What GameStop Member Rewards covers and how it earns points
GameStop Member Rewards is a free loyalty program that lets you earn points on purchases at GameStop stores and online. You earn one point per dollar spent on most items, including new and used games, hardware, accessories, and collectibles. Points accumulate in your account and convert to rewards you can redeem for discounts or free items.
The program has two tiers: standard membership and PowerUp Rewards Pro, a paid tier that costs $14.99 per year. PowerUp members earn points faster — typically 1.5 points per dollar instead of one — and get exclusive perks like birthday bonuses and early access to sales. Both tiers are free to join at the standard level, so you can test the program before deciding whether the paid upgrade makes sense for your spending.
Points do not expire as long as your account remains active. However, if you do not make a purchase or log in for 12 months, GameStop may close your account and forfeit your points. Keeping your membership active is as straightforward as making one purchase or visiting the website once per year.
Key Takeaways
- Standard GameStop Member Rewards membership is free and earns one point per dollar spent; PowerUp Rewards Pro costs $14.99 yearly and earns 1.5 points per dollar.
- Points convert to store credit at a rate that varies by promotion, typically $5 in credit per 500 points, though bonus conversion rates appear during sales events.
- You can check your points balance and redeem rewards through the GameStop website, mobile app, or in-store at checkout.
- Your account closes and points are forfeited if you do not make a purchase or log in for 12 consecutive months.
How to join and set up your account
You can create a GameStop Member Rewards account online at gamestop.com, through the GameStop mobile app, or in any physical store. You will need an email address and a password. Membership is when ready — you can start earning points on your next purchase the same day you sign up.
When you shop in-store, provide your phone number or email at checkout so the cashier can link your purchase to your account. Online, log in before you complete your order. If you forget to link a purchase, you can contact GameStop customer service with your receipt and order number, and they can manually add the points to your account within a few business days.
If you decide to upgrade to PowerUp Rewards Pro, you can do so through your account settings online or by asking a store associate. The $14.99 annual fee renews automatically each year unless you cancel. You will see the higher earning rate when ready on your next purchase.
Redeeming points and understanding conversion rates
Points convert to store credit that you use like a gift card at checkout. The standard conversion rate is $5 in credit per 500 points, though GameStop runs promotions where the rate improves — for example, 400 points might equal $5 during a bonus event. Checking the rewards section of the website or app shows you the current conversion rate before you redeem.
You redeem points through your account online, in the mobile app, or at the register in-store. Once you redeem, the credit appears when ready in your account and is valid for 12 months. If you do not use the credit within that year, it expires. You cannot convert points back to cash or transfer them to another person's account.
GameStop occasionally offers double-point days or bonus multipliers on specific categories — for example, 2x points on used games or collectibles. These promotions are announced via email to members and posted on the website, so signing up for email notifications helps you catch them.
PowerUp Rewards Pro versus standard membership
The paid PowerUp tier costs $14.99 per year and is worth considering if you spend more than $100 annually at GameStop. At that spending level, the 50% faster earning rate (1.5 points per dollar instead of one) generates enough extra points to cover the membership fee and provide additional value.
PowerUp members also receive a $5 birthday bonus, exclusive access to sales and new releases before they go public, and occasional bonus point multipliers sent directly to their email. You get a physical rewards card in the mail, though the digital version in the app works the same way. The membership renews automatically each year on your sign-up date.
If you spend less than $100 per year at GameStop, standard free membership is the better choice. You earn points at a slower rate, but you pay nothing and have no renewal to track. You can always upgrade later if your spending increases.
What purchases earn points and what do not
Most items at GameStop earn points: new and used games for any platform, hardware like consoles and controllers, accessories, collectibles, apparel, and pre-orders. Gift cards do not earn points when you purchase them, but you can use a gift card to buy items that do earn points.
Certain transactions do not earn points: returns and exchanges, warranty purchases, trade-in credits, and items bought during clearance events (though this varies by promotion). Tax is not counted toward points — only the pre-tax purchase amount. If you are unsure whether a specific item earns points, ask the cashier before you check out.
PowerUp members earn points on the same items as standard members; the difference is the earning rate, not what qualifies. So a PowerUp member buying a $60 game earns 90 points, while a standard member earns 60 points on the same purchase.
Troubleshooting missing points and account issues
If a purchase did not link to your account, check that you provided the correct email or phone number at checkout. In-store purchases sometimes take 24 to 48 hours to appear in your account. If the points still do not show after two days, contact GameStop customer service with your receipt and order number, and they can investigate.
If you cannot log into your account, use the "Forgot Password" link on the GameStop website to reset it. If you no longer have access to the email address you used to create the account, you will need to contact customer service to update it. Have your receipt or order history available to verify your identity.
If your account was closed due to inactivity, you can create a new one, but your previous points are gone. To avoid this, make at least one purchase or log into your account once per year. Setting a calendar reminder in December helps you remember to stay active.
Comparing GameStop rewards to other retail loyalty programs
GameStop Member Rewards is straightforward but not the most generous loyalty program in retail. Most grocery and pharmacy chains offer 1 point per dollar at the standard level, similar to GameStop. However, GameStop's paid tier (1.5 points per dollar) is competitive with other premium memberships that cost $10 to $20 annually.
The main advantage of GameStop's program is that it is free to join with no spending minimum. You can earn points on small purchases and decide later whether to upgrade. The main limitation is that points only work at GameStop — you cannot use them at other retailers or transfer them. If you shop at multiple gaming retailers, you may earn rewards faster by using a general-purpose credit card that offers cash back on all purchases.
For GameStop shoppers specifically, the program is worth using because it costs nothing and points accumulate even on small purchases. The question is whether the paid PowerUp tier makes sense, which depends on your annual spending at the store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my points at GameStop locations outside the United States?
GameStop Member Rewards is primarily a U.S. program. International GameStop locations may have separate loyalty programs. If you travel or shop internationally, contact the local store to learn about their rewards structure.
What happens to my points if I cancel my PowerUp Rewards Pro membership?
Your points remain in your account and continue to earn at the standard rate (one point per dollar) instead of the PowerUp rate. You do not lose points when you downgrade; you straightforward earn them more slowly going forward.
Can I combine points from multiple GameStop accounts into one?
No, points cannot be transferred between accounts. Each account is separate. If you have multiple accounts, you will need to choose one to use going forward and let the others become inactive.
Do pre-orders earn points at the time of purchase or when the item ships?
Points are awarded when you place the pre-order, not when the item releases or ships. This means you earn points when ready, even though you will not receive the item for weeks or months.
Is there a maximum number of points I can earn or redeem?
There is no stated maximum. You can accumulate as many points as you want, and there is no limit to how many you can redeem at once. The only limit is the 12-month expiration on redeemed store credit if you do not use it.