One way to make a few extra bucks is by redeeming your Microsoft Reward points. I started paying more attention to this side hustle last year.
This is my ninth Amazon Gift Card with Microsoft Rewards. Click here to see my progress.
The plan now is to keep posting these in order to keep track of how many I’ve earned. Maybe it will even spur a little competition among my fans. How many have you earned?
Here are my totals: 2017
- February 2017 – $5.00
- March 2017 – $5.00
- May 2017 – $5.00
- July 2017 – $5.00
- September 2017 – $5.00
- December 2017 – $5.00
Total = $30.00
Here are my totals: 2018
- February 2018 – $5.00
- May 2018 – $5.00
- August 2018 – $5.00
Total = $15.00
What is the Microsoft Rewards Program?
The Microsoft rewards program is a way to earn points, which can be used to redeem Microsoft products as well as various gift cards.
Since I earned enough to redeem my first award back in February (2017), I started taking another look at this program.
While I don’t expect to get rich from this, every little bit helps.
Here is a screen shot of some of the rewards you can redeem with your Microsoft Rewards Points. I’m obviously interested in the Amazon Gift Card. But if I need a gift for someone could easily choose any of the other gift cards.
How the Microsoft Reward program works
When you browse and search using Microsoft’s Bing search engine you will earn points. If you are a Windows 10 users you can also search using Microsoft Edge and earn points.
Microsoft also has Daily Offers and other activities on a regular basis that allows you to earn even more points.
When you have enough points you can redeem them for Microsoft stuff, but also for gift cards to certain retailers, one being Amazon. (My preference)
At the time of this writing it took 5,250 points to earn a $5.00 Amazon Gift Card. It sounds like a lot, but let’s be honest, if you are on the internet and surfing anyway, it really adds up fast. At least that is my experience.
You can also setup your mobile smart phone browser to use Bing search. This will earn you points faster using their browser.
The entire process is really easy. You can even set goals and work towards the reward you want. I’ve set my goal for the Amazon Gift Card as shown here. Microsoft also has other rewards such as the sweepstakes entry you see to the right. It really is worth paying attention to these things as there is not much effort on your part required.
Requirements or Gotcha’s
There are a few things to keep in mind that stuck out for me the first time I went to redeem my points.
- First, you need to have Microsoft account. This is free so not a deal breaker for me. I already had a Microsoft account anyway so this was an easy process. I know some people don’t like having multiple accounts they need to keep track of. In order to earn your points you need to be signed on with your Microsoft account. So this is one thing to keep in mind.
- Second, when I went to redeem my first reward I was prompted to enter a phone number for verification purposes. The verification system ONLY accepts a real phone number. When I initially tried to verify with an internet phone number, it was denied. When I asked for assistance, I was told I needed a real number. I’m not sure why or how it checks this but after I entered my real number I was able to continue the process of redeeming my reward.
Again, not a huge deal breaker, but wanted to share that bit of information for your benefit. I don’t necessary like to have my real phone number out on the internet, but I think is was a small price to pay. I don’t really answer the phone unless I recognize the caller anyway.
Microsoft Rewards and Personal Finance
How does this affect your personal finances
Here is how I look at these things.
I redeemed my first reward in February of 2017. This article is from redeeming my ninth reward, now August of 2018.
As you can see my first one was in February 2017,
Remember it’s not how much you make, it’s how much you keep in your pocket.
Here is another thought,
By redeeming Microsoft reward points I’m able to get a $5.00 Amazon gift card.
That five dollars, is five dollars that I don’t have to pull out of my pocket. I can use it to buy birthday gifts, holiday gifts, or whatever.
Let’s think of this yet another way, that is five dollars I don’t have to work extra hard for.
Since I’m already online searching I can just pull up Bing and earn some points.
Here is the reality of it. If I can get $5 from Microsoft Rewards, If I can get Ibotta rewards, etc. Do you see where this is headed? All these rewards and points add up. And if you are really on a tight budget this is a great way to make some extra money.
Works for me and I bet with a little effort on your side it would work great for you as well.
What to do next?
Go sign up and start earring some points, Please comment and share this article. I’d really appreciate it.
Click here to see How I Make Extra Money, My Side Hustle List.
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Thanks for following along,
Dave Gates
