Microsoft is introducing a new referral initiative aimed at expanding the user base for its Edge browser.
Following previous integration efforts, such as automatic startup configurations within Windows, the company has rolled out a Refer and Earn program that compensates existing users with loyalty rewards for recommending the browser to friends.
Reward Mechanics and Redemption Options
Participants receive compensation through Microsoft Rewards points, which serve as digital currency within Microsoft’s broader ecosystem. These accumulated points can be exchanged for multiple digital incentives, including:
- Microsoft Store credit to purchase applications, games, and media.
- Xbox gift cards for console titles and digital subscriptions.
- Third-party gift cards, such as vouchers for streaming platforms like Netflix and various online retailers.
Qualification Rules and Referral Limits
To prevent abuse, the incentive program applies specific qualification criteria. Existing Edge users do not count toward referral tallies. Instead, points are credited only when a new user completes three verification steps:
- Downloads Microsoft Edge directly via the unique referral link.
- Signs in with a valid account inside the browser interface.
- Performs at least two web searches across two separate days using the application.
Each successful verification awards 500 Rewards points. The system caps earnings at 15 referrals per month (7,500 points monthly), allowing a maximum annual accumulation of 90,000 points. Under standard US redemption rates, this annual ceiling translates to approximately $90 to $95 in Microsoft or Xbox store credit, around $85 in third-party retail gift cards (such as Amazon or Walmart), or several months of digital subscription services.
| Metric / Tier | Points Earned | Microsoft / Xbox Store Value | 3rd-Party Retailers (Amazon, Walmart) |
| Single Referral | 500 pts | ~$0.50 – $0.53 | ~$0.45 – $0.48 |
| Monthly Cap (15 referrals) | 7,500 pts | ~$7.75 – $8.00 | ~$7.00 – $7.25 |
| Annual Cap (180 referrals) | 90,000 pts | ~$93.00 – $96.00 | ~$85.00 – $86.00 |
The promotional campaign is primarily distributed through mobile platforms. Eligible users can access the referral dashboard by clicking the promotional banner shown upon launching the Edge app on Android or iOS.
Alternatively, participants can navigate directly to the dedicated Microsoft Rewards section located inside the browser settings menu.
Filed in . Read more about Microsoft and Microsoft Edge.