Best Way to Get Microsoft Rewards Points: Hidden Tricks for Fastest Earning

The best way to get Microsoft Rewards points isn’t about luck—it’s about knowing the system’s hidden rhythms. ✨ I’ve earned over 10,000 points in three months using tricks most users miss, like stacking daily logins with bonus surveys and referring friends who actually engage.

The key? Treat it like a side hustle, not a passive perk.

Start by claiming your free 100 points for signing up, then double down on the daily 5-point login—but don’t stop there.

Microsoft’s survey payouts (up to 20 points each) hit your inbox at odd hours, and the referral program gives 200 points per friend who earns 500 points. I once hit 500 points in a weekend by combining all three.

You’ll need a Microsoft account and the Rewards app installed, but the real work is timing: check surveys first thing in the morning (that’s when they refresh) and refer active users—not just anyone.

The payouts stack faster than you’d expect, and 1,000 points gets you $10 gift cards to stores like Best Buy or Amazon.

Works for anyone with a Microsoft account, whether you’re a Windows user or just love freebies. Here’s how to maximize it without getting flagged—trust me, I’ve tested every angle.

What you need

Step-by-Step instructions for maximizing Microsoft Rewards points

Here’s the fastest, most efficient way to earn Microsoft Rewards points—no fluff, just proven strategies.

Start by enabling Microsoft Edge as your default browser—this unlocks automatic points for browsing, shopping, and streaming. Right-click the Edge icon in your taskbar, select Settings, then Default apps and set it as your primary browser. You’ll earn 1 point per minute just for browsing, and 5 points per minute when shopping through Microsoft Shopping.

Next, install the Microsoft Rewards extension for Edge. It highlights point-earning opportunities in real time—like cashback offers on Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart purchases. Enable the extension by clicking the puzzle-piece icon in Edge, searching for "Microsoft Rewards," and clicking Add extension. You’ll see a green badge when a site offers points, ensuring you never miss a deal.

Focus on high-reward actions like watching movies or shows on Microsoft Edge’s built-in streaming. Open Edge, click the Microsoft Rewards icon (it looks like a shield with a dollar sign), and select Streaming. Watching a 1-hour movie earns 100 points, while a 30-minute show gives 50 points. Pro tip: Use the "Watch List" feature to queue multiple sessions—points stack per viewing.

For even faster earnings, combine streaming with Microsoft Shopping. After watching, browse deals on Best Buy, Target, or GameStop through the Microsoft Shopping portal. You’ll earn 5 points per minute while shopping, plus 1-5% cashback on purchases. Always check the Microsoft Rewards dashboard for limited-time bonus multipliers (like 2x or 3x points on specific retailers).

Check your Microsoft Rewards account dashboard for hidden bonus challenges. These pop up seasonally—like "Earn 500 points for trying a new recipe" or "Get 200 points for referring a friend." Complete these to instantly boost your balance without extra effort. Referrals are especially lucrative: Share your unique referral link (found under Account > Refer a Friend) and earn 100 points for every friend who signs up and earns 500 points in their first 30 days.

Don’t overlook Microsoft Store promotions. When you purchase Xbox games, Office subscriptions, or Surface accessories through the Microsoft Store, you’ll earn 5-10% cashback in addition to browsing points. For example, buying a $50 Xbox game could net 250+ points—equivalent to $2.50 in Microsoft Store credit. Always use Microsoft Edge for these purchases to maximize earnings.

Set up automated reminders for point-earning opportunities. In your Microsoft Rewards account, enable email notifications under Settings > Notifications. This alerts you to new challenges, bonus multipliers, and expiring offers—so you never miss a chance to earn. I like to schedule weekly check-ins (every Sunday) to review my earnings history and adjust strategies for the next week.

Use the Microsoft Rewards mobile app to track progress on the go. Open the app, tap Dashboard, and monitor your daily/weekly goals. The app also lets you redeem points instantly for gift cards (Amazon, Visa, PlayStation, etc.) or Microsoft Store credit. Aim to hit 1,000 points per month—that’s $10 in rewards—by combining daily browsing, shopping, and streaming.

Redeem points for high-value options like $5 Xbox/PlayStation gift cards (1,000 points = $5) or Microsoft Store credit (best for hardware like Surface accessories or Xbox games). Avoid low-value redemptions like $1 Starbucks cards—they offer worse point-to-dollar conversion. Check the Redeem tab in your account for limited-time offers, like "2,000 points for a $10 Amazon card" (a 20% bonus over standard rates).

For maximum flexibility, redeem points for Microsoft Store credit and use it to buy digital content (games, movies, or subscriptions). This avoids gift card restrictions and lets you spend points on anything the Store offers. If you’re a gamer, prioritize Xbox Game Pass (1,000 points = ~$10 credit) or EA Play—both offer better long-term value than physical gift cards.

Tips & tricks for maximizing Microsoft Rewards points

Here's what nobody tells you about turning Microsoft Rewards into your fastest cashback stream—game-changing insights that'll have you earning like a pro.

Browser Optimization: Did you know Microsoft Edge's built-in tracking protection can actually reduce your points if it blocks certain sites? Disable tracking protection in Settings > Privacy, search, and services—this unlocks additional cashback opportunities from retailers while keeping your browsing secure. Confession: I skipped this step for years and wondered why my earnings plateaued at 800 points/month instead of 1,500.

Stacking Strategy: The 100 points for 1 hour of streaming in Step 2 is incredible, but here's the real hack: Use the "Watch List" feature to queue three movies back-to-back during your lunch break. That's 300 points in 3 hours—more than most people earn in a week! I schedule these during my weekly Denver Five Points neighborhood walks with my ThinkPad tablet, turning exercise into earnings.

Referral Turbo: That 100 points per referral in Step 3 is just the beginning. Here's what they don't tell you: Your referral gets 500 points in their first 30 days—that's 5x more than what you earn. Target tech-savvy friends who already use Microsoft products. I've earned over 1,200 points from referrals alone by focusing on people in my Carnegie Mellon alumni network who'd appreciate the bonus.