No matter what freelance contract I have at the moment - whether it’s on a retainer basis or a project that will take me a couple of months to complete - I always find myself going back to GPT sites during my free time. I would like to think of it as a way to reset after the more challenging demands of research, communicating with clients, and revisions, lots and lots of revisions. Now, GPT sites don’t have nor demand any of that. Though they also don’t offer the kind of income that steadier freelance projects have, I find that I can almost do get-paid-to tasks on auto-pilot and casually collect my earnings.
I heard about Microsoft Rewards from friends who regularly do GPTs back when it was still known as Bing Rewards. Today, the Microsoft Rewards app is pretty much the same, but with the different earnings obtainable via a number of very doable tasks. So join me as I take a closer look at what makes this paid-to-search site a legit one, or if there’s something about it that makes it potentially scammy.
First things first - what is it?
Basically, Microsoft Rewards will pay you to search for things on the web using their search engine Bing, or the newer Microsoft Edge. There are now also other tasks to do. In turn, you can earn points and redeem them for gift cards, sweepstakes entries, games, and exciting prizes in their catalogue.
How long has it been around?
Owned by Microsoft, this rewards program was relaunched and expanded in 2016 from just being a paid-to-search site to users being able to do a multitude of easy activities for redeemable points.
Is registration free?
Yes, it’s free, as long as your computer has Microsoft Windows or any Microsoft programs in it. Those who are already registered with the Bing Rewards platform no longer have to register once more, as it will bring them to the Microsoft Rewards dashboard upon signing in. Needless to say, if you aren’t a Microsoft user but want to participate in this rewards platform, you will need to get a Microsoft account first.
How do I start earning extra income from Microsoft Rewards?
To get a Microsoft Rewards credit, you simply just have to start searching using Bing or Microsoft Edge browsers - take note that you have to be actively searching, though, and not merely logging in and passively taking up time. Here’s a tip: if you can’t give up Google on your main computer, you can also download Bing on your mobile device and do your web browsing there to keep earning points!
But there are other tasks to be performed, as well. For instance, you can choose to go shopping at the Microsoft Store, and take advantage of special offers to earn even more points. You can also opt to complete offers where you don’t have to give out personal info, so you know it’s all safe and secure. At the home page, you will also notice different activities that change on a regular basis - one day there are quizzes being offered, which encourage even further use of Bing or Microsoft Edge for the answers. When you get them right, you can earn upward of 30 points!
Does it pay well?
There are two tiers in the Microsoft Rewards program: level 1 and level 2. These levels dictate how many points per day you are allowed to earn. In order to reach level 2, you have to maintain at least 500 points monthly.
Each search you make using Bing or Microsoft Edge earns you five points. If you’re a level 1 member, you are only allowed to earn 50 points per day. On level 2, it goes up significantly - you are allowed to earn 250 points per day.
I will say it right off the bat - you will NOT earn cash via this rewards program. However, there’s a good array of reward redemption choices, from entering Sweepstakes, getting Microsoft gift cards for Windows and Microsoft Store prizes, and more gift cards from well-known retailers like Amazon , Starbucks, and more. Now, I’m not a big fan of rewards programs that don’t offer cold hard cash, but I think the gift cards offered here will make great gifts for loved ones, in turn.
What is the best way to earn from the site?
Normally, I would say via the referral program but since there seems to be none in place, I would have to go with the streak bonuses that come with being a continuously active member. As I said, since I have Microsoft Edge in place anyway, it’s like simply logging in, browsing, doing some of the tasks, and earning passively while starting a streak after three days (instant 45 points!) of steady use! The streaks vary every few days with the points going up the longer you go on being a user without let up.
The verdict?
It seems that Microsoft Rewards is a rewards program that is truly rewarding, especially for those who already use Microsoft on a daily basis (such as yours truly). I like the diverse activities you can do to liven things up in case you start feeling bored by doing a particular task over and over again. Plus, staying active can also rack up rewards points for you! While I wish there was some cash incentive for being a member here, at the end of the day, given how you basically just get paid for doing what you normally do online anyway, plus the variety of easy tasks to earn points, I would actually recommend this to others!
Microsoft Rewards Screenshots
Click to Zoom
Your turn!
Having given you my (figurative) two cents on Microsoft Rewards, I would now like to hear your thoughts and feedback on it. Are you currently a member, and do you find the experience truly rewarding?
Link: http://microsoft.com/rewards
