Bing Rewards is a new online rewards program being offered by Microsoft and popular search engine Bing, which promises to give users rewards for doing something they do online everyday anyway – search the internet.
Online rewards websites were created as a way for marketers and search engine providers to get access for information. You agree to let them record the types of searches you complete and the websites you click on, and they will compensate you with money or prizes.
Customers who are interested in becoming Bing Rewards members can do so completely for free, and get started with their system to see whether or not it is something they may be interested in continuing.
How Does It Work?
The Bing Rewards website describes their program as being similar to a frequent flyer program. As long as you sign in to your Bing account and remain signed in, each time you search you will receive points from Bing.
It has been reported that Bing Rewards gives you points for every two searches you complete, and while the most points you can typically earn in a day is ten, these are just the points you can from searches. Microsoft generally provides its users with a way to earn bonus points from clicking on a specific service or a website that is promoting.
Once you have accumulated a certain number of points, you can go to their Redemption Center and pick a gift card from your chosen retailer, including Amazon.com, Starbucks, Game Stop, Groupon, Fandango, and more.
How Does Bing Rewards Compare?
There are many, many independently operating rewards programs out there, including Swagbucks and Qmee, which partner with different companies to provide them with the data they receive from their users. Generally speaking, using an independent reward program requires you to download a special tool bar or other specific tool to your computer to ensure the company can collect your data.
Companies like Bing and Google’s Screenwise Trends Panel can easily record your search information with no extra work on your part, because these are generally the search engines people are using anyway.
But, unlike other browser rewards programs, including the one offered by Google, Bing does want you to search either through your computer or your phone at least once a day, in order to stay active with their program. Thankfully this should not be difficult for most smartphone or mobile device owners, nor those who work with a computer every day.
After three phone calls and about 12 emails, they insisted I somehow catch the problem, give them a recording of the actual problem(s) occurring and give them diagnostics of each of my new computers. As I said, my computers are new. I knew they couldn't be the problem. Also, I felt diagnostics and recordings violated my privacy. So, I asked what would happen to the information I provided. Microsoft refused to tell me their evaluation process or what they use the info for. It took several emails before they promised to only use the information to help me with my claim.
On a video recording, I caught the points disappearing and not adding up. After I documented the troubles occurring, through their chosen method, Microsoft refused to admit there was a problem!! They gave me a tiny percentage of the thousands of points they owed me, saying they only did this as a courtesy??!! So, I did an internet search. It seems their system is plagued by disappearing points and other troubles. Worse yet, Microsoft knows there's a problem but refuses to acknowledge it. To me, this means you're running a scam on unsuspecting and hopeful people. Everyone affected by this should contact the Better Business Bureau and refuse to do business with Microsoft. We should blitz social media with information on this scam. Other people need to know before they invest their time and effort.