Microsoft Rewards is a free loyalty program that lets eligible Microsoft account users earn points by completing qualifying activities across Microsoft services. Depending on your location and account, those activities can include Bing searches, Microsoft Store purchases, Xbox activities, quizzes, daily offers, and other promotional opportunities.
For many people, the appeal is simple. If you already use Bing, Microsoft Edge, Windows, Xbox, or Microsoft Store, you may be able to earn rewards without paying a separate membership fee.
However, Microsoft Rewards is not free cash. Microsoft states that Rewards points have no cash value, and the available rewards, earning opportunities, limits, and redemption requirements can vary by country and region. Microsoft also says that points generally expire after 12 months without qualifying earning activity.
This guide explains exactly how Microsoft Rewards works, how to earn points, how Level 1 and Level 2 work, how redemptions work, why some users stop earning points, and how to get the most value from the program without violating Microsoft rules.
What Is Microsoft Rewards
Microsoft Rewards is a loyalty program connected to your Microsoft account. There is no separate membership fee or subscription required to participate.
Once you sign in with an eligible Microsoft account, you can access the Microsoft Rewards dashboard and see the earning opportunities and rewards available to you.
Microsoft says Rewards can provide opportunities to earn points through activities such as Bing searches, Microsoft Store purchases, selected Xbox activities, quizzes, trivia, and other offers. Not every activity is available in every country or region.
The program is designed around the idea of rewarding users for activities they already perform within the Microsoft ecosystem.
For example, a person who regularly searches the web with Bing may be able to earn points from eligible searches. An Xbox user may see selected quests or activities. Someone purchasing eligible products through Microsoft Store may also have opportunities to earn points.
The important point is that Microsoft Rewards is a loyalty program rather than an income source.
Your points cannot simply be withdrawn from Microsoft as cash. Instead, you use the points for eligible rewards displayed on the redemption page.
How Does Microsoft Rewards Work
Microsoft Rewards works through a simple cycle.
You use an eligible Microsoft account, complete qualifying activities, accumulate points, and then redeem those points for rewards available in your market.
The process generally looks like this:
- Create or sign in to a Microsoft account.
- Join Microsoft Rewards.
- Open your Rewards dashboard.
- Review the available earning opportunities.
- Complete qualifying activities.
- Accumulate Rewards points.
- Check the available redemption options.
- Redeem points when you have enough for the reward you want.
Microsoft recommends checking the Rewards dashboard regularly because earning opportunities can change. Daily activities such as quizzes and other offers may also be updated over time.
This means an old article or video showing a particular points opportunity should not automatically be treated as current.
Your own Rewards dashboard is the most reliable place to see what Microsoft currently offers to your account.
How to Earn Microsoft Rewards Points
There are several legitimate ways to earn Microsoft Rewards points, although the exact opportunities depend on your location and account.
Microsoft currently identifies several potential earning methods, including Bing searches, Microsoft Store purchases, selected Xbox activities, quizzes, trivia, and other activities displayed through the Rewards experience.
Bing searches
Bing searches are one of the most recognizable Microsoft Rewards earning methods.
Eligible users can earn points from qualifying searches through Bing. Microsoft says search earning limits apply and can vary by level and region.
The Microsoft Rewards dashboard should be used to determine your current limits rather than relying on older guides that may show outdated numbers.
Microsoft Store purchases
Eligible Microsoft Store purchases can also provide Rewards points when you are signed in to the Microsoft account associated with your Rewards account.
Not every Microsoft purchase necessarily qualifies for points, so it is important to check the applicable terms before assuming a purchase will generate Rewards points. Microsoft specifically states that points are not offered for every acquisition.
Xbox activities
Xbox users can sometimes earn Rewards points by completing selected games, quests, or other activities.
Microsoft recommends checking the Rewards experience on Xbox to see what activities are currently available.
Quizzes and daily activities
Microsoft can also provide quizzes, trivia, daily activities, and other promotional opportunities through the Rewards dashboard.
These offers can change frequently, so checking the dashboard regularly is more reliable than following a fixed routine based on an old article.
Mobile activities
Microsoft also supports certain mobile earning opportunities.
Depending on your market and device, Bing searches through the Bing mobile app, Microsoft Launcher, and other Microsoft mobile experiences may provide opportunities to earn Rewards points. Microsoft clearly notes that not all mobile earning methods are available in every region.
