Microsoft keeps accurate reports of your Xbox purchase history, as it’s in everyone’s best interests that this information remains accessible. There are many reasons why Xbox owners wish to check their purchase history. You don’t just get access to how much money was spent months ago. The transactions contain much more useful information handy in a variety of situations.
Fortunately, there are at least two ways to access your Xbox purchase history. It can even be done on your PC or another device. If you’re not sure how to get started, please keep reading.
Reasons to Check Xbox Purchase History
Some gamers may buy too many in-game items or currency, and microtransactions can add up rapidly. It’s wise to check on your spending because it can keep sticker shock at bay after calculating the total costs. Your wallet and bank account will thank you.
Other times, you may have noticed a charge appear on your bank account, and you’re not sure what it is besides having to do with your Microsoft account. By checking your Xbox transaction records, determining the reason for the charge becomes convenient and straightforward.
An example is a subscription being auto-renewed. After a free trial, some people may forget to cancel the subscription, and the amount is billed to their account.
Having access to the records helps you figure out if there was a subscription you forgot, or a fraudulent charge was made.
No matter the reason, you can check your Xbox purchase history as long as the console or a computer is nearby.
Checking Your Xbox Purchase History on the Console
If you’re on your Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One, you can use this method to check your transaction history. It only takes a few button presses, and you’ll see the latest transactions made on the Microsoft account logged onto the console.
- With the Xbox console on, press the Xbox button on your controller.
- Select “Profile & System.”
- Go to “Settings.”
- Pick “Account” and then select “Payment & Billing.”
- Go to “Order History” and see the latest purchases.
When checking your order history on an Xbox, a filter allows users to select how far back they wish to see the records. However, it will only show up to the prior six months of history.
That’s not the end of the world because there’s still one more way to check your Xbox purchase history. You do have to hop off the Xbox and use a computer.
Checking Your Xbox Purchase History on a PC
Thankfully, there’s still a way to check your Microsoft account’s transactions list on a PC. You’ll need to log in to the account you used to purchase games, in-game currency, etc. The information won’t appear on other accounts.
- Open the Microsoft account sign-in website by clicking here.
- Sign in with the correct Microsoft account.
- Go to “Payment & Billing.”
- Select “Order History.”
- At this point, you can choose the date range by setting it under “Refine.”
- Check your order history.
Alternatively, you can log in and then click on this link. It takes you straight to the Order History page without extra clicks.
The main advantage of this method is you can check your history further than six months ago. If you wish to calculate how much Xbox gaming has cost you over a more extended period, it’s best to stick to a PC to access your history.
Checking a particular order’s details is supported. You only have to select “Order Details.” There’s even an option to print it as an invoice if you prefer keeping a physical copy.
Proof of Purchase
Proof of purchase is evidence that you own a particular game. It primarily includes the transaction history, but you’ll also need to have the following:
- Purchase amount
- Your identity
Identity can be in the form of these choices:
- Your Gamertag
- Email address
Some companies may ask for proof of purchase if you’re claiming a warranty or they want to verify your purchase. In these situations, you can use the steps above and get a screenshot of the transaction. It should show your Xbox Live Gamertag.
The vendor will accept the proof of purchase and verify the transaction with the correct information.
Possible Causes of Unauthorized Purchases
Sometimes, Microsoft account owners report purchases they don’t recall making. Here are some possible causes.
Recurring Billing Is On
A trial Xbox subscription lasts for an entire month before you have to pay and continue using it. Sometimes users leave recurring payments “on” and are surprised by the extra charge. The solution is to cancel the subscription.
After the subscription is canceled, it will last for the remainder of the billing month. You won’t be charged again afterward unless you turn it back on.
Someone Else Is Using Your Account
Your account is either shared with someone else, can be accessed physically by another person, or doesn’t require a password to log in. These circumstances can allow other people to make purchases on your account without your knowledge. To stop this from happening, you can make sure it’s only accessible after entering a password.
There’s also another layer of security, called the passkey, that you can use. This is a six-digit code that prevents anyone else from using the account. It can provide extra protection to your Microsoft account.
Additional FAQs
How many refunds are allowed on Xbox?
Refunds on Xbox take up to 72 hours to process, and they’re not guaranteed unless you qualify for one. Occasionally, there may be delays in refund processing, so you may have to wait longer. There are no limits to how many refunds you can request or get.
Can I play Xbox games and then transfer them to a PC?
No, that’s not possible for many games. They’re encoded to only work on an Xbox console. You can’t transfer the titles between devices even if you own them. The closest thing to doing this is streaming Xbox gameplay to a connected PC, as the console natively supports the feature.
To do this, you’ll need the Xbox Console Companion app. It streams games to your PC, though there is some input delay. For some, it’s an excellent gaming experience regardless.
The only exception is if you have Game Pass titles that run on Xbox and PC.
Can I refund accidental purchases?
Yes, but it’s not guaranteed to work. The best call is to do so within 14 days after the game appears on your list. You should also avoid launching the game and accumulating playtime on the title, as it may reduce your chances of receiving a refund.
Readily Available
The Xbox purchase history is always available for account owners to check using a couple of methods. While it’s sometimes tricky without a PC or a console nearby, the information is always there to consult. You can use the records to request refunds or verify purchases.
Have you had to check your purchase history due to an unauthorized transaction? How do you think accessing this information is helpful? Let us know in the comments section below.