- Every way Microsoft Rewards gives you points
- Level 1 and Level 2 in Microsoft Rewards
- Limits that change by country
- Redeeming Microsoft Rewards points
- Why Microsoft Rewards redemptions fail
- Keeping your points from expiring
- Who gets the most from Microsoft Rewards
- Getting more from Microsoft Rewards
- My verdict on how Microsoft Rewards works
- Frequently asked questions
Microsoft Rewards works by giving you points for things you do while signed in to your Microsoft account, such as searching with Bing, buying from Microsoft Store, playing selected Xbox games and completing daily quizzes, and you redeem points for gift cards, games, apps, sweepstakes entries or donations. The rules people miss: reach 500 points a month to hold Level 2, and points expire after 12 months without earning.
Microsoft Rewards is the loyalty scheme hiding inside Bing, Windows, Edge and Xbox. Most people discover it by accident, then wonder why their points are worth so little or why a redemption fails. Both come down to a few rules on Microsoft's own support pages, which I've pulled together here.
Every way Microsoft Rewards gives you points
| Activity | Where it happens |
|---|---|
| Bing searches | Bing.com, the Bing app, Edge, or the Windows 10/11 taskbar search box |
| Daily activities | Quizzes and trivia on the Rewards earn page, updated daily |
| Shopping | Microsoft Store online, on Windows or on Xbox |
| Gaming | Selected games and quests on Xbox, via the Rewards app |
| Work or school searches | Personal points from a work or school account, where set up |
Microsoft is clear that you need to stay signed in with your Microsoft account. On a phone, that means setting Bing as your default search, using the Bing app, using Microsoft Launcher on Android or using the Edge app, all while signed in.
Level 1 and Level 2 in Microsoft Rewards
Microsoft Rewards has two status tiers. You earn and keep Level 2 by reaching 500 points every month, however you earn them. Level 2 members earn five times more points on Bing.com, save up to 10% on rewards from Microsoft products and services, and get exclusive offers. Drop below 500 in a month and you lose that status, so a little steady activity beats a burst followed by nothing.
Limits that change by country
Microsoft says daily limits and terms apply and vary by country and region. It also says searching may not earn points everywhere, and not all mobile earning methods are offered in every region. So if a friend abroad describes a way of earning you can't see, that's probably why. Buying from Microsoft Store on Xbox may not earn points in all countries either.
Redeeming Microsoft Rewards points
- Open your Rewards page; eligible rewards appear once you have enough points.
- Pick a reward: gift cards, apps, movies, games, sweepstakes or a donation.
- Verify with a code sent to a mobile or landline number. VoIP numbers aren't accepted.
- Receive the reward; some gift cards aren't always in stock, so check back if yours is missing.
Microsoft says points have no cash value, and as a rough guide it usually takes about 5,000 points to redeem a small gift card. Saving for one larger reward or spending as you go are both fine; Microsoft tracks your progress either way.
Why Microsoft Rewards redemptions fail
- Wrong region. You must redeem in the region you signed up in, and you can't redeem while travelling in another market.
- VPN or proxy. Microsoft says don't use one while redeeming, because it hides your real location.
- Phone number limits. One phone number can be linked to a maximum of 6 accounts per household.
- VoIP numbers. Only mobile or landline numbers are accepted for verification.
- Too many failed codes. After repeated failed attempts you must wait 48 hours before trying again.
Redeeming from outside your market breaks programme policy, so don't try workarounds; wait until you're home.
Keeping your points from expiring
Microsoft says points expire if there's no earning activity within 12 months. Any earning activity within that time keeps them alive, but it's simpler to redeem whenever you reach a reward you'd use.
Who gets the most from Microsoft Rewards
The people who do best are the ones already using Microsoft's products every day: Windows at work and home, Edge or Bing as the browser, an Xbox in the lounge. For them, points arrive without changing any habits, and Level 2 keeps the Bing searches worth more. If you use another search engine and never touch Xbox, you'd have to change how you browse to earn much, and I'd only do that if you prefer Bing anyway. Either way, it costs nothing to sign in and see what your normal week earns.
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Getting more from Microsoft Rewards
- Set Bing as your default search on the devices you use most, signed in.
- Check the earn page for the daily quizzes; they're quick.
- Aim for 500 points a month to hold Level 2 and its five-times Bing earning.
- Use your real home region and a mobile number for verification from day one.
If you're collecting small rewards from several places, my guide to apps that pay you to watch videos and my guide to earning online with little or no investment cover other low-effort options.
My verdict on how Microsoft Rewards works
Microsoft Rewards turns everyday Bing searches, Store purchases and Xbox play into points, with a big boost once you hold Level 2. It won't pay bills, but if you use Microsoft products anyway it's free value. Stay signed in, keep 500 points a month for Level 2, redeem in your home region with a real phone number, and don't let a year pass without earning.
Frequently asked questions
How does Microsoft Rewards work?
You earn points for Bing searches, Microsoft Store purchases, selected Xbox games and daily quizzes while signed in, then redeem them for gift cards, games, apps, sweepstakes or donations.
How do you get Level 2 on Microsoft Rewards?
Reach 500 points each month. Level 2 members earn five times more points on Bing.com and save up to 10% on some Microsoft rewards.
Do Microsoft Rewards points expire?
Yes, if there's no earning activity within 12 months.
Why can't I redeem Microsoft Rewards points?
Common reasons are redeeming outside your home region, using a VPN, a VoIP phone number, a number already used by 6 accounts, or too many failed verification codes.
Do Microsoft Rewards points have cash value?
No. Microsoft says points have no cash value; they're redeemed for rewards such as gift cards.