How Much Are Microsoft Rewards Points Worth
Microsoft Rewards points do not have a fixed cash value.
Microsoft explicitly states that Rewards points have no cash value and cannot simply be exchanged for cash.
Microsoft also says that it usually takes about 5,000 points to redeem something worth $5, although the actual points requirement depends on the reward and market.
This distinction is important.
Suppose you have 10,000 Microsoft Rewards points. You should not automatically assume that you have $10 sitting in your account.
Instead, you should look at the available redemption options and compare the number of points required for each reward.
For example, if one reward requires 5,000 points and another requires a different amount, the effective value of your points depends on what you choose to redeem.
This is why it is better to think of Microsoft Rewards points as promotional loyalty points rather than money.
Microsoft Rewards Level 1 and Level 2
Microsoft Rewards has two status levels called Level 1 and Level 2.
Microsoft says users can reach and maintain Level 2 by earning 500 Microsoft Rewards points each month.
Level 2 can provide additional benefits. Microsoft currently says Level 2 members can earn more points on Bing, save up to 10 percent on certain Microsoft products and services, and receive access to exclusive offers.
The exact benefits available to you should always be checked through your Rewards dashboard because offers and benefits can change.
For someone who already uses Microsoft services regularly, reaching Level 2 may happen naturally.
However, you should not spend unnecessary money or excessive amounts of time simply to reach a Rewards level.
If you need to purchase something anyway, earning eligible Rewards points can be a useful additional benefit. Buying something you do not need just to earn points can be financially inefficient.
What Can You Redeem With Microsoft Rewards Points
Microsoft Rewards provides different redemption options depending on your region and current availability.
Microsoft says available rewards can include gift cards, games, movies, apps, sweepstakes, donations, and other offers.
The catalog can change.
Some rewards may also become temporarily unavailable. Microsoft says certain gift cards are not always available through Rewards and recommends checking the redemption page regularly.
Before redeeming your points, check:
• The number of points required
• The reward description
• Your current region
• Any verification requirements
• Whether the reward is currently available
• Any expiration or promotional conditions
Once you have selected a reward, Microsoft may require account verification before completing the redemption.
This can include phone verification. Microsoft says mobile or landline numbers may be required and that VoIP numbers are not permitted for this purpose.
How to Redeem Microsoft Rewards Points
Redeeming Microsoft Rewards points is generally straightforward.
First, sign in to your Microsoft account and open the Microsoft Rewards dashboard.
Next, visit the redemption section and review the rewards available to your account.
Choose a reward for which you have enough points and review the requirements carefully before confirming the transaction.
Microsoft states that rewards must be redeemed in the same region associated with the account. It also specifically advises users not to use a VPN while redeeming Rewards points.
After completing a redemption, you can track your order through the Rewards order history.
Microsoft says you can sign in to the Rewards page, select Redeem, and then view Order history to check the status of a redeemed reward.
This is useful if a reward does not arrive immediately or if you want to verify the status of a previous redemption.
Is Microsoft Rewards Available in the United States and Pakistan
Microsoft Rewards is available in both the United States and Pakistan.
Microsoft maintains an official list of countries and regions where Microsoft Rewards is currently available, and both the United States and Pakistan are included.
However, availability does not mean that every user receives the same earning opportunities or rewards.
Microsoft explicitly says that Rewards offers and redemption catalogs vary across regions.
This is particularly important when reading guides published for U.S. users.
For example, a reward that appears in the U.S. catalog may not appear in Pakistan. Similarly, an earning activity available in one market may not be available in another.
If you are located in Pakistan, the best approach is to sign in to your own Microsoft Rewards account and check the current earning and redemption options displayed for your market.
Trying to make your account appear as though it is located in another country can create account problems.
Why Am I Not Earning Microsoft Rewards Points
One of the most common questions from Microsoft Rewards users is why searches or other activities are no longer generating points.
There are several possible reasons.
Your daily earning limit may have been reached. Microsoft explains that search earning counters can become maximized, meaning additional searches will not receive points until the counter resets.
You may also be signed into a different Microsoft account than the one connected to Rewards.
Another possibility is that Microsoft does not currently offer that earning method in your market.
