straight to your account. There is no way around it as far as I know. You
can always redeem the card into your account, and then offer to gift them a game by going into the Microsoft store and then selecting the "Buy as a gift" option

Hi

When you buy a digital games, you get it redeemed straight to your account that made the purchase. Unless you purchase as a gift and you will get a 25 digit code to redeem for the game.

You don't ever get a physical card with a code on it. This are only sold in physical stores.

When you purchase an Xbox gift card, make sure that the currency you use matches the currency associated with the recipient’s billing account. Otherwise, the recipient will be unable to redeem the gift card.

If you redeem an Xbox gift card in a country that doesn’t match the country associated with your billing account, you won’t be able to use those funds.

The funds in your Microsoft account can’t be transferred after you redeem your Xbox gift card.

You can’t use funds in your Microsoft account to purchase physical goods from online stores.