Picture this: You're rewarded with gift cards just for switching to a new web browser. Sounds tempting, doesn't it? That's the bold move Microsoft is making to win over Google Chrome fans to its own Edge browser. But here's where it gets controversial – is this brilliant marketing or an underhanded ploy to dominate the browser market? Stick around as we dive into the details, and you might just find yourself questioning your own browser loyalty.
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I'm Alex, a Computer Science BSc holder who's been diving into tech topics since 2014, starting with Windows 3.1. After stints at an indie game studio and fixing family tech woes, I discovered my love for writing. I've contributed to sites like WorldStart (archived at https://href.li/?https://web.archive.org/web/20161111224321/http://www.worldstart.com/author/sebatt/), Listverse (https://listverse.com/lvauthor/S.E.%20Batt/), and MakeTechEasier (https://www.maketecheasier.com/author/sebatt/). Since joining MakeUseOf (https://www.makeuseof.com/author/simon/) in February 2019, I've been teaming up with them and XDA to cover the hottest trends in Windows, AI, and cybersecurity.
Summary
- Microsoft nudges users toward Edge during Chrome searches on Bing, employing headers, pop-ups, and side-by-side comparisons.
- They dangle 1,300 Microsoft Rewards points as an incentive to test Edge, redeemable for gift cards or charitable donations.
- The prompt varies by user – some see the rewards pitch, others get a direct browser showdown highlighting Edge's advantages in rewards, VPN, AI features, and Microsoft's endorsement.
Ever since Google Chrome exploded onto the scene, a running gag has been that Microsoft's built-in Windows browsers aren't bad at all – they're actually top-notch at helping you download Chrome! Apparently, Microsoft didn't appreciate the humor, because they've been aggressively targeting Edge users who try searching for Google Chrome through Bing (more on that here: https://www.xda-developers.com/microsoft-pestering-edge-over-chrome-worse/). If you've experimented with this, you've probably encountered the persistent headers and pop-ups at every turn, a tactic that even drew complaints from Mozilla (check out their take: https://www.xda-developers.com/mozilla-microsoft-harmful-designs-advertise-edge/).
Microsoft keeps mixing up its strategies to promote Edge. This latest approach? Rumors suggest they're sweetening the deal with 1,300 Microsoft Rewards points for sticking with Edge instead of jumping to Chrome – and they're framing it as a simple way to snag gift cards by simply browsing.
Microsoft is incentivizing loyalty to Edge with 1,300 Microsoft Rewards points
Credit: Windows Latest (https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/11/09/download-chrome-using-bing-microsoft-bribes-you-to-use-windows-11s-edge-with-gift-cards/) spotted this new tactic. When you launch Microsoft Edge and search for "Google Chrome" – often a move for folks setting up a fresh Windows install and wanting Chrome back – Bing's search bar gives Microsoft multiple opportunities to intervene and steer you toward Edge and Bing.
This time, a prominent header pops up at the top of the results, stating:
"Earn 1,300 Microsoft Rewards points by trying Edge"
"Redeem your points for gift cards or donate to one of over 2 million nonprofits"
And you know what? Microsoft isn't exaggerating. These Rewards points are legit – you can trade them in for actual gift cards, give to charity, or even extend Windows 10 support for an extra year (learn more: https://www.xda-developers.com/eea-free-windows-10-for-another-year/). If that perks your interest, rest assured, this is no scam.
That said, I couldn't reproduce the exact message on my machine. Instead, I stumbled upon another version spotted by Windows Latest, which sets up a face-off between Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome. The comparison evaluates them across four areas: earning rewards, integrated VPN, AI customization, and a vague "Microsoft recommended" metric. Unsurprisingly, Edge takes home the win in all categories.
For beginners wondering how this works, think of Microsoft Rewards like a loyalty program – you earn points by using Bing searches, shopping through Microsoft, or even playing games. It's a way for the company to encourage more interaction with their ecosystem, and redeeming for gift cards is a tangible perk. For example, you could rack up points daily on Xbox Game Pass and turn them into real rewards, just like in this guide (https://www.xda-developers.com/how-i-get-rewards-playing-xbox-game-pass/).
And this is the part most people miss: Is Microsoft crossing a line by targeting switchers?
On one hand, offering incentives to try a product is standard marketing – like discounts or free trials that we see everywhere. But critics might argue this feels manipulative, especially since it's baked into the search results, potentially biasing users who just want a quick download. Mozilla has called out similar practices as "harmful," claiming they prioritize Microsoft's interests over user choice. What do you think – does rewarding loyalty make Edge more appealing, or is it unfairly steering users away from competitors? Some might say it's innovative, while others see it as a gatekeeper tactic in a market where browser choice should be free.
Share your opinions below: Do you find Microsoft's approach clever or sneaky? Have you ever switched browsers for rewards? Would you be tempted by gift cards to try Edge? Let's discuss in the comments – I want to hear your take!
