Most of us already search the web, skim the news, and play a quick quiz or two every day. Microsoft Rewards, still widely known as Bing Rewards, pays you points for doing many of those same things, and those points can be swapped for real gift cards from Amazon, Target, Starbucks, Roblox, Xbox, and more.
It won't make you rich, but with a steady five-minute routine it can quietly cover a few coffees, a new game, or a stack of holiday gifts every year. This guide shows you how the program works after its 2026 redesign, the smartest ways to earn, and how to turn points into gift cards without wasting a single one.
What is Microsoft Rewards?
Microsoft Rewards is a free loyalty program tied to your Microsoft account. You collect points for everyday activities like searching with Bing, finishing small tasks on your Rewards dashboard, answering quizzes, and shopping in the Microsoft Store or on Xbox. Those points can then be redeemed in the Rewards catalog for gift cards, sweepstakes entries, or donations to charity.
Joining takes about a minute. Visit rewards.bing.com, sign in with your Microsoft account (or create one), and enroll. Using the Microsoft Edge browser or the Bing app while signed in helps make sure every activity is credited to you.
Understanding the 2026 levels: Member, Silver, and Gold
Before you start, it helps to know that the program was reshaped in 2026. The old Level 1 and Level 2 system has been replaced by three tiers, and searches on your computer and phone now share a single daily limit instead of having separate allowances.
| Level | How to reach it | Daily search points | Monthly level bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Member | The default level for everyone | 25 | 100 |
| Silver | Earn 500 points in a month | 50 | 300 |
| Gold | Earn 750 points and complete 2 level-up activities in a month | 100 | 700 |
Figures reflect the U.S. program. Limits and offers vary by country and account; in several other regions, daily search caps were announced as 15, 30, and 60 points.
The big takeaway: searching alone earns less than it used to, so the real value now comes from staying active enough to reach Silver or Gold each month and collecting the bonuses those levels unlock.
7 proven ways to earn Bing Rewards points
Do your daily Bing searches
Each qualifying Bing search earns five points until you reach your level's daily cap. Just use Bing the way you'd use any search engine, for weather, recipes, directions, or product research. Because computer and phone searches now count toward the same limit, there's no separate mobile allowance to chase.
Complete the Daily Set
The Daily Set is a trio of quick activities on your Rewards dashboard, usually a short article, a poll, and a quiz. They refresh every day, which makes them the most reliable points in the program. Finishing them daily also builds your streak, which can unlock extra bonus points.
Ace the Bing Homepage Quiz
Bing's homepage greets you with a stunning daily photograph, paired with a short quiz about the scene, its location, or the story behind it. The quizzes are genuinely fun, but some questions are surprisingly specific.
Want to breeze through today's questions? Check our daily Bing Homepage Quiz answers, updated regularly so you can finish fast and keep your streak alive.
Take the Bing News Quiz
The Bing News Quiz tests how well you've followed the week's headlines, from world events to sports and entertainment. It's an easy way to stay informed while collecting points at the same time.
Missed a few stories this week? Our latest Bing News Quiz answers and explanations walk you through every question so you learn something along the way.
Set Bing as your default search engine
The 2026 program adds a monthly reward just for using Bing as your default search engine: 50 points for Members, 150 for Silver, and 350 for Gold. If you're comfortable making the switch, it's one of the most effortless earners available.
Watch for extra activities and special offers
Below the Daily Set, your dashboard lists extra activities, punch cards, and limited-time promotions. Some pay only a handful of points, while others are worth a few hundred. Microsoft occasionally runs boosted events too, such as temporarily doubling the daily search cap for members who activate the offer, so check in daily and activate anything that asks you to.
Shop through the Microsoft Store and Xbox
Purchases of games, apps, and subscriptions from Microsoft earn points as well. Silver and Gold members earn 10 points per dollar at the Microsoft Store compared with 1 point for Members, and Xbox purchases earn 4 points per dollar on every level. Never buy something just for points, but if a purchase was already planned, make sure you're signed in.
How to redeem points for gift cards
Once your balance has grown, turning it into a gift card takes only a moment:
- Go to rewards.bing.com and open the Redeem tab.
- Browse the catalog and choose a gift card. Popular picks include Amazon, Walmart, Target, Starbucks, Roblox, Spotify, and Xbox.
- Select the card value you want and confirm your redemption.
- Verify your phone number if asked. This usually happens the first time you redeem.
- Find your code in your email and in your Rewards order history, usually within minutes, though occasionally it takes a few days.
The exact point cost varies by retailer and country, so compare options before you redeem. Microsoft and Xbox gift cards often give slightly better value than third-party cards, which is handy if you already spend money there. Silver and Gold members also receive a redemption discount coupon worth 100 and 200 points respectively, making every gift card a little cheaper.
Tips to maximize your earnings
Build a daily routine
Five minutes each morning covers your searches, Daily Set, and quizzes. Consistency is what carries you to Silver or Gold.
Aim for the next level
Level bonuses stack on top of everything else, so a month at Gold earns far more than a month at Member for only a little extra effort.
Redeem regularly
Points can expire after long periods of inactivity, and program rules change. Cashing out at useful amounts protects what you've earned.
Compare card values
Some retailers offer a better points-to-dollar ratio on higher-value cards, so check before redeeming in small amounts.
Mistakes to avoid
Never use bots, auto-search extensions, or scripts. Microsoft prohibits automated methods and search spamming, and it may limit or pause accounts that search too quickly. Accounts caught breaking the rules can be suspended and lose their entire balance.
Also skip creating extra accounts beyond what the terms allow, using a VPN to appear in another country, or typing random gibberish just to hit your cap. Space your searches naturally throughout the day.
Is Bing Rewards worth it in 2026?
It depends on your habits. The 2026 changes reduced what heavy searchers can earn, especially people who relied on a separate mobile allowance. At the same time, the new monthly level and default-search bonuses reward anyone who shows up consistently.
If you enjoy quizzes, like keeping up with the news, and don't mind using Bing, Microsoft Rewards is still an easy, legitimate way to earn free gift cards over time. Treat it as a small bonus for things you already do rather than a side income, and it pays off nicely.
Frequently asked questions
Is Microsoft Rewards really free?
Yes. There's no cost to join or take part. All you need is a Microsoft account.
How long does it take to earn a gift card?
It depends on your level, region, and how active you are. A consistent user who reaches Silver or Gold each month can usually redeem a small gift card every month or two.
Do I have to use Microsoft Edge?
It isn't strictly required, but using Edge or the Bing app while signed in helps your activity get tracked correctly and may unlock extra offers.
Why didn't I get points for my quiz?
Make sure you're signed in to the same Microsoft account, that you answered every question, and that you hadn't already completed the activity that day. Points can sometimes take a few minutes to appear.
Can I lose my points?
Points can expire after a long stretch of account inactivity, and accounts that break the program terms can be suspended. Staying active and redeeming regularly avoids both.
