Microsoft Rewards is a loyalty program by Microsoft that allows users to earn points for doing everyday activities such as searching the web, shopping online, playing games on Xbox, and completing daily tasks. These points can then be redeemed for various rewards including gift cards, Microsoft products, subscriptions, sweepstakes entries, and donations to charities.
Here is a detailed guide about Microsoft Rewards covering how to earn points, redeem rewards, benefits, tips, and best practices:
What is Microsoft Rewards?
Microsoft Rewards is a program designed to reward users for engaging with Microsoft products and services. Points accumulate as you use Microsoft services, and once enough points are earned, they can be exchanged for rewards. The program is available in over 230 countries and regions worldwide.
How to Earn Microsoft Rewards Points
You can earn points in multiple ways:
- Search the web with Bing on desktop, mobile, or through Microsoft Edge browser.
- Shop at the Microsoft Store online using your device or console.
- Play selected games or complete quests on Xbox One or Xbox app.
- Engage with daily activities like quizzes, trivia, and challenges found on the Microsoft Rewards dashboard.
- Read articles on MSN or use the Bing mobile app.
- Link work or school accounts for additional rewards.
You earn roughly 5,000 points for $5 worth of rewards, with daily and monthly limits applied depending on your activity and region. Level 2 members can earn up to 5 times more points from Bing searches and receive additional perks such as exclusive member discounts.
Microsoft Rewards Status Levels
There are two status tiers:
- Level 1: Basic membership with standard earning limits.
- Level 2: Achieved by earning at least 500 points in a month. Level 2 provides higher earning caps, exclusive offers, and savings on redemption.
Redeeming Microsoft Rewards Points
Points can be redeemed for:
- Gift cards from popular retailers including Amazon, Starbucks, and Xbox.
- Microsoft devices and software subscriptions like Microsoft 365.
- Xbox games, add-ons, movies, and TV shows.
- Sweepstakes entries for opportunities to win prizes.
- Donations to over 1.8 million charities globally.
It takes about 5,000 points to redeem a $5 reward; higher-value rewards may offer discounts for Level 2 members.
Tips and Best Practices to Maximize Rewards
- Always sign in with the same Microsoft account on Bing, Edge, Xbox, and Microsoft Store.
- Set Bing as your default search engine to maximize points from daily searches.
- Complete daily sets of tasks on the Rewards dashboard as they refresh every day.
- Check in on Xbox regularly to complete game quests and earn bonus points.
- Use the Bing mobile app and Microsoft Edge browser for extra points.
- Keep your account updated with current info to receive notifications and offers.
- Utilize features like Streak Restore to maintain your daily activity streaks.
- Consider linking business accounts with your personal Microsoft account to earn points from work.
Protecting and Managing Points
Microsoft Rewards points expire if there is no earning or redemption activity for 18 months. Members have access to features that help protect their streaks and points, including Streak Restore to recover broken streaks and a vacation mode to maintain streaks during time away.
Summary of Key Benefits
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Earn Points By | Searching, shopping, gaming, quizzes, reading news |
| Redeem Points For | Gift cards, devices, games, subscriptions, charity |
| Status Levels | Level 1 (basic), Level 2 (higher rewards & discounts) |
| Points Expiry | 18 months inactivity |
| Exclusive Perks | Member-only sales, higher earning limits for Level 2 |
| Mobile Support | Bing app, Microsoft Edge mobile |
Microsoft Rewards makes it easy and rewarding to use Microsoft services, helping users to gain value from their daily digital activities.
