The Transfer Market is one of the most anticipated features of the Ultimate Team™ mode in EA Sports FC 26, allowing players to trade cards, track prices, and build powerful teams. However, many users on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One have found the market locked upon starting the game.
Since the official launch of FC 26 in September 2025, EA Sports has strengthened the security and authentication system in the Transfer Market, making the unlocking process personalised and activity-based. Below, you will find everything you need to know about how to unlock the transfer market in FUT EA FC 26 on Xbox, with updated tips and practices to speed up the unlocking.
Why is the market locked on Xbox?
The initial locking of the market is a preventive security measure by EA Sports. This prevents new accounts, bots, or suspicious profiles from having immediate access to FUT trading, thus protecting the internal economy of the game.
This system checks behaviour patterns, playtime, and user participation. Therefore, only real and active players unlock full access to the Transfer Market. EA emphasises that this policy applies to both Xbox and PlayStation and PC, but the unlocking time may vary between platforms.
Mandatory Objectives to Unlock the Market
To unlock the market on Xbox, you must complete the initial Objectives, available in the Objectives tab of Ultimate Team mode.
In EA FC 26, the most important groups are Fresh Starts and Immersion, which serve as an introduction to the main mechanics of FUT. Completing these objectives and exchanging the rewards proves to EA that the player is actively participating in the mode and, consequently, is eligible to unlock the transfer market.
If you have played previous versions of FC or FIFA and maintained a good account status, the unlocking may be instant. New or recently created accounts will need to complete these steps.
Waiting Time After Completing Objectives
After completing the mandatory objectives, the unlocking of the market on Xbox usually occurs within 24 hours. In some cases, particularly for new accounts or devices with multiple FUT profiles, the delay may be extended to 48 hours.
During this time, it may be possible to list items, but not to buy or make offers on the market. This temporary limitation is normal and is part of the EA server synchronisation process.
Since the October 2025 update, the company has also started displaying the unlocking status in the Transfer Market tab, making real-time tracking easier.
Step by Step to Unlock on Xbox
Start EA Sports FC 26 and access the Ultimate Team mode.
Go to the Objectives tab in the main menu.
Complete all introduction groups, especially Fresh Starts and Immersion.
Exchange the rewards by completing the tasks.
Continue to play full matches and access FUT regularly.
Wait for the unlocking period (up to 24 hours on Xbox).
After the deadline, check if the market is unlocked in-game and also in the Web App or Companion App.
During the process, avoid switching between multiple accounts on the same console, as this may prolong EA's verification time.
Common Issues and Solutions
Some players report that the market appears unlocked on Xbox but remains locked in the apps. This issue occurs due to a lack of synchronisation between the console and the servers. To resolve it:
Perform a logout then login in the Web App or Companion App.
Ensure that all Objectives Groups are marked as completed.
If unlocking does not occur after 48 hours, contact EA support, providing the time (in UTC) of your last activities in the game.
Avoid using external tools or scripts to try to bypass the system, as these actions result in severe penalties, including permanent account ban.
Tips to Speed Up Unlocking
Keep the account active daily by playing full matches.
Avoid creating multiple accounts on the same console during the process.
Access the Companion App and Web App daily, as this helps record "active days".
Do not use illegal currency services, as this delays or prevents unlocking.
Use the playtime tracking feature added in EA FC 26 to monitor your progress and ensure consistency.
By following these guidelines, most players can unlock the market within a few days of consistent use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is unlocking immediate after completing the objectives?
No. EA processes the unlocking gradually, usually within 24 hours on Xbox.
Can I speed up the process by playing more matches in one day?
No. EA's system evaluates consistency over several consecutive days, not the volume of matches played in a single period.
My market has been unlocked and is now locked again. Why?
This can happen due to changes on the platform, the use of third-party apps, or behaviour deemed suspicious. You can appeal to EA support if the locking is unjustified.
In conclusion, the unlocking of the transfer market in FUT EA FC 26 on Xbox depends on account activity and history. Consistent and engaged players unlock more quickly, while new accounts or those with multiple profiles require additional time for verification.
Maintain a stable gaming routine, complete the initial objectives, and follow the best practices recommended by EA, ensuring you have full access to the market and can take advantage of all trading opportunities in Ultimate Team.