How to claim Xbox's birthday-week Microsoft Rewards bonus
Xbox users can earn double Microsoft Rewards points during their birthday week, redeemable for gift cards and in-game currency. A Microsoft account and Xbox Rewards sign-up are required to take part.
Microsoft doesn't hand out a direct birthday gift to Xbox users, but it does offer a way to earn extra Microsoft Rewards points during birthday week. The bonus period runs from Monday through Sunday of the week containing the user's birthday, during which any game or add-on/DLC purchase made through the Microsoft Store earns double Rewards points.
To take part, users need a Microsoft account and must sign up for Xbox Rewards. After making a purchase, accumulated points can be checked in the Xbox Rewards hub, most easily reached through the Xbox app.
What the points can buy
Points cannot be spent directly on games. Instead, the Xbox Rewards hub offers a limited selection of items, mostly gift cards and in-game currency. Examples include a $5/£5 Xbox gift card for 6,820 points, a Candy Crush gift card for 1,500 points, a League of Legends gift card for 6,500 points, a Sea of Thieves Ancient Coin Pack for 1,700 points, and 330 Minecraft Minecoins for 2,500 points. Users can also donate 1,000 points to convert into a $1/£1 charitable contribution to organizations such as UNICEF or Girls Who Code.
Since points can't be used to buy games outright, it's not advised to spend extra money in the Microsoft Store purely to rack up birthday points.
