Earn perks by using the internet? Check out my Microsoft Rewards review to find out how!
In this age of scams, pranks, and fake news, it’s easy to get jaded when you spot something that looks too good to be true. And unfortunately, it usually is. But today, I’ll be reviewing a service that on the surface looks too good to be true. But spoiler alert: it’s every bit as awesome as it sounds.
That service is Microsoft Rewards, which, as the new implies, rewards you for surfing the internet. Let that sink in for a second. You’re on the internet anyways, and now you’re going to get rewarded for it? Totally!
But this is a review, after all. Which means I’ll be managing expectations and laying some truths about Microsoft Rewards. I’ll also show you how to make the most of the program. But first, some background on it.
Goodbye Bing, hello Microsoft Rewards
Once upon a time, Microsoft created Bing Rewards. Whenever you used Bing, you got a corresponding amount of points, which you could then use to get tons of cool stuff. In the beginning, using Bing, Microsoft or Windows Store, and surfing the net on your Microsoft Edge were the only ways to accumulate points.
It was awesome at first, but with sites like InboxDollars, CashCrate, TreasureTrooper, and ZoomBucks popping up, Bing Rewards started to lose traction. To get back in the game, Microsoft introduced new methods for us to accumulate points. That new program was Microsoft Rewards.
As a special incentive to old Bing members who sign up for Microsoft Rewards, their old Bing credits will be multiplied by ten, then converted to Microsoft Rewards points. Sweet, huh?
Tell me more about it!
Okay. As its name implies, Microsoft Rewards is a, well, rewards program. You accumulate points for doing certain things online. These points can be converted to rewards and other merch. To hop on board, you’ll need a Microsoft account.
There are to levels you can strive for:
Level 1
Level 2
Whoa. Two levels? What’s up with those?
Glad you asked. Simply put, being on Level 1 means you can get a maximum of 50 points a day while using Bing. Level 2 is better. Your ceiling is 250 points a day, way more than the Level 1 limit. On Level 2 also offers perks on Microsoft products and services. Members on this tier can get an astounding 10% off.
“Awesome. I wanna level up! How do I do it?”
Of course, you gotta start on Level 1 first. Then when you earn at least 500 points per month, you get bumped up to Level 2. That’s it. Easy. Simple. You just need to put in your time and effort to make the most of the program.
How do I earn points?
Short answer: by doing stuff you’ve already been doing. For the detailed answer, read on!
Make internet searches on Bing
This is a carryover feature from Bing. I’m glad it’s an important part of Microsoft Rewards, because I think people will be using this method the most. A single search will get you five points, up to a daily max of 50.
Go forth and shop
Whenever you buy stuff in either Microsoft or Windows Stores, you get back points. Every dollar you spend gets you at least one point. I really like this method since I’m way into Microsoft and love buying games for my Xbox One X.
Surf the internet
For every hour of active browsing, you get five points, with a maximum of 150 every month.
Active browsing is when the Microsoft Edge browser is up, and the icon is highlighted on the taskbar or when your actually doing stuff on your browser. Note: you must use Bing as your default search engine for this to work.
Take offers
Offers include learning about new Microsoft updates, taking quizzes, and playing games. These will change every day, so be on the lookout for ones that you’d enjoy doing. Once completed you will be given a corresponding point reward.
How and where can I use my points?
The big question. Points aren’t money, of course. I’d love to head to the nearby bodega and use my points to buy a can of soda, but that won’t happen.
While points aren’t actually money, you can still use them to buy stuff from select vendors. You can trade points to get Microsoft gift cards, as well as cards from other big brands.
This is the downside to Microsoft Rewards, I think. It could use a bit more integration with other brands. Maybe we’ll get that soon.
The Verdict: Legit or Scam?
Dude, it’s Microsoft. Of course, it’s Legit!
That said, Microsoft Rewards could use more partner brands and establishments. But since you’re already online, I still can’t recommend this program enough. Earn perks just by doing internet things? Sounds too good to be true, but it isn’t. Try it out!
Microsoft Rewards Screenshots
Click to Zoom
Your Turn
So this is my experience. Have you tried using Microsoft Rewards? Let me know what you think about the service!
Non-ref link: https://account.microsoft.com/rewards/
