Microsoft Rewards: The Complete Guide to Earning While You Search

Learn how to maximize your rewards with Microsoft's loyalty program

What is Microsoft Rewards?

Microsoft Rewards is a loyalty program offered by Microsoft that allows users to earn points for performing everyday activities like searching the web with Bing, shopping at the Microsoft Store, and completing various tasks and quizzes. These points can then be redeemed for a variety of rewards including gift cards, sweepstakes entries, and donations to charitable organizations.

Originally launched as Bing Rewards in 2010, the program has evolved significantly over the years, expanding to more countries and offering more ways to earn and redeem points. What makes Microsoft Rewards particularly appealing is that it rewards users for activities they're already doing online, effectively turning everyday internet usage into a source of savings and benefits.

The best part about Microsoft Rewards is that it's completely free to join and use. You're essentially getting rewarded for actions you'd likely be doing anyway – searching for information, shopping online, or playing games.

Microsoft designed this program to encourage user engagement with their ecosystem of products and services, but even if you're not a dedicated Microsoft user, you can still benefit significantly from the program. With consistent participation, many users earn enough points each month to cover subscription costs like Xbox Game Pass or get significant discounts on Microsoft products.

How to Get Started with Microsoft Rewards

Getting started with Microsoft Rewards is straightforward and only takes a few minutes. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. You'll need a Microsoft account. If you don't have one, you can create it for free using any email address.
2. Visit the Microsoft Rewards welcome page to join the program.
3. Sign in with your Microsoft account credentials.
4. Once logged in, you'll be taken to your dashboard where you can see your point balance and available activities.
5. Start earning points by searching with Bing, completing daily sets, and exploring other earning opportunities.

The program is available in many countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and several others. The available rewards and point values may vary by region based on local market conditions and currency values.

Understanding Your Dashboard

Once you've joined Microsoft Rewards, your dashboard becomes your central hub for tracking and managing your rewards. The dashboard displays:

• Your current point balance
• Daily streak count (consecutive days you've completed daily sets)
• Available activities and their point values
• Progress toward daily goals
• Recommended rewards based on your point balance
• Special offers and promotions

Familiarizing yourself with the dashboard is key to maximizing your earnings, as it provides a clear overview of what tasks are available and how close you are to your goals.

How to Earn Microsoft Rewards Points

There are numerous ways to earn points through Microsoft Rewards, ranging from simple web searches to more involved activities. Understanding all the available methods is crucial for maximizing your point accumulation.

Search with Bing

The most consistent way to earn points is by using Bing as your search engine. You can earn up to 90 points per day for PC searches and 60 points per day for mobile searches in the United States (limits vary by country). The process is simple:

• Set Bing as your default search engine in your browser
• Perform searches as you normally would throughout the day
• Points are credited automatically to your account

You don't need to perform meaningful searches to earn points – many users simply search for numbers or letters (e.g., "1 2 3 4 5...") to quickly accumulate their daily search points. However, Microsoft occasionally implements measures to detect and prevent artificial searching behavior.

Daily Polls and Quizzes

Microsoft Rewards offers daily activities that typically include:

• Polls: Simple one-question surveys that earn you 10 points
• Quizzes: Multiple-choice questions that can earn 30-50 points
• Other activities: Such as clicking through slideshows or watching videos

These activities are available on the Microsoft Rewards dashboard and through the Bing homepage. They're designed to be quick and engaging, often taking less than a minute to complete.

Microsoft Edge Bonus

Using Microsoft Edge browser can earn you extra points. Typically, you can get 12 points per day for using Edge to perform searches, but Microsoft occasionally offers bonus point promotions for Edge users.

Shopping with Microsoft

When you shop at the Microsoft Store online, you can earn points based on your purchase amount. The earning rate is typically 1 point per dollar spent, but promotions can sometimes increase this rate. This applies to purchases of games, apps, movies, and hardware from the Microsoft Store.

Xbox Rewards

For gamers, Microsoft Rewards integrates with Xbox to provide additional earning opportunities:

• Microsoft Rewards app on Xbox: Complete quests and activities specifically designed for Xbox users
• Game Pass quests: Earn points for playing Game Pass games and completing specific in-game challenges
• Purchase bonuses: Extra points for buying games or content from the Xbox Store

Xbox-related activities can significantly boost your point accumulation, especially if you're already an active gamer.

Streak Bonuses

Microsoft Rewards encourages daily engagement through streak bonuses. For each consecutive day you complete your daily set of activities, you maintain a streak. At certain milestones (typically 10-day intervals), you earn bonus points. The longer you maintain your streak, the more valuable these bonuses become.

Pro Tip: The key to maximizing Microsoft Rewards is consistency. Spending just 5-10 minutes each day on searches and activities can net you significant points over time.

Redeeming Your Microsoft Rewards Points

Accumulating points is only half the equation – redeeming them effectively is what ultimately provides value. Microsoft offers several redemption options across different categories.

Microsoft Gift Cards

One of the most popular redemption options is Microsoft Store gift cards. These can be used to purchase games, apps, movies, and hardware from the Microsoft Store. The redemption rates vary, but typically:

• 1,300 points = $1 Microsoft Store credit (US)
• 5,250 points = $5 Microsoft Store credit (US)

These rates may vary by country and occasionally change during promotions.

Xbox Gift Cards

Similar to Microsoft Store cards, Xbox-specific gift cards are available for redemption. These can be used for anything in the Xbox ecosystem including games, subscriptions, and in-game content.

Sweepstakes Entries

If you're feeling lucky, you can use your points to enter sweepstakes for chances to win big prizes like consoles, games, or even trips. While this option offers the potential for high-value rewards, it's essentially gambling with your points as there's no guarantee of winning.

