Earning Free Digital Rewards Through Microsoft Rewards And Fetch

Microsoft Rewards operates as a loyalty program designed to incentivize users to engage more deeply with Microsoft services and products. Launched in 2017, the program allows users to earn points through various daily activities, which can then be redeemed for rewards. It is free to join and accessible via a Microsoft account. While the program offers a way to obtain discounts or free items, it requires ongoing participation and patience. Users essentially exchange time and effort for rewards, which is a fair trade but not entirely free in the traditional sense. The value of rewards can vary based on engagement level and regional availability, and the reward catalog is subject to frequent updates.

How to Earn Points

Points are accumulated by engaging with Microsoft’s ecosystem. Earning points is straightforward, but accumulating enough for substantial rewards requires consistent activity and strategic participation.

Daily Activities Users can earn points mainly through daily activities such as using Bing as their search engine, taking quizzes, and completing challenges. * Bing Searches: Using Bing on a computer is an easy way to rack up points. As a Level 1 member, users earn 5 points per search for a maximum of 50 points daily. Once a user reaches Level 2 by earning at least 500 points per month, they can earn up to 150 points daily for Bing searches. * Bing App: Installing the Bing app on an Android, iPhone, or iPad allows users to earn 5 points per search, up to a maximum of 100 points per day. This is in addition to points earned on a computer. However, users must be a Level 2 member to earn points with the Bing app. * Daily Sets and Quests: Microsoft Rewards offers daily sets and quests that reset each day. Completing tasks such as searching on Bing, checking the Rewards dashboard, or participating in quizzes significantly increases earning potential over time. * Microsoft Edge Browser: Browsing with Microsoft Edge while signed into an account can earn additional points. Edge-specific rewards include completing quizzes, shopping, and using Bing search. Making Edge the default browser helps capitalize on these bonuses. * Emails: Users who sign up for Microsoft Rewards may receive emails from Microsoft that occasionally contain links to get free points.

Shopping and Gaming * Microsoft Store: Shopping at the Microsoft Store or subscribing to Xbox Game Pass can earn extra points. * Xbox Rewards Hub: Users can use the Rewards Hub on their Xbox or in the Xbox app to play games and complete tasks for even more points.

Strategic Earning To maximize points, users should search strategically. Focusing on high-reward searches like news or trending topics is recommended, while avoiding frivolous searches. Engaging with special offers or double points promotions periodically run by Microsoft is also beneficial. These promotions can be found on the Rewards dashboard and in promotional emails.

Redemption Options

Points earned can be redeemed for free gift cards, Xbox subscriptions, or sweepstakes entries. The specific redemption options fluctuate, and Microsoft frequently updates the catalog, adding new options but also removing others.

Point Requirements The number of points needed to redeem for rewards varies. * Gift Cards: Gift cards typically start at around 1,000 points for a $10 card. * Xbox Subscriptions: Some rewards, like Xbox Live Gold or Game Pass, may require more points. * Other Rewards: Some rewards may require higher point thresholds.

Users should check the current redemption options regularly to find the best value. It is recommended to save points and wait for promotions or larger reward options to get more value for accumulated points, rather than spending points prematurely.

Eligibility and Availability

Regional Restrictions Microsoft Rewards is not available worldwide. Availability depends on location. The program primarily operates in select countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Users must ensure their account is set to a supported region to participate.

Account Linking Linking the Microsoft account to services like Xbox and Microsoft Store provides additional earning opportunities. Failing to link accounts means missing out on points from these valuable sources.

Maximizing Rewards

To get the most out of Microsoft Rewards, strategic engagement and consistency are required. * Consistency: Consistency is key to maximizing rewards. Regularly completing daily sets, participating in bonus challenges, and using Bing for searches helps steadily accumulate points. * Tracking: Tracking progress and setting reminders for daily activities can help ensure steady accumulation. * Avoiding Mistakes: Users should avoid spending points prematurely and ensure they link all relevant accounts to maximize their earning potential.

Fetch Rewards Overview

Fetch is another rewards app available to U.S. consumers. It allows users to shop, snap, and play to earn free gift cards. The platform is described as "America's Rewards App."

How Fetch Works * Shopping Rewards: Users can get rewarded for shopping over 600 brands in the app. * Chrome Extension: Fetch offers a Chrome extension that helps users find the internet's most rewarding deals. Users can add Fetch to their browser to extend the experience of finding deals.

Fetch provides a method for consumers to earn points by engaging with shopping activities and utilizing browser tools to find deals.

Conclusion

Microsoft Rewards offers a straightforward way to earn points through everyday activities like searching on Bing, completing quizzes, and shopping on the Microsoft Store. While it is presented as a way to get "free" rewards, users are exchanging time and effort for these benefits. Consistent engagement is necessary to accumulate enough points for significant rewards, and availability varies by region. Fetch Rewards offers an alternative method for earning points through shopping and utilizing browser extensions. Both programs require active participation to maximize the value received.

Sources

1. How Does Microsoft Rewards Work and How to Actually Get Free Stuff
2. How to Get Microsoft Points Fast
3. Fetch