Microsoft also warns that automated searches, bots, macros, mobile emulators, VPN based location manipulation, and other prohibited methods can cause problems with Rewards accounts.
If your points suddenly stop appearing, check these basics first:
• Confirm that you are signed into the correct Microsoft account.
• Check your Rewards dashboard for current earning limits.
• Confirm that the activity is available in your region.
• Stop using any automated search or Rewards tools.
• Avoid VPNs and location manipulation.
• Check whether your account requires verification.
• Give the Rewards system time to update if you recently completed an activity.
Microsoft Rewards Rules You Should Know
Microsoft Rewards is relatively simple to use, but users should understand that Microsoft has rules governing how points can be earned and redeemed.
Microsoft says accounts can be questioned, restricted, or suspended for prohibited activity. Points may also be invalidated depending on the violation.
Microsoft specifically identifies several activities that can create problems.
These include maintaining multiple user accounts, providing inaccurate account information, using bots or macros, using mobile emulators, attempting to manipulate your location, earning points from multiple countries on the same day, and redeeming points outside the country where they were earned.
This matters because some online tutorials promote automated Microsoft Rewards methods.
A strategy that promises thousands of points through bots or automated searches may appear attractive, but it can put the entire Rewards account at risk.
The safer approach is to use Microsoft Rewards exactly as intended.
Can You Use a VPN With Microsoft Rewards
Using a VPN to manipulate your Microsoft Rewards location is not a good idea.
Microsoft specifically warns users not to use VPNs or other services that conceal their true location when earning or redeeming Rewards points.
The reason is that Microsoft Rewards is region based.
Different markets can have different earning opportunities, reward catalogs, and redemption requirements.
Trying to make a U.S. account appear to be in another country, or attempting to redeem points from a different region, can violate Microsoft Rewards policies.
If you travel internationally, Microsoft has specific guidance for users with Rewards accounts. The safest approach is to avoid deliberately manipulating your location and follow the current rules associated with your account.
Do Microsoft Rewards Points Expire
Yes.
Microsoft’s current Rewards support documentation states that Microsoft Rewards points expire when there has been no earning activity for 12 months.
That means users should not assume that accumulated points will remain available forever.
If you are saving for a larger reward, it is sensible to periodically sign in and review your account activity.
You should also remember that Rewards points and redeemed promotional balances are not necessarily governed by identical rules.
Microsoft explains that Microsoft and Xbox gift card balances obtained through Rewards can be treated as promotional balance and may have expiration terms associated with the applicable promotion.
For that reason, always read the terms shown when redeeming a particular reward.
Is Microsoft Rewards Worth It
Microsoft Rewards can be worthwhile for people who already use Microsoft products and services.
The biggest advantage is that you do not have to pay a separate membership fee. Microsoft describes Rewards as being included with your Microsoft account.
If you already search with Bing, use Xbox, purchase eligible Microsoft products, or regularly complete available activities, earning some points can provide additional value.
The main limitation is the value of your time.
Imagine a hypothetical user spends several minutes every day completing Rewards activities and eventually receives a small gift card. If that person enjoys the activities or would have performed them anyway, the program may be worthwhile.
But if someone spends hours every week chasing small numbers of points, the effective return may not be attractive.
The same principle applies to purchases.
You should not spend $50 on something you do not need simply because it generates Rewards points.
The purchase should make financial sense before the Rewards benefit is considered.
Microsoft Rewards Pros and Cons
Microsoft Rewards has several advantages, but it also has limitations.
Pros
• Free to join
• Works through a Microsoft account
• Multiple ways to earn points
• Bing search opportunities
• Xbox earning opportunities
• Microsoft Store earning opportunities
• Gift cards and other redemption options
• Available in many countries
• Level 2 can provide additional benefits
Cons
• Points have no cash value
• Rewards vary by country
• Earning limits can apply
• Offers can change
• Some rewards may become unavailable
• Account verification may be required
• Points can expire after extended inactivity
• Policy violations can result in restrictions or suspension
The program is therefore best suited to people who can earn points naturally through activities they already perform.
How to Get More Value From Microsoft Rewards
The best Microsoft Rewards strategy is not to search for loopholes.
Instead, focus on legitimate activities that fit naturally into your routine.
