Microsoft Rewards is a loyalty program that rewards users for engaging with Microsoft products and services by accumulating points that can be redeemed for various benefits.
The program operates on a straightforward premise: the more you interact with Microsoft's ecosystem, the more points you can earn. These points can then be exchanged for gift cards, sweepstakes entries, donations, and more.
How Microsoft Rewards Works
At its core, Microsoft Rewards encourages user engagement by offering points for everyday online activities. Users can easily sign up for the program with a Microsoft account and start earning immediately.
Earning Points
Points are the currency of the Microsoft Rewards program. You can accumulate them through a variety of activities centered around Microsoft's offerings.
- Searching with Bing: One of the primary ways to earn points is by searching the web using the Bing search engine. Points are awarded for a certain number of searches per day, with separate limits for PC and mobile searches.
- Completing Daily Tasks: Microsoft Rewards provides a daily dashboard featuring various activities such as:
- Quizzes: Short, multiple-choice quizzes on different topics.
- Polls: Quick opinion questions.
- Challenges: Special tasks that might involve exploring specific content or features.
- "More Activities": Often includes trivia games, click-and-earn tasks, or links to content.
- Shopping at the Microsoft Store: Earn points when you make eligible purchases of games, apps, movies, and devices from the Microsoft Store.
- Playing Xbox Games: Earn points by completing achievements, purchasing games, or participating in specific Xbox-related activities.
- Browser Usage: Occasionally, points can be earned for using the Microsoft Edge browser.
Redeeming Points
Once you've accumulated enough points, you can visit the Microsoft Rewards redemption page to choose your rewards. The value of points can vary depending on what you redeem them for.
Here's a common breakdown of redemption options:
- Gift Cards: Redeem points for gift cards to popular retailers, including:
- Microsoft Store gift cards
- Xbox gift cards
- Starbucks
- Amazon
- Many more
- Sweepstakes Entries: Use points to enter sweepstakes for a chance to win consoles, games, and other high-value prizes.
- Charitable Donations: Donate your points to various non-profit organizations.
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: Redeem points towards subscriptions for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Example Redemption Values (Approximate)
| Reward Item | Approximate Points Needed |
|---|---|
| $5 Microsoft Gift Card | 5,000 points |
| $10 Starbucks Gift Card | 10,000 points |
| 1 Month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate | 12,000 points |
| Entry into a Sweepstakes Drawing | 100-500 points |
Note: Point values for rewards are subject to change and may vary by region.
Membership Levels
Microsoft Rewards features a two-tiered system (Level 1 and Level 2) that offers increasing benefits as you earn more points.
- Level 1: This is the starting level. Users typically earn fewer points per search and have lower daily earning limits.
- Level 2: Achieved by earning a certain number of points each month (e.g., 500 points). Level 2 members receive:
- Faster point accumulation (more points per search).
- Higher daily earning limits for searches.
- Access to exclusive rewards and discounts.
Maintaining Level 2 status requires consistent engagement.
Tips for Maximizing Your Rewards
To make the most of Microsoft Rewards, consider these practical insights:
- Make Bing Your Default Search Engine: Integrate Bing into your daily routine on both desktop and mobile devices.
- Check the Rewards Dashboard Daily: Visit the Microsoft Rewards dashboard every day to complete quizzes, polls, and challenges.
- Install the Microsoft Rewards Browser Extension: This can remind you of daily tasks and help track your progress.
- Utilize the Xbox Rewards App: If you're an Xbox user, download the Rewards app on your console to find exclusive earning opportunities.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye out for special promotions, bonus point events, and seasonal challenges that Microsoft occasionally offers.
Microsoft Rewards provides a simple yet effective way to earn tangible rewards for activities you might already be doing, making it a valuable program for consistent Microsoft users.
