Why Can’t I Access Microsoft Rewards?

If you’ve ever tried logging into Microsoft Rewards only to be met with an error message or a locked account, you’re definitely not alone.

Microsoft Rewards is a popular way to earn gift cards, sweepstakes entries, and other perks just by using Microsoft products like Bing, Xbox, and Microsoft Edge. It sounds simple enough—but sometimes, people run into problems.

I’ve been there myself, and I know how frustrating it feels when you’re ready to earn points but can’t even get in.

That’s why I want to break down the most common reasons why Microsoft Rewards might not be working for you, how to fix it, and what you can do to avoid issues in the future.

First, What Is Microsoft Rewards?

Just to make sure we’re on the same page: Microsoft Rewards is a free program that gives you points for things you already do, like searching with Bing, shopping in the Microsoft Store, or playing Xbox games.

You can trade those points for gift cards, Xbox Game Pass, entries into sweepstakes, and even donate them to charities.

It’s a great program, but it does come with rules. And if something looks off in your account—or if you’re not following the rules, even unintentionally—Microsoft may restrict access.

Common Reasons You Can’t Access Microsoft Rewards

Here are the most frequent culprits I’ve seen (and sometimes experienced myself):

1. Geographic Restrictions

Microsoft Rewards isn’t available everywhere. Right now, it only works in certain countries, like the United States, UK, Canada, Australia, and a growing list of others.

If you live in a country where the program isn’t supported, you won’t be able to sign up or use it.

Even if you are in a supported region, using a VPN that makes it look like you’re somewhere else can trigger access issues.

What to do:

Double-check if Microsoft Rewards is available in your country.
If you’re using a VPN, turn it off and try again.

2. Account Restrictions or Suspensions

Microsoft has strict rules about how points are earned. Using automated tools, fake accounts, or even sharing your account with others can get you flagged.

Sometimes, accounts are suspended even when you didn’t knowingly break the rules—for example, if your activity looks suspicious.

What to do:

Go to your Microsoft account security page and check for alerts.
If you believe your account was suspended by mistake, you can submit an appeal through the Microsoft Rewards support page.

3. Age Restrictions

You need to meet the minimum age requirement in your country to use Microsoft Rewards. For example, in the U.S., that’s 13 years old. If your Microsoft account shows that you’re under the required age, you won’t be able to join.

What to do:

Check the birthdate listed on your Microsoft account.
If it’s wrong, you can update it, but you may need parental permission depending on your age.

4. Technical Issues

Sometimes, the problem isn’t with you—it’s with Microsoft. Server outages, app glitches, or browser issues can prevent you from signing in.

What to do:

Try signing in from a different browser or device.
Clear your cookies and cache.
Check Microsoft’s service status page to see if there’s a known outage.

5. Using the Wrong Account

It sounds obvious, but I’ve personally made this mistake. If you have multiple Microsoft accounts (say, one for work and one personal), you might be logging into the wrong one—the one that isn’t linked to Rewards.

What to do:

Make sure you’re logged into the correct Microsoft account—the one where you originally signed up for Rewards.

6. Policy Violations

Microsoft Rewards has a terms of service agreement that you agree to when you join. Violations—like trying to earn points faster by using scripts, farming accounts, or misrepresenting your location—can get you permanently banned.

What to do:

If this applies to you, unfortunately, there’s not much you can do. Once an account is permanently banned, Microsoft doesn’t usually reinstate it.

FAQs

Can I use Microsoft Rewards if I travel to another country?

If you’re travelling in a country where Rewards isn’t supported, you might lose access until you return home. Using a VPN to “fake” your location usually doesn’t work and can even cause account problems.

I didn’t do anything wrong, so why was I suspended?

Sometimes, automated systems flag unusual activity, even if it wasn’t intentional. For example, doing too many Bing searches in a short time can look suspicious. If you think this happened to you, submit an appeal.

How do I contact Microsoft Rewards support?

Go to the Microsoft Rewards support page, sign in, and choose “Contact us.” You’ll be able to describe your issue and get help directly from their team.

Can kids use Microsoft Rewards?

Yes, but they’ll need to meet the minimum age requirement, and in some cases, they might need parental approval for their account.

Do I lose my points if my account is suspended?

If it’s a temporary suspension, your points are still there. But if your account is permanently banned, those points are usually lost.

Tips to Avoid Losing Access to Microsoft Rewards

Stick to normal usage. Don’t try to “game” the system with automated tools or shortcuts.
Keep your account info up to date. Make sure your location and age are accurate.
Use the same device and network when possible. Constantly switching locations and devices can trigger security checks.
Check your email. Microsoft often sends notifications if there’s an issue with your account.