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Is the new Microsoft Rewards Gold tier update actually worth it for Canadian users?
Analysis of the January 2026 Microsoft Rewards Tier Rollout
Microsoft Rewards users in Canada experienced an immediate structural change to their dashboard this past Friday. This update aligns Canada with Australia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, all of which recently received this specific tier refresh. While Microsoft sent notifications regarding these changes in late 2025, the specific execution date remained ambiguous until the rollout occurred.
Global Context
This tier structure is not experimental. It mirrors systems already active in New Zealand, Colombia, India, and Mexico. These regions have utilized the Member, Silver, and Gold tier architecture for several months. The current strategy indicates a phased global deployment rather than a simultaneous worldwide release. Notably, accounts in the United States remain on the legacy system for now.
The Economic Impact: Daily Point Reduction
The most critical adjustment concerns the devaluation of daily search activities. Under the previous Canadian system, users generated 150 points daily: 90 from PC searches and 60 from mobile searches.
The new system caps total search earnings at 60 points, regardless of the device used. This alteration represents a 60% reduction in guaranteed daily search income. When combined with daily set activities, total daily potential has dropped from approximately 210 points to 120 points.
Gold Tier Incentives vs. Statistical Reality
Microsoft attempts to offset this reduction through the “Gold” tier benefits. This status grants two primary perks:
- A 200-point monthly voucher.
- The Bing STAR Bonus, theoretically offering up to 2,100 additional points per month based on activity.
However, reliance on the STAR Bonus carries risk. User data from regions already operating under this system indicates that 77% of participants earn fewer than 300 points monthly from this specific bonus. The marketing claim of “up to 2,100 points” appears statistically unlikely for the average user, failing to mathematically bridge the gap created by the reduction in daily search points.
User Experience and Interface
Beyond the point economy, the redesigned dashboard faces criticism regarding usability. Users report that the new interface introduces unnecessary complexity, replacing straightforward navigation with convoluted menus and tables. This friction decreases user retention.
Advisory Conclusion
For users in affected regions like Canada and Pakistan, this update shifts the program from a consistent daily earner to a variable, lower-yield system. The loss of guaranteed search points outweighs the potential gains from the STAR Bonus for the vast majority of users. If you are in the United States, anticipate similar restructuring in upcoming waves.