Microsoft’s Xbox Rewards program has long been a selling point for players looking to get a little extra back from their gaming purchases. However, recent frustrations from users suggest that the program may not be as rewarding as it once was.
While Xbox’s Microsoft Rewards still offers more ways to earn points than PlayStation’s Stars program, players are increasingly feeling shortchanged—especially when it comes to earning store credit through purchases.
Xbox vs. PlayStation: Who Does Rewards Better?
For years, Microsoft Rewards has been seen as the superior loyalty program compared to PlayStation Stars. While both programs reward users for making purchases, Xbox players have the added advantage of accumulating points through a variety of activities.
Searching on Bing, completing quizzes, and unlocking achievements are all ways to boost point totals, making it feel like Microsoft is consistently giving back to its user base.
In contrast, PlayStation Stars offers limited opportunities to earn rewards, often requiring users to complete specific bonus campaigns—many of which demand additional spending.
This has led some PlayStation fans to envy the broader range of earning opportunities available on Xbox.
However, just because Microsoft Rewards offers more ways to earn points doesn’t mean fans are happy with what they’re getting.
The Growing Frustration with Microsoft Rewards
A recent Reddit thread has put Microsoft Rewards under fire, with users voicing their disappointment over how little they actually earn through game purchases. One frustrated gamer, Reddit user Shadownight7797, sarcastically vented their frustration, saying:
“Wow, no way! I just spent $80 on a game and now I’m 5% of the way to getting $1.25! Thank you, Microsoft!”
While it’s true that points can be accumulated through various means beyond just store purchases, the reality is that spending hundreds of dollars on games results in an almost laughable amount of store credit.
Another user, The-Booty-Train, summed up the disappointment perfectly:
“This pisses people off more than makes them feel good. Why not just make the notification for $5 and just go from there? The f**k does $1.25 do for me? $5 barely does anything.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, with longtime users lamenting the program’s decline. ObiWanOkeechobee bluntly stated:
“This program used to be worth it. It’s dogs**t now. I don’t even bother with the searches and whatnot.”
Is Microsoft Rewards Still the Best Loyalty Program?
While the backlash is strong, not every Xbox player is entirely against the system. Some acknowledge that, despite its shortcomings, Microsoft Rewards remains one of the better loyalty programs in the gaming world.
Reddit user IsThisKismet shared a more balanced perspective:
“It is definitely not as good as it used to be, however when compared to literally any other rewards program I’ve used, it continues to lead them all.”
This argument holds some weight. Many reward programs, particularly in the gaming industry, offer minimal incentives for customer loyalty.
Microsoft Rewards, despite its declining benefits, still provides more earning opportunities than PlayStation Stars or Nintendo’s Gold Points system, which offers a mere 5% back on digital purchases and 1% on physical games.
What Can Microsoft Do to Win Back Players?
If Microsoft wants to avoid further alienating its most dedicated users, it may need to rework how it distributes points, particularly for those who spend heavily on games.
Increasing the payout on purchases or implementing milestone-based bonuses could go a long way in making the rewards feel meaningful again.
Additionally, improving transparency about the value of points and making redemption thresholds more accessible could enhance the overall experience.
Instead of notifying users when they’ve earned a tiny fraction of a reward, perhaps bundling points into larger, more satisfying milestones would be a better approach.
The Bottom Line: Is It Still Worth It?
At the end of the day, Microsoft Rewards still provides some benefits for Xbox players, but its current system is leaving many fans underwhelmed.
With more and more players voicing their frustrations, it’s clear that Microsoft has an opportunity to refine the program and restore its former appeal.
Until then, users will have to decide whether grinding for a few dollars of store credit is truly worth their time—or if they’d rather just enjoy their games without worrying about meager rewards.
