Microsoft Rewards vs Rakuten Cashback

If you spend a lot of time online — shopping, browsing, or even just searching — you’ve probably come across ways to earn rewards or cashback for your activity.

Two popular platforms that often pop up in these conversations are Microsoft Rewards and Rakuten (formerly Ebates).

At first glance, both sound great: free money or points just for doing things you already do. But once you dig deeper, the differences become clearer — and which one works best for you really depends on your habits.

So, let’s break it down in plain English. I’ll walk you through how both systems work, how much you can realistically earn, and which one might give you the better bang for your time and clicks.

What Is Microsoft Rewards?

Microsoft Rewards is a free program that lets you earn points for using Microsoft products and services — mainly Bing, Microsoft Edge, and the Microsoft Store.

You get points for simple actions like:

• Searching the web using Bing

• Completing quizzes and daily challenges

• Shopping through Microsoft Store online

• Playing games or using Microsoft apps on Xbox

The concept is straightforward: use Microsoft’s ecosystem, and they’ll reward you for your loyalty.

The points you earn can be redeemed for things like:

• Gift cards (Amazon, Starbucks, etc.)

• Xbox Game Pass subscriptions

• Microsoft Store credit

• Charity donations

It’s not direct cashback, but it’s a way to turn your regular browsing into small but consistent perks.

What Is Rakuten?

Rakuten, on the other hand, is a cashback platform that partners with thousands of online stores — including big names like Amazon, Walmart, Nike, and Best Buy.

When you shop through Rakuten’s website or browser extension, you earn a percentage of your purchase back as cash.

Here’s the simple process:

1. Go to Rakuten (or use the Rakuten extension).

2. Click your preferred store (like Macy’s or Target).

3. Shop as you normally would.

4. After purchase, Rakuten tracks it and adds cashback to your account.

You get paid via PayPal or check, typically every quarter. The rates vary, but they can range anywhere from 1% to 10%, depending on the store and promotions.

It’s a pretty passive way to earn money — as long as you remember to activate it before you buy.

Microsoft Rewards vs Rakuten: Key Differences

Let’s compare them side by side to make things clearer.

How Much Can You Actually Earn?

This is where most people make their decision — and honestly, the difference is big.

With Microsoft Rewards, if you’re consistent with daily searches, quizzes, and activities, you can earn around 5,000 to 10,000 points per month. That’s roughly $5–$10 in value depending on what you redeem.

It’s not a get-rich-quick deal — it’s more like pocket change for something you’re already doing (searching the web). It can add up over time, especially if you stay consistent or use multiple devices like Xbox and mobile.

With Rakuten, your earnings depend on how much you shop.
Let’s say you spend $500 online in a month, and the average cashback rate is 5%. That’s $25 back — and sometimes more if there’s a special promotion or double cashback event.

If you’re a frequent online shopper, Rakuten easily outpaces Microsoft Rewards in total returns.

Which One Feels More Rewarding to Use?

That depends on your daily routine.

I’ll be honest — I like Microsoft Rewards because it feels effortless. I don’t have to remember to activate anything. I just use Bing for my daily searches, take a quick quiz here and there, and redeem my points every few weeks.

It’s low-effort, low-reward — but steady.

Rakuten, on the other hand, requires a bit more intentional use. You have to start your shopping trip through Rakuten’s portal or activate the browser extension. Miss that step, and you miss your cashback.

But when you do use it properly, it’s way more satisfying to see real cash land in your PayPal.

So if you like immediate gratification and doing little challenges, Microsoft Rewards feels fun and gamified. If you prefer seeing your money grow in actual dollars, Rakuten feels more tangible.

My Personal Take

If I had to choose just one, I’d pick Rakuten — because cashback is cash, plain and simple.

But I actually use both. Microsoft Rewards runs quietly in the background of my day-to-day browsing, and Rakuten comes into play when I’m in shopping mode.

Using both together means I’m earning something, no matter what I’m doing online.

Pros and Cons Summary

Microsoft Rewards Pros

• Super easy to use — no shopping required

• Great for Bing users or Xbox gamers

• Fun daily quizzes and streak bonuses

• Redeemable for useful gift cards

Microsoft Rewards Cons

• Low earning potential

• Rewards are limited to Microsoft’s ecosystem or partner gift cards

Rakuten Pros

• Real cashback — actual money

• Works with thousands of stores

• Frequent bonus offers and high cash rates

• A browser extension makes it easy to remember

Rakuten Cons

• You only earn when you shop

• Requires clicking through Rakuten first

• Quarterly payouts (not instant)

FAQs

Can I use both Microsoft Rewards and Rakuten at the same time?

Yes, you can. Microsoft Rewards runs based on your searches and activities in Bing or Edge, while Rakuten focuses on your shopping. No overlap causes conflicts, so you can earn from both.

Do I need to spend money to earn with Microsoft Rewards?

Not necessarily. You can earn points just by searching or completing quizzes — no purchase needed.

Does Rakuten really pay out?

Absolutely. Rakuten has been around for years (it used to be called Ebates) and is known for paying its users on time every quarter. Payments go directly to your PayPal or through a mailed check.

How often can I redeem Microsoft Rewards points?

You can redeem anytime once you hit the minimum threshold for your chosen reward. For example, a $5 Amazon gift card usually costs around 5,000 points.

Is Bing required for Microsoft Rewards?

Yes — that’s the catch. The main way to earn daily points is by using Bing as your search engine. If you prefer Google, this might not feel natural.

Final Thoughts: Which Is Better for You?

If you spend most of your time shopping online, Rakuten is the clear winner. The cashback adds up fast, and you can easily make back $50–$100 or more each year without changing much about your habits.

If you’re not a big shopper but still want to earn something for your everyday browsing, Microsoft Rewards is a great low-effort option — especially if you already use Microsoft products.

Personally, I like using both — Microsoft Rewards for my daily Bing searches, and Rakuten for every online purchase I make. It’s a simple combo that helps me earn a little extra on both ends of my online life.

Conclusion

Both Microsoft Rewards and Rakuten prove that small, consistent actions can add up to something meaningful over time.

The real question isn’t which one pays more — it’s which one fits better into your routine.

Would you rather earn quietly from your daily browsing, or stack cashback every time you shop online?