The search-to-earn grind
Microsoft Rewards is effectively a digital chore chart where the payout is measured in Xbox credits. If you’ve ever watched a teenager try to "optimize" their life, you know exactly how this goes. They aren't using Microsoft Bing because they’ve suddenly developed a passion for its search algorithms. They’re using it because they want a new skin in Fortnite or a month of Game Pass without asking for your credit card.
The app functions as a portal for this hustle. It’s a mix of a standard search engine, an AI chatbot called Copilot, and a daily checklist of "activities" like quizzes or polls that exist solely to keep you clicking. For a certain type of kid—the one who loves spreadsheets or min-maxing their stats in an RPG—this is crack. For everyone else, it’s just a clunky way to find out what time the movie starts.
The "Under 18" wall
The biggest point of friction you’ll run into is the age gate. Microsoft is very specific about this in their service agreement. If the birthdate on the account says they’re under 18, the "cool" rewards are off-limits. They can’t cash out for Amazon gift cards or Starbucks credit.
Instead, they’re funneled toward "digital content." This usually means Xbox gift cards, games, or movies from the Microsoft Store. If your kid is already deep into the V-Bucks vs Robux economy, this might feel like a win. They’re essentially "working" for their gaming currency. But be prepared for the inevitable meltdown when they realize they can’t use their hard-earned points to buy a real-world pair of headphones.
Search quality vs. point farming
There is a weird side effect to using a search engine that pays you: it makes you a worse researcher. When you get points for every search, the incentive is to search for anything just to hit the daily cap. You’ll see kids (and plenty of adults on the Microsoft Rewards Reddit) typing "a," then "aa," then "aaa" into the search bar just to trigger the reward.
This behavior is the opposite of what we want when kids are actually trying to learn something. It turns the internet into a vending machine. If they’re using the app for actual schoolwork, the Copilot AI features are actually quite decent. It does a solid job of summarizing complex topics, which can be a lifeline for a kid stuck on a history essay. Just make sure they understand that the AI summary is a starting point, not the final word.
How to play it
If you’re going to let your teen dive into this, treat it like a lesson in loyalty marketing. Ask them why a trillion-dollar company is willing to give them free stuff just for clicking links. It’s a great opening to talk about data collection and how companies buy your attention.
Don't bother with this for younger kids. The interface is cluttered with "trending" news and ads that are designed to keep adults scrolling. For a 14-year-old who wants to earn their own way into a new game, it’s a harmless, if slightly boring, way to learn about the value of a digital dollar. Just don't expect it to turn them into a master of research. They’re here for the points, not the prose.