Start by checking your Rewards dashboard regularly. Microsoft recommends visiting the Rewards page to find current opportunities and redemption options.
If you already use Bing, use eligible Bing activities rather than forcing yourself to perform unnecessary searches.
If you play Xbox, check for current Rewards quests.
If you shop through Microsoft Store, make sure you are signed into the Microsoft account connected to your Rewards account.
You can also set a specific redemption goal.
For example, instead of collecting points without a purpose, you might decide that you want to save toward an available gift card or another reward.
Most importantly, do not spend money solely to earn points.
Rewards should be an additional benefit of normal spending, not the reason you spend money.
You should also avoid automated tools. Microsoft explicitly warns that bots, macros, emulators, and other automated methods can result in account consequences.
Microsoft Rewards Compared With Other Reward Programs
Microsoft Rewards is different from traditional cash back programs.
A cash back credit card generally returns a percentage of qualifying purchases as cash, statement credit, or another form of card reward.
Microsoft Rewards instead provides promotional points connected to Microsoft activities and services.
This difference matters when evaluating the actual value.
A person who wants cash back on groceries, gas, travel, or everyday purchases may be better served by a suitable cash back credit card.
Someone who already uses Bing, Xbox, Microsoft Edge, or Microsoft Store may find Microsoft Rewards more relevant.
Microsoft Rewards can also complement other financial habits because earning points does not require you to replace your existing savings or budgeting strategy.
The important thing is to understand that Rewards points are not equivalent to cash savings.
How Microsoft Rewards Can Fit Into a Money Saving Strategy
Microsoft Rewards should be treated as a small supplementary benefit rather than a core financial strategy.
For example, if you regularly earn enough points for a gift card and use that gift card toward something you would have purchased anyway, the program can reduce some of your out of pocket spending.
However, the effect will usually be modest compared with major financial decisions such as reducing high interest debt, building an emergency fund, controlling unnecessary subscriptions, or increasing retirement contributions.
That is why Microsoft Rewards should be placed in the right financial context.
It can help you get additional value from certain activities, but it should not distract you from more important financial priorities.
A simple rule is useful.
Do not change your spending habits just to earn Rewards points.
Instead, earn points from activities and purchases that already make sense for you.
Conclusion
Microsoft Rewards is a free loyalty program that allows eligible Microsoft account users to earn points through qualifying activities such as Bing searches, Microsoft Store purchases, Xbox activities, quizzes, and other offers.The program can be useful because there is no separate membership fee, and Microsoft provides several ways for users to accumulate points. However, the exact opportunities depend on your account, location, and current Microsoft offers.
FAQs
Is Microsoft Rewards free ?
Yes. Microsoft Rewards is included with your Microsoft account and does not require a separate membership fee.
How do I earn Microsoft Rewards points ?
Depending on your region, you may earn points through Bing searches, Microsoft Store purchases, Xbox activities, quizzes, trivia, and other qualifying offers.
How many Microsoft Rewards points equal $5 ?
Microsoft says it usually takes about 5,000 points to redeem something worth $5. However, the actual points requirement can vary depending on the reward and region.
Can Microsoft Rewards points be converted into cash ?
No. Microsoft states that Rewards points have no cash value and cannot simply be exchanged for cash.
Can I use a VPN for Microsoft Rewards ?
Microsoft advises users not to use a VPN or other service to conceal their true location for Rewards activities or redemption. Attempting to redeem points outside the applicable region can violate program policy.
Do Microsoft Rewards points expire ?
Yes. Microsoft currently states that Rewards points expire if there is no earning activity for 12 months.
What is Microsoft Rewards Level 2 ?
Level 2 is the higher Rewards status tier. Microsoft says users can earn and maintain Level 2 by reaching 500 Rewards points each month. Level 2 can provide increased Bing earning potential, savings on certain Microsoft products and services, and exclusive offers.
Why am I not earning points from Bing searches ?
Possible reasons include reaching an earning limit, using the wrong Microsoft account, having an activity that is unavailable in your region, or using automated methods. Microsoft specifically warns that bots, macros, emulators, and other automated methods can prevent users from earning points and may lead to account restrictions.
Where can I check my Microsoft Rewards balance?
You can check your current balance, available earning activities, status, and redemption options through the Microsoft Rewards dashboard.
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