cashback discontinuation

Top questions

cashback essentials

Shopping for cashback

Your cashback account

cashback discontinuation

When will Microsoft discontinue the Bing cashback program?

The Bing cashback program has been discontinued and the last day to earn cash back on your Bing Shopping purchases was July 30, 2010. We encourage you to redeem your cashback savings and to support redemption we are waiving the $5 minimum payout requirement. You can redeem all of your earned cashback savings consistent with the cashback terms and conditions and access your cashback account through July 30, 2011.

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Why has Microsoft decided to discontinue the Bing cashback program?

The cashback program was one of a number of efforts designed to deliver great value to our consumers and great ROI to advertisers. As we continue to evolve both the user and advertiser experiences for Bing, we will pursue different avenues that we believe will continue to offer great shopping experiences to consumers, great advertising experiences for our advertisers, and still deliver real value back to customers.

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Will I still be able to redeem my cashback earnings after July 30, 2010?

Yes. You can redeem all of your cashback earnings consistent with the cashback terms and conditions and access the Bing cashback customer support system through July 30, 2011. We encourage you to redeem your cashback savings and to further support redemption we are waiving the $5 minimum payout effective July 31, 2010. Please visit https://cashbackaccount.bing.com/cashback/summary.aspx to ensure your cashback account information is current to facilitate payouts of your cashback earnings.

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I have less than $5 in my account, can I get my cashback?

Yes. As of July 31, 2010, the $5 minimum payout limit will be lifted, so just follow the same steps you would normally to request your payment.

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How will Microsoft handle new and outstanding customer service issues from consumers?

Microsoft will continue to support customer service issues until July 30, 2011. Consumers can visit https://support.cashback.discoverbing.com/.

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If a merchant incorrectly cancels my cashback after the cut-off date can I contact Microsoft for help?

Microsoft will continue to support customer service issues until July 30, 2011. Consumers can visit https://support.cashback.discoverbing.com/.

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Is Microsoft replacing Bing cashback with a similar program?

As we continue to evolve both the user and advertiser experiences for Bing, we will pursue different avenues that we believe will continue to offer great shopping experiences to consumers, great advertising experiences for our advertisers, and still deliver real value back to customers. We will share more detail in the months ahead.

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How long will I have to access my purchase history?

Your purchase history will be available through July 31, 2011. After that time your cashback account will no longer be available.

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What happens to my cashback account? Does this impact any other services linked to my Windows Live ID?

After July 31, 2011 your cashback account will no longer be accessible but your Windows Live ID will continue to operate and can be used to access other services that require a Windows Live ID.

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Top questions

What is Bing cashback?

Bing cashback was a great way for you to save money when you shopped online.You earned a percentage of the product price as cashback. The search advertising fees from participating stores were passed on to you. After we wait for potential returns and exchanges, your savings are rewarded to you by your choice of a deposit to your PayPal account, direct deposit to your bank account, or a check in the mail. It's that simple.

For the complete program terms and conditions, see the Microsoft Service Agreement.

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Who's eligible for Bing cashback?

You are, as long as you:
  • Provide us with a valid email address and password for account access.
  • Are at least 18 years of age and reside in the U.S.
  • Have a valid U.S. mailing address (a PO Box won't work).
  • Create or have an active Windows Live ID and cashback account.
  • Adhere to the Microsoft Service Agreement. Read this carefully for specific limitations.
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How did I make sure my purchase qualifies for cashback?


When you shop for a product using Bing and see the cashback symbolcashback Icon, the product was eligible for cashback.

Or you can click a Bing cashback link within a sponsored ad.

SponsoredAd

Right before you go to the store's website, you'll see a sign-up page where you needed to provide your email address:

SignUp

Don't skip this page. Your email address is the best way for us to help you get your cashback. If we can't email you, we can't send your cashback to you.

After you choose a product and go to a store's site, complete the purchase as soon as possible.

Avoid:

  • Waiting hours to complete a purchase.
  • Closing your browser window.
  • Shopping with InPrivate Browsing enabled in Internet Explorer 8.
  • Going to the store directly (not through Bing).
  • Navigating away from the store's site after you start the purchase process.

If you do any of these things, we might lose track of you and the store might think you came from someplace other than Bing. If that happens, it will be hard for us to prove that you made your purchase through Bing.

