Microsoft Rewards is a popular free program that lets you earn points simply by using Bing as your search engine. By searching on PC, mobile, or the Edge browser, you accumulate points redeemable for gift cards, sweepstakes entries, or charitable donations. This guide covers everything from signing up to maximizing earnings, mirroring the structure of detailed Penny Hoarder-style articles on passive income opportunities.
What Is Microsoft Rewards?
Microsoft Rewards is a loyalty program from Microsoft that rewards users with points for everyday activities like searching on Bing, shopping in the Microsoft Store, and using Microsoft services. Launched as an evolution of Bing Rewards in 2016, it incentivizes Bing usage while providing real value through redeemable points. From Microsoft’s perspective, it collects user data on search behaviors to improve services, but for users, it’s a straightforward way to get free perks.
The program is free to join and available in many countries, though earning rates and redemptions vary. Points can be redeemed for popular gift cards like Amazon, Starbucks, Xbox, and more, or donated to charities. Unlike cashback sites, there’s no minimum purchase required—just your daily searches.
How Microsoft Rewards Works
Microsoft Rewards operates on a points-based system where activities earn Microsoft Points. The core activity is searching with Bing, but quizzes, daily sets, and purchases boost earnings. Points never expire as long as your account remains active, and you can track progress via the dashboard at rewards.microsoft.com.
Earning is tiered into Level 1 and Level 2, based on account age and activity. Level 1 is for new users, while Level 2 (unlocked after about a month of consistent use) offers higher daily limits. Here’s a breakdown:
| Activity | Level 1 (Points per Day Max) | Level 2 (Points per Day Max) |
|---|---|---|
| PC/Desktop Bing Searches | 5 pts/search, 50 pts max (10 searches) | 5 pts/search, 150 pts max (30 searches) |
| Mobile Bing Searches | 5 pts/search, 100 pts max (20 searches) | 5 pts/search, 100 pts max (20 searches) |
| Edge Browser Bonus | Included in PC searches | Included in PC searches |
| Microsoft Store Purchases | 1 pt/$1 spent | 10 pts/$1 spent |
At Level 2, you can earn up to 350 points daily from searches alone (250 PC + 100 mobile), plus bonuses. This equates to a $5 gift card every 1-2 weeks with minimal effort.
How to Sign Up for Microsoft Rewards
- Visit rewards.microsoft.com and sign in with a free Microsoft account (Outlook, Hotmail, or Xbox Live).
- Complete the welcome tour to understand daily tasks.
- Download the Bing app on mobile (iOS/Android) and set Bing as default search in Edge or Chrome.
- Enable notifications for daily sets and streaks.
Signing up takes under 5 minutes. New users get a welcome bonus, and completing initial tasks fast-tracks you to Level 2.
Earning Points With Bing Searches
The heart of Microsoft Rewards is Bing searches. Each qualifying search earns 5 points, with daily caps to prevent abuse. Use natural queries—algorithms detect artificial farming and may suspend accounts.
- Desktop/PC: Search on Bing.com or Edge browser. Level 1: 10 searches/day; Level 2: 30/day.
- Mobile: Use Bing app or mobile browser. Consistent 20 searches/day across levels.
- Pro Tip: Mix devices to hit max points. Searches must be genuine; avoid rapid clicking.
Streak bonuses reward consistent daily logins, multiplying points over time.
Daily Sets and Bonus Activities
Beyond searches, daily sets offer 20-100 extra points via simple tasks:
- Quizzes on news, sports, or trivia (10-40 pts each).
- Spin the wheel for random bonuses.
- Challenges like “Search 3 times on mobile” or “Visit a partner site.”
Complete all sets daily for 200+ bonus points. Track via dashboard; they refresh at midnight.
Microsoft Store and Shopping Rewards
Shop at the Microsoft Store for 1-10 points per dollar spent (Level-dependent). Use Bing Cashback (formerly Rebates) for cashback on purchases at retailers like Walmart or Best Buy, converted to points.
Xbox users earn via Game Pass quests and in-game purchases.
Redeeming Microsoft Rewards Points
Redeem points in three categories: Shop, Donate, or Win.
- Shop: Gift cards (e.g., $5 Amazon = 500 pts; $10 Starbucks = 1,000 pts). Discounts for Level 2/Gold historically, though simplified now.
- Donate: Support charities like Code.org or Special Olympics (500 pts = $1 donation).
- Win: Sweepstakes entries for gadgets or cash (e.g., 40 pts for 10 entries).
Redemptions are instant for gift cards via email. Popular options include Visa prepaid, Roblox, and DoorDash.
| Gift Card | Points Required (Approx.) | Days to Earn (Level 2 Max) |
|---|---|---|
| $5 Amazon | 500 | 2 days |
| $10 Xbox | 1,700 | 5-7 days |
| $5 Starbucks | 500 | 2 days |
Maximizing Your Earnings: Pro Tips
- Maintain streaks for multipliers.
- Use multiple devices without overlap.
- Join Xbox Rewards for gaming bonuses.
- Refer friends for bonus points.
- Check for limited-time promotions on Bing Blog.
A dedicated user can earn $100+ in gift cards yearly passively.
Is Microsoft Rewards Worth It?
Yes, for Bing/Edge users—it’s free money for routine tasks. Not a full income, but offsets coffee runs. Beware suspensions for bot-like behavior; focus on genuine use. Ideal for students, gamers, or deal hunters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between Bing Rewards and Microsoft Rewards?
Microsoft rebranded Bing Rewards to Microsoft Rewards in 2016, multiplying credits by 10 (e.g., 100 credits = 1,000 points). Points work similarly.
How many points can I earn daily?
Level 1: ~150 pts; Level 2: ~350+ from searches, plus bonuses up to 500+.
Do points expire?
No, as long as you’re active monthly.
Is it available internationally?
Primarily US/UK/Canada; check rewards.microsoft.com for your region.
Can I get suspended?
Yes, for automated searches. Use naturally.
This program turns idle searches into tangible rewards, making it a smart side hustle for 2026.
References
- About Microsoft Rewards — Microsoft. 2025. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/rewards/about
- Learn about Microsoft Rewards — Microsoft Support. 2024-12-01. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/learn-about-microsoft-rewards-c5ab735d-c6d9-4bb9-30ad-d828e954b6a9
- Earn Rewards with Xbox — Xbox. 2025. https://www.xbox.com/en-US/rewards
- Microsoft Rewards Overview (Bing Points) — YouTube (Microsoft-related). 2023-05-15. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayLLdWEyYsk
This article is general information, not personal financial advice. Consider your own situation, or speak with a licensed adviser, before acting on it.
