Microsoft Rewards vs Honey Gold

I’ve always been a little obsessed with finding easy ways to earn rewards online—especially if it means getting something back for what I already do every day.

Between browsing, shopping, and searching the web, there are a handful of loyalty programs that promise “free money,” but not all of them deliver the same value. Two that often come up in these conversations are Microsoft Rewards and Honey Gold.

Both systems sound appealing at first glance, but they work in very different ways. If you’ve ever wondered which one gives better rewards, how each program works, or whether it’s worth signing up for both, this post breaks everything down in plain language—no hype, no fluff.

What Is Microsoft Rewards?

Microsoft Rewards is a free points program from Microsoft that gives you points for using their products and services.

If you use Bing as your search engine, play Xbox games, or shop at the Microsoft Store, you earn points that can be exchanged for gift cards, donations, or sweepstakes entries.

You can think of it like a digital loyalty card for being part of the Microsoft ecosystem. You don’t have to pay for anything upfront; just having a Microsoft account is enough to start earning.

Here’s how you typically earn Microsoft Rewards points:

• Using Bing for searches (on desktop or mobile)

• Completing daily quizzes and polls on the Microsoft Rewards dashboard

• Shopping at the Microsoft Store (online or in-app)

• Playing Xbox games and completing Game Pass quests

• Participating in streak bonuses (earning extra points for consistent activity)

What I like about it is that it rewards habits many of us already have—searching the web, playing games, and checking in daily. You don’t need to buy anything to start earning, and over time, the points add up.

What Is Honey Gold?

Honey Gold is a cashback-style rewards program from Honey, the browser extension owned by PayPal. If you’ve ever used Honey to find coupon codes while shopping online, you’ve probably seen the little pop-up that says you’ve earned “Gold.”

Honey Gold works when you:

• Shop through Honey’s partner stores (there are thousands, from Amazon and Walmart to smaller online retailers)

• Activate Honey Gold offers before checking out

• Accumulate points (Gold) that can be redeemed for gift cards

Essentially, Honey Gold gives you a percentage back from your purchases—usually between 0.5% and 20% depending on the store and promotion. Once you hit 1,000 Gold (equal to $10), you can redeem it for gift cards to places like Amazon, Walmart, or Target.

Unlike Microsoft Rewards, Honey Gold is shopping-based, meaning you earn only when you buy something through Honey’s links. But for frequent online shoppers, that can translate into steady, passive rewards.

Microsoft Rewards vs Honey Gold: Side-by-Side Comparison

Which One Helps You Earn Faster?

This depends entirely on your habits.

If you’re someone who uses Bing daily and likes doing little quizzes or missions, Microsoft Rewards will feel rewarding without costing you a cent. You could realistically earn a few gift cards a year without spending anything.

If you’re an active online shopper, Honey Gold will rack up faster because your earnings are based on purchase value. A few large purchases can add up to decent cashback, especially during seasonal sales or double-Gold promotions.

Here’s a quick example:

• Let’s say you use Bing every day and earn about 150–300 points daily. That’s roughly $2–$4 a month just from searching.

• If you spend $500 a month online and earn an average of 2% Honey Gold cashback, that’s $10 in rewards.

So, Honey Gold gives more immediate rewards if you spend money, while Microsoft Rewards is a slower but completely free way to earn.

Which Is Easier to Use?

Both are simple, but Microsoft Rewards feels more gamified. You get daily sets of tasks, trivia quizzes, and streak bonuses—it’s a little addictive in a good way. You don’t have to install anything extra, and it integrates smoothly with Bing and Xbox.

Honey Gold, on the other hand, requires the Honey extension or app to track your purchases. It’s less interactive but works quietly in the background, notifying you when rewards are available.

Personally, I find Microsoft Rewards more “fun” and Honey Gold more “practical.” If you’re motivated by quick cash-like rewards, Honey Gold wins. But if you enjoy small daily tasks and getting rewarded for consistency, Microsoft Rewards is better.

How Reliable Are They?

Both programs are legitimate and run by big, trusted companies—Microsoft and PayPal. Neither one is a scam or a shady cashback site.

That said, Honey Gold sometimes requires a waiting period before your Gold appears (since they have to confirm the purchase with the retailer). Microsoft Rewards points, by contrast, usually appear instantly after completing a task.

In terms of payout reliability, both are consistent. I’ve personally redeemed multiple Microsoft gift cards without issues, and Honey Gold redemptions arrive as digital gift cards via email in about 24–48 hours.

Can You Use Both Together?

Absolutely—and honestly, that’s what I recommend.

Since they don’t overlap or conflict, you can:

• Earn Microsoft Rewards by using Bing for your daily searches and quizzes

• Earn Honey Gold when you make online purchases

There’s no downside to doing both. One rewards your browsing, the other rewards your shopping. You can stack both systems to make your daily internet routine a little more profitable.

Pros and Cons of Each

Microsoft Rewards

Pros:

• 100% free to use

• Earn without spending money

• Fun, gamified daily activities

• Reliable and backed by Microsoft

Cons:

• Points take time to accumulate

• Rewards catalog is limited to select brands and charities

• You need to stick with Bing for consistent earning

Honey Gold

Pros:

• Cashback on real purchases

• Large network of supported stores

• Automatic activation via browser extension

• Simple and fast redemption process

Cons:

• You must spend money to earn

• Cashback amounts vary

• Occasional tracking delays with partner stores

FAQs

Can I earn cash directly from either program?

Not exactly. Both pay out in gift cards (or donations for Microsoft Rewards). You can, however, redeem for widely usable options like PayPal or Amazon gift cards.

Do my points expire?

Microsoft Rewards points can expire if your account stays inactive for over 18 months. Honey Gold doesn’t expire as long as you keep your account active.

Is it safe to link my accounts?

Yes. Both companies use secure systems, and your data is protected. Still, it’s smart to use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication for peace of mind.

Can I earn Microsoft Rewards and Honey Gold on the same purchase?

Not directly, since Microsoft Rewards applies mainly to the Microsoft Store. But you can earn Microsoft points for browsing and Honey Gold for buying elsewhere.

Which one pays more in the long run?

If you shop online frequently, Honey Gold will likely earn you more actual dollar value. If you prefer free, passive earning, Microsoft Rewards offers better value over time.

My Honest Verdict

If you had to pick just one, it really depends on your habits:

• Go with Microsoft Rewards if you’re not looking to spend money and just want easy, everyday points for things like searching, playing, and browsing.

• Choose Honey Gold if you do a lot of online shopping and want a no-effort way to get cashback through your usual purchases.

For me, I use both—Microsoft Rewards is my “background points” system, while Honey Gold helps me stretch my shopping budget a little further.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, both Microsoft Rewards and Honey Gold are proof that small, consistent actions can add up.

One rewards your curiosity; the other rewards your spending. Neither will make you rich, but they can easily save you enough for a few gift cards every couple of months—and that’s worth something.

So here’s the question I’ll leave you with:

Would you rather earn rewards for what you search, or for what you shop?