Charitable Donations

Microsoft Rewards allows you to convert your points into donations for various charitable organizations. Microsoft partners with several nonprofits, and you can choose which organization receives your donation. This option lets you contribute to good causes without spending actual money.

Third-Party Gift Cards

In some regions, Microsoft offers gift cards for popular retailers like Starbucks, Walmart, or Amazon. These typically require more points than Microsoft-specific cards but provide more flexibility in how you use your rewards.

Redeeming for Subscription Services

One of the best values for Microsoft Rewards points is redeeming them for subscription services like:

• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
• Xbox Live Gold
• Microsoft 365 subscription

These subscriptions often have special redemption rates that provide better value than straight gift cards. For example, with consistent point accumulation, many users are able to maintain their Game Pass Ultimate subscription entirely through rewards points.

Ready to start earning? Join Microsoft Rewards today and turn your searches into rewards!

Advanced Strategies for Maximizing Your Points

While simply using Microsoft Rewards will net you points, implementing strategic approaches can significantly boost your earnings. Here are some advanced techniques:

Daily Routine Optimization

Develop a consistent daily routine for earning points:

1. Start with the daily set on the Microsoft Rewards dashboard
2. Complete any available quizzes or polls
3. Perform your mobile searches (can be done quickly by searching number sequences)
4. Perform your PC searches (again, number sequences work efficiently)
5. Check the Microsoft Rewards app on Xbox if you have one

This routine should take no more than 5-10 minutes once you're familiar with the process.

Family Account Strategy

Microsoft allows each household member to have their own account, meaning families can multiply their point earnings. However, note that Microsoft's terms of service require each account to be used by a unique individual, and creating fake accounts is prohibited.

Seasonal and Promotional Bonuses

Keep an eye out for special promotions that offer bonus points. These often occur during holidays, back-to-school season, or around product launches. Microsoft also occasionally offers "punch cards" that provide large point bonuses for completing specific sets of activities.

Combine with Other Reward Programs

Microsoft Rewards can be combined with other reward programs for even greater benefits. For example, using a credit card that offers cash back on all purchases to buy items from the Microsoft Store will earn you both credit card rewards and Microsoft Rewards points.

Browser Extensions and Tools

While Microsoft prohibits automated searching, there are browser extensions that can help organize your reward earning without violating terms of service. These tools typically provide reminders to complete your daily tasks or help you quickly perform searches without having to think of search terms.

Important: Always comply with Microsoft Rewards' terms of service. Using bots, automated search tools, or creating fake accounts can result in permanent banning from the program and loss of all accumulated points.

Frequently Asked Questions About Microsoft Rewards

Is Microsoft Rewards available in my country?

Microsoft Rewards is available in numerous countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Brazil, Mexico, and several others. The available rewards and point values may vary by region.

Do my points expire?

Yes, Microsoft Rewards points expire if your account becomes inactive for 18 months. As long as you earn or redeem points at least once every 18 months, your points will remain valid.

Can I use Microsoft Rewards on multiple devices?

Yes, you can earn points across multiple devices as long as you're signed in with your Microsoft account. Your points balance syncs across devices in real-time.

Is there a limit to how many points I can earn per day?

Yes, there are daily limits for search points (typically 90 for PC and 60 for mobile in the US) and other activities. These limits reset each day at midnight Pacific Time.

Can I transfer points to another account?

No, Microsoft Rewards points are non-transferable between accounts. You cannot combine points from multiple accounts or gift points to another user.

Why were my points deducted or my account suspended?

Microsoft may deduct points or suspend accounts for violations of their terms of service, which includes using automated search systems, creating multiple accounts, or engaging in fraudulent activity. If you believe this was done in error, you can contact support.

Comparing Microsoft Rewards to Other Reward Programs

While Microsoft Rewards is a standout program, it's not the only rewards system available. Here's how it compares to similar programs:

Google Opinion Rewards

Google's program pays for completing surveys rather than searches. The payout is typically higher per minute of time invested, but opportunities are less frequent. Microsoft Rewards offers more consistent daily earning potential.

Cashback Credit Cards

Cashback credit cards provide rewards on purchases, but typically don't reward everyday activities like web searching. Microsoft Rewards complements rather than replaces these programs.

Other Search Reward Programs

While other search engines have attempted similar programs, none have the longevity and reliability of Microsoft Rewards. The program's integration with Microsoft's extensive ecosystem gives it an advantage over competitors.

What sets Microsoft Rewards apart is its seamless integration with activities many people already do daily, its diverse redemption options, and its connection to a broad ecosystem of products and services.

The Future of Microsoft Rewards

Microsoft has consistently expanded and improved its rewards program since its inception. Looking forward, we can expect several developments:

Expansion to More Countries

Microsoft continues to roll out the Rewards program to new markets, making it accessible to more users worldwide.

Integration with More Microsoft Products

As Microsoft develops new products and services, we can expect Rewards integration to follow. This could include earning opportunities related to new software, hardware, or services.

More Redemption Options

Microsoft will likely continue expanding redemption options to include more third-party retailers, charitable organizations, and unique experiences.

Enhanced Mobile Experience

With the increasing dominance of mobile browsing, Microsoft will likely improve the mobile earning experience through better apps and mobile-optimized activities.

Despite these potential changes, the core value proposition of Microsoft Rewards will likely remain the same: rewarding users for engaging with Microsoft's ecosystem.

Start turning your everyday searches into valuable rewards today! Join Microsoft Rewards now and begin your journey toward free gift cards, subscriptions, and more.

This is an independent guide not affiliated with Microsoft Corporation.

Microsoft and the Microsoft logo are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.

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