Microsoft Doubles Up On Cashback To Give Bing A Boost

Microsoft announced that they have created a “Bing stimulus package” using the Cashback program, in an attempt to encourage searchers to use Bing more often.

Cashback is a way for Microsoft to give searchers who buy products from select merchants, after discovering those merchants through Bing, a gift, a discount. In the past, Microsoft Cashback was offering up to 35% off on certain products, now Microsoft has boosted those rewards to up to 50% off for select merchants.

I have used Cashback in the past to get discounts and it does indeed work. It is a bit confusing for searchers to get the rewards, but it is worth the process to save up to 50%. To get the rewards, search for what you are looking for at Bing and then look for the Cashback rewards icon on the search ads. Then make sure to follow the steps exactly and you can get up to 50% back.

Microsoft has claimed Cashback has worked to grow share and they are throwing a lot more money at it now.

Postscript: I tried out the double rewards this morning and although the merchant had a 12% cashback, I received half (i.e. 6%) back. I have shown this to Microsoft and they are investigating.

Postscript 2:: On August 19th, Microsoft sent me a check for the difference missing in my Cashback rewards. Microsoft actually used FedEx priority overnight services to send me that check, which was nice, but not necessary.