Microsoft Rewards: What It Is & How It Works

Microsoft Rewards is a free loyalty program that gives you points for searching with Bing, shopping at the Microsoft Store, and completing other tasks, which you can redeem for gift cards, sweepstakes entries, donations, and more. You earn points simply by using Microsoft products you may already use daily, and the program costs nothing to join.

Background and History

Microsoft Rewards launched in 2016, replacing the earlier Bing Rewards program (which itself evolved from Microsoft’s original Bing cashback offers). The core idea has stayed consistent: encourage people to use Bing as their search engine and engage with Microsoft services by offering tangible rewards. Over the years, the program has expanded from just search bonuses to include quizzes, shopping offers, and Xbox-related tasks. It operates in many countries, though the exact earning rates and redemption options vary by region. Microsoft positions the program as a way to “earn while you search,” and it integrates with the Microsoft Edge browser and the Bing mobile app to make earning points easier.

How Microsoft Rewards Works

You earn points by completing activities, and the points accumulate in your account. Here are the main ways to earn:

Bing searches: You get points for each search you perform on Bing, whether on desktop, mobile, or through the Edge browser. Daily search point caps apply (typically around 150–270 points per day depending on your region and account age).
Daily sets and activities: On the Bing homepage, you’ll find “daily sets” – a small collection of quizzes, polls, and other interactive tasks that award points. These reset every day.
Shopping: When you shop at the Microsoft Store online, you earn points per dollar spent (usually 10 points per dollar for most items). Occasionally, there are bonus point promotions.
Xbox and Gaming: If you play on Xbox, you can earn points by completing Game Pass quests, achieving certain milestones, or purchasing games from the Microsoft Store.
Edge browser bonuses: Using Microsoft Edge with Bing as your default search engine can earn you extra points, often via “Edge bonuses” that appear as pop-ups or in the Rewards hub.

Once you’ve accumulated points, you redeem them in the Microsoft Rewards redemption page. Common redemption options include:

Gift cards for popular retailers (Amazon, Starbucks, Target, etc.)
Microsoft Store gift cards
Xbox gift cards and Game Pass subscriptions
Charitable donations (e.g., to organizations like the Red Cross or Save the Children)
Sweepstakes entries for prizes like a new Xbox or Surface

Gift cards typically have a cash value (e.g., a $5 Amazon gift card costs a certain number of points), and you can redeem points in increments once you reach the required threshold.

How to Choose the Right Reward

Choosing a reward depends on what you value most. If you frequently shop at a particular store, a gift card for that store is often the most practical. Microsoft Store gift cards are useful if you plan to buy digital content, apps, or hardware. For gamers, Xbox gift cards or Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions offer excellent value. If you prefer to give back, donating points to a charity is a no-cost way to support a cause. Consider the point cost versus the monetary value: for example, a $5 gift card might cost 4,650 points, while a $100 gift card might cost 93,000 points – the per-point value is similar, but larger denominations can be more convenient. Also check for any expiration policies: points expire if your account is inactive for 18 months, so it’s wise to redeem regularly or at least log in and earn occasionally.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Users often encounter a few issues with Microsoft Rewards. One common problem is not earning points for searches – this can happen if you’re using a browser that isn’t signed into your Microsoft account, or if your searches are too similar (Bing’s algorithm may flag automated or repetitive searches). To avoid this, make sure you’re signed in, use the Bing search bar, and vary your queries naturally. Another issue is points not appearing immediately – sometimes there’s a delay of a few hours. If points don’t show up after 24 hours, check your activity page and contact Microsoft Rewards support. Also, be aware that using VPNs or automated scripts to earn points violates the program’s terms and can lead to account suspension. Finally, redemption can occasionally fail if your account has been flagged for unusual activity – ensure you’re using a legitimate account and not sharing it with others.

