Udemezue John
I’ve always loved finding little ways to stretch my money online.
Whether it’s cashback, coupons, or loyalty programs, I enjoy the feeling of earning something extra for things I was already planning to do. That’s what got me into Microsoft Rewards a while back.
If you’ve ever used Bing for searching, played Xbox, or even shopped in the Microsoft Store, you’ve probably seen those little points add up. But the big question everyone has at some point is:
How much are Microsoft Reward points actually worth?
That’s exactly what I’m breaking down today. If you’ve been collecting points and wondering how they translate into real money, this guide will help you understand the math, the best ways to redeem them, and some extra tips to maximize your rewards.
How Much Is One Microsoft Reward Point Worth?
The value of Microsoft Reward points depends on what you redeem them for, but here’s the general breakdown:
1,000 Microsoft Reward points ≈ $1.00 (when redeemed for the most common gift cards, like Amazon, Starbucks, or Xbox).
Sometimes you’ll find slightly better deals, such as discounts on Xbox subscriptions, but $1 per 1,000 points is the baseline.
So if you’re sitting on, say, 10,000 points, you can expect around $10 in gift cards.
This simple conversion is what I always keep in mind:
1 point = about $0.001 (one-tenth of a cent).
Examples of Real Redemptions
Here are some common redemptions and how they play out in terms of point value:
Amazon Gift Card ($5) → 5,000 points
Starbucks Gift Card ($10) → 10,000 points
Xbox Gift Card ($25) → 25,000 points
1 Month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate → 12,000 points (sometimes discounted to 10,500)
As you can see, the math holds up. For the most part, Microsoft keeps it consistent: 1,000 points per $1.
The only exceptions are when they run promotional deals or offer “sale” pricing on certain redemptions like Game Pass subscriptions.
How Fast Can You Earn Microsoft Reward Points?
Knowing the value is one thing, but the next question I had when I started was: “How long does it take to actually earn these points?”
Here’s a breakdown of the main ways to earn points and how much you can realistically expect:
1. Daily Bing Searches
On desktop: up to 150 points per day
On mobile: up to 100 points per day
Bonus streaks for consistent searching
If you max this out every day, you’re looking at 7,500 points per month just from searching things you’d probably Google anyway. That’s about $7.50 in value.
2. Daily Sets and Quizzes
Microsoft offers quick quizzes, polls, and trivia games on the Rewards dashboard.
You can usually earn 30–50 points per day in just a few minutes.
This adds up to about 1,200–1,500 points per month, or another $1–$1.50.
3. Shopping with Microsoft
Earn up to 20 points per dollar when shopping in the Microsoft Store.
Buying a $50 Xbox controller? That’s about 1,000 points ($1).
Not the best value compared to cashback sites, but it’s nice when stacking with other offers.
4. Xbox and Game Pass Activities
Some Xbox Game Pass Quests reward you with extra points for completing certain challenges in games.
This can add hundreds of points a week if you’re already playing.
Is It Worth It?
This is the part where I had to be honest with myself. Microsoft Rewards won’t make anyone rich. But if you’re already searching online, playing Xbox, or using Microsoft services, those points really do add up over time.
For example, if you consistently max out your daily searches and quizzes, you could easily earn 10,000+ points per month. That’s a $10 gift card just for doing things you’d normally do anyway.
Over a year, that could mean over $100 worth of gift cards, which is nothing to complain about for almost zero extra effort.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Microsoft Reward Points
After using the program for a while, I’ve found a few ways to make it work better:
Keep a Daily Streak
Microsoft rewards consistency. The longer your streak, the more bonus points you earn. Missing a day resets it, so I make it a habit to do my daily searches.Use Mobile and PC
Don’t forget that you can earn points separately from desktop and mobile searches. Doing both doubles your daily earning potential.Watch for “Sales” on Redemptions
Sometimes Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions or Xbox gift cards cost fewer points for a limited time. If that’s something you want, wait for a deal.Focus on Gift Cards Instead of Sweepstakes
Microsoft offers sweepstakes entries, but the odds are low. Gift cards give you guaranteed value at the 1,000 points per $1 rate.
FAQs
Can I redeem points for cash?
Not directly. Microsoft doesn’t offer a PayPal or direct cash option. The closest equivalent is gift cards to major retailers like Amazon, which is basically as good as cash for most people.
Do Microsoft Reward points expire?
Yes. Points expire if your account has been inactive for 18 months. As long as you keep earning, your balance is safe.
Is there a limit to how many points I can earn?
Yes, daily caps exist for searches and some activities. But in practice, the limits are generous enough to earn thousands of points per month.
Can I transfer points to someone else?
No, Microsoft doesn’t currently allow point transfers between accounts.
What’s the fastest way to earn points?
Daily Bing searches are hands down the most consistent and highest-earning activity. Pair them with quizzes and you’ll maximize your daily totals.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the math is pretty straightforward:
1,000 Microsoft Reward points = $1.
It won’t pay your bills, but it’s a surprisingly easy way to earn a steady stream of free gift cards. I personally like to save my points for Amazon or Xbox credits because it feels like a little bonus on things I’d already buy.
So if you’re sitting on a pile of points, the next step is simple: figure out what you’ll redeem them for.
And here’s something I’d love to know: Would you rather save your Microsoft Reward points for a big gift card, or cash them out regularly for smaller ones?
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