X-BOX LIVE MICROSOFT CREDIT CARD NIGHTMARE Internet

 

NEVER use a Credit Card for X-Box Live.  

This is like trying to cancel America Online (AOL)

Time Involved:  ???  HOURS. 

We dont know because it's not finished.  Read on......

We used our credit card to purchase a 12 month GOLD membership to X-Box live.  Seems harmless enough, after all its Microsoft, Right?

X-Box Live is so the kids can play games online with others around the world.  I thought that the credit card was a single use transaction (not to be stored) but later learned that it was stored on the unit.   I could have sworn that it indicated a single use, maybe missed something in the fine print.  

The problem arose when our child purchased game credits.  The system allowed him to use the credit card on file.  What file?  The system stored my credit card number and the 4 digit security code.  

Ok, not the end of the world. We thought the credit card could be easily removed from the the game system.   NOT SO!  You can add another credit card but it will not let you delete one.

After searching and searching the menus we finally discovered that changes must be made on X-Box.com.   Why?   Beats me.    It makes no sense.   

NOTE: you could never give away the unit or let it out of your house because it STORES YOUR CREDIT CARD FOREVER!   

X-Box.com   After entering your password (ya find it) then searching every inch of the site you are directed to set up an account with Windows Live.  Of course, this does nothing but send you back to X-Box.com.   Nice LOOP.  

More delay tactics? Sure seems that way.

Customer Service:  Ok, so we finally discover that the only way to make the change is to call the 800 number.  No kidding, you are not allowed to make the change on X-Box .com,  Why are you directed there from the game unit?  Perhaps to waste more time. 

They really don’t want you to cancel.

Well let me tell you. You need to know your mothers shoe size to get anywhere here.  So, make sure you have your passwords, live account number, email accounts, gamers tag, avatar, and telephone numbers ready.  If you don’t have one item they will not be able to help you.  Luckily, we had everything at our fingertips.  You may have significant delay here and may need to start the process all over again. 

MICROSOFT WILL NOT REMOVE THE CREDIT CARD.  You MUST cancel the entire account. 

Ok, most people would give up here because after all, they want their kids to be able to play.  However, we were determined to remove our credit card number from the account.   Strange, all we wanted was to prevent our kids from access and to do so, we had to cancel the entire account.  Keep in mind, we paid for one year in advance AND 1600 points (actually the kids purchased the points which is the reason why we are here).

One would think this would be an easy transaction.  Our call timer read 36 minutes from start of call to finish.  We were given a confirmation number that needed to be given to the next person.  After waiting on hold we started the process all over; account number, address, email, tele, credit card info....  We were then given a service request number!  Can you believe this???  I'm not kidding. 

Ok, so here is the deal.  Microsoft will call our home telephone to tell us that an email will be sent to us with a 25 digit code to redeem our credit.  You didn't think that you would actual get your money back did you??   Why the telephone call??  You need another code I suppose. 

How long before we should expect the telephone call?  Answer: 10 days.  TEN DAYS?! 

RipOFF??    You be the judge.