Comparing Microsoft Rewards to Other Programs

Microsoft Rewards is similar to other loyalty programs like Google Opinion Rewards (which pays for surveys) or Amazon Shopper Panel (which pays for receipt scanning), but it’s unique in that it rewards everyday search behavior. Compared to cashback sites like Rakuten or Honey, Microsoft Rewards doesn’t give you cash back on purchases from most retailers – instead, you earn points that you redeem for gift cards, which can be used at those same retailers. The earning rate is generally lower than cashback sites for shopping, but the search and quiz tasks provide a steady trickle of points with minimal effort. For heavy Bing users, the program can yield a $5 gift card every month or two, which is modest but free. The main advantage is that it’s integrated into Microsoft’s ecosystem, so if you already use Edge and Bing, you earn passively without changing your habits.

Costs and Value

Microsoft Rewards is completely free to join and use. There are no membership fees, and you don’t need to purchase anything to earn points. The “cost” is your time and attention – you need to perform searches and complete tasks, which takes a few minutes a day. The value varies: a typical user might earn 200–300 points per day with searches and daily sets, which translates to roughly 6,000–9,000 points per month. A $5 gift card costs around 4,650 points, so you could earn one about every three weeks if you’re consistent. For more active users who also shop at the Microsoft Store or complete Xbox quests, the earning rate can be higher. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme, but as a free program, it’s a reasonable way to get a small discount on your online spending.

Safety and Privacy

Microsoft Rewards is an official Microsoft program, so it’s generally safe to use. However, you should be cautious about third-party websites or apps that claim to “hack” or “auto-earn” points – these are scams that can compromise your account or install malware. Always access the Rewards program through official Microsoft domains (like account.microsoft.com/rewards or the Bing homepage). Microsoft collects data about your searches and activity to operate the program, as outlined in the Microsoft Privacy Statement. You can view and delete your search history, and you can opt out of personalized ads. If you’re concerned about privacy, know that Microsoft uses this data to improve its services and deliver relevant ads, but you have some control over what’s collected. Never share your Microsoft account credentials with anyone, and enable two-factor authentication for extra security.

Alternatives to Microsoft Rewards

If you’re looking for other ways to earn rewards or cashback, consider these alternatives:

Google Opinion Rewards: Earn Google Play credits by completing short surveys (Android only).
Swagbucks: Earn points (called SB) for searching, watching videos, shopping, and taking surveys – redeem for gift cards or PayPal cash.
Rakuten: Get cashback on purchases from thousands of stores, paid out quarterly via check or PayPal.
Honey (PayPal Honey): Automatically finds and applies coupon codes at checkout, and you earn Honey Gold that can be redeemed for gift cards.
Fetch Rewards: Scan receipts from any store to earn points that you can redeem for gift cards.

Each program has its own earning mechanics and payout thresholds, so you can combine several to maximize your rewards. Microsoft Rewards is best for those who already use Bing or want a low-effort way to earn a little extra.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to earn enough points for a $5 gift card?

On average, if you earn the daily search points (around 200–270 per day) and complete daily sets, you can accumulate about 5,000–6,000 points per month. A $5 gift card costs around 4,650 points, so you could earn one in about three to four weeks.

Do Microsoft Rewards points expire?

Yes, points expire if your account has no earning or redemption activity for 18 months. To keep your points valid, simply log in and earn at least a few points (e.g., do a search) within that period.

Can I use Microsoft Rewards on mobile?

Yes, you can earn points via the Bing mobile app or by using Bing in your mobile browser. There are separate daily search point limits for mobile and desktop, so you can earn points on both platforms each day.

Is Microsoft Rewards available in my country?

Microsoft Rewards is available in many countries, but not all. The program is offered in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, and many others. You can check the official Microsoft Rewards page to see if your region is supported.

What happens if I don’t redeem my points?

Your points will remain in your account as long as you have activity within 18 months. If you go inactive for 18 months, your points will expire and be forfeited. It’s best to redeem regularly or at least earn occasionally to keep your balance active.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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