How to Sign Up for Microsoft Rewards: Quick Start Guide to Earning Points

I stumbled on Microsoft Rewards while digging through my Microsoft account last year. It’s one of those hidden perks that actually pays you back for doing things you already do online.

Signing up takes under 2 minutes if you’ve got a Microsoft account. Just head to the Rewards page, log in, and accept the terms. No credit card, no nonsense—just a straightforward opt-in.

You’ll start earning points immediately for searches, quizzes, and even mobile activity. I’ve redeemed mine for free Xbox gift cards twice now without changing my daily routine.

Works on any browser or device with a Microsoft account. Here’s how to get started.

What Youll Need

Instructions

Here’s the streamlined process I use to get started with earning points in minutes.

Open your preferred browser and go to microsoft.com/rewards. I always start from a clean browser window to avoid any cached login issues that might redirect you unexpectedly. The page should load instantly on any modern connection.

Look for the prominent Sign in button in the upper right corner. Don’t use any third-party login portals—go directly through Microsoft’s official page to ensure your account remains secure and properly linked to the program.

Enter the email associated with your Microsoft account. If you don’t have one, create it first—this is mandatory. I recommend using the same account you use for Windows, Office, or Xbox to consolidate all your rewards.

Complete the two-factor authentication if prompted. You’ll know the login succeeded when you see your profile picture or initials in the top right. The portal will automatically detect if you’re eligible for the program based on your account region.

A popup will appear with the Microsoft Rewards terms. Read through the key points—particularly the earning limits and redemption rules. I always check the daily point cap (typically 500 points on mobile and 150 points on desktop in the US) to set proper expectations.

Click Join now at the bottom of the terms window. The page will refresh, and you’ll see your dashboard with available earning activities. Verify that the welcome bonus (usually 50 points) appears in your recent activity.

Scroll to the Earn section and pick an easy activity like the daily poll or Bing search quiz. These typically take under 30 seconds and award 10-50 points each. I start with the mobile activities first since they offer higher point values.

After completing an activity, watch for the confirmation message that says Points pending. Points usually post to your account within 24-48 hours, though mobile activities often credit instantly. Check your Transaction history to confirm.

For maximum earning potential, download the Microsoft Start app (available on iOS and Android). Open the app and sign in with the same account. The mobile experience offers exclusive activities that aren’t available on desktop.

Enable notifications to get alerts about new earning opportunities. I’ve found that mobile users can earn up to 3x more points daily than desktop-only users. The app also provides a convenient dashboard to track your progress toward rewards.

Tips and Common Mistakes

This streamlined process works best when you follow a few key details.

Browser Cleanup: In Step 1, I always clear my browser cache before navigating to microsoft.com/rewards. This prevents any redirect loops or cached login states that might cause errors when you click Sign in. A fresh browser window ensures the page loads correctly on the first try.

Account Consolidation: For Step 2, using the same Microsoft account across all services (Windows, Office, Xbox) streamlines your rewards tracking. I learned this the hard way after creating separate accounts and missing out on consolidated points. The portal automatically syncs your activity across platforms.

Mobile Priority: In Step 4, the mobile activities do credit faster than desktop. While points typically post within 24-48 hours, mobile activities often appear instantly in your Transaction history. I always check mobile first since it offers the 500-point daily cap compared to desktop’s 150.

App Advantage: Step 5’s mobile app isn’t just an extra—it’s essential for maximum earning. The Microsoft Start app gives access to exclusive activities not available on desktop, and I’ve consistently earned up to 3x more points daily by using it. Enable notifications to catch new opportunities as they appear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Signing up for Microsoft Rewards is quick and easy—just follow the steps to start earning points for everyday activities! 🎯 With a few clicks, you’ll unlock exclusive perks, gift cards, and more. Ready to dive in? Head to the Microsoft Rewards site and begin your journey today!