Microsoft Tries to Lure More Users with Rewards-Driven Referral Program

Microsoft has rolled out a new referral program for its Edge browser, called 'Refer and Earn.' The initiative aims to expand the user base by compensating existing users with loyalty rewards for recommending the browser to friends.

Existing Edge users receive Microsoft Rewards points when they successfully refer a friend who downloads and uses the browser. To qualify, the new user must complete three verification steps: download Edge via a unique referral link, sign in with a valid account inside the browser interface, and perform at least two web searches across two separate days using the application.

Each successful verification awards 500 Rewards points, with a monthly cap of 15 referrals (7,500 points) and an annual ceiling of 90,000 points. This translates to approximately $90 to $95 in Microsoft or Xbox store credit, around $85 in third-party retail gift cards, or several months of digital subscription services.

The referral program is distributed primarily through mobile platforms, with eligible users able to access the referral dashboard by clicking a 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.