Not sure about a purchase? Want to comparison shop or make multiple purchases? No problem. Just be sure to start from Bing Shopping when you're ready to buy.

Keep track of the order confirmation you receive from the store. If we have trouble finding your cashback, we'll ask you for that confirmation to identify your purchase.

Tip for eBay users: Shopping with cashback on eBay is a little different than you'd normally shop on eBay. Use Bing to find the item first and then click through to that item on eBay. Make sure the cashback symbol cashback Icon is visible throughout the entire purchase process. Once you make your purchase on eBay, you'll receive an email from eBay asking you to complete the signup process for your cashback account. See eBay's terms for cashback

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What are some of the limitations for getting cashback?

In addition to limitations we set for getting cashback through the Microsoft Service Agreement, a store may have further restrictions for getting cashback rewards. For example, taking advantage of a special sales event often makes a purchase ineligible for cashback. Using a coupon voids the cashback for the majority of stores, including those you may receive in email or see on a deal/coupon site and offerings on a store's website.

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What should I do when a purchase isn't showing up in my account?

Most eligible purchases appear within two days, but occasionally a store might take longer to tell us about a purchase. If you made a purchase more than two days ago that isn't displayed in your cashback account, contact us with your purchase details. We'll get back to you as soon as we can.

Note: If you were using Internet Explorer 8 when you were shopping, check to make sure InPrivate Browsing was disabled. Your purchase might not be showing up in your account for other reasons:
  • The store might not recognize the purchase as complete because the items might be on backorder, payment is processing, or other reasons. Contact the store directly to confirm that the purchase was processed. If the merchant confirms that the purchase was processed, contact us for further help.
  • You might not have finished activating your account if this was your first time making a purchase that is eligible for cashback. To finish activating your account, look for an email message that you should have received and that included a link for activating your account. Do one of the following:
    • If you still have the email, sign out of your cashback account, click the link in the email to activate your account, and sign in using your existing cashback account. After signing in, the purchase should show up in your account within two days.
    • If you did not receive or cannot find the email, we can resend the same "Welcome to cashback" email that we sent when you opened your account. Just go to the cashback sign-up page, click Sign up, and enter the same email address that you used then so we can send you your Windows Live ID. If that doesn't work, contact us for additional help.
  • Your purchase might not be eligible for cashback for one of the following reasons:
    • You opened the store's website in a different web browser.
    • Your browser is not configured to accept cookies.
    • The purchase is not completed in the same web browsing session (not to exceed 24 hours) initiated by clicking the eligible advertisement or listing. This would include opening a new browser window or tab within the same browser.
    • Your order was canceled or the goods or services were returned.
    • The store didn't report the purchase to Microsoft.
    • You also used a separate discount or coupon, a gift card, or a gift certificate.
    • The goods or services were acquired for resale or other business purposes.
    • You made the purchase from yourself or entities that you control.
    • You've exceeded the annual monetary cap on cashback rewards.
    • Additional limitations for purchases on certain store sites might apply. Those limitations are disclosed on the store site.

    For the complete program terms and conditions, see the Microsoft Service Agreement.

  • You might not have activated your eBay.com account if this is your first time making a purchase from eBay that is eligible for cashback. To activate your eBay.com account:

    1. Log out of your cashback account.
    2. Go to www.ebay.com, log in, and click My Messages.
    3. Look for an e-mail message from eBay with the subject, "You've earned cashback," and open it.
    4. Click the Get Cash Back button in the body of the e-mail message.
    5. When prompted to do so, log into the account you wish to associate all eBay cashback purchases with.
    6. After signing in, the purchase should show up in your account within two days.
    NOTE: If you do not have an email from eBay, please contact eBay support for assistance. You may also want to review separate eBay terms and conditions to make sure that your eBay purchase was eligible for cashback savings.

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What is quick cashback?

Quick cashback is a way to get your cashback immediately and avoid waiting the normal 60-day pending period. If you make a qualifying purchase from an eligible merchant, your cashback will be rewarded soon after purchase. To be eligible for quick cashback, you must meet these three criteria:

  1. You've joined the quick cashback program. (You can do this from your cashback account.)
  2. You've kept your PayPal account in good standing.
  3. You make a qualifying purchase from an eligible store and complete the purchase using PayPal.
You're eligible to receive quick cashback when you meet these criteria, but it doesn't guarantee that you'll receive a quick cashback reward. Any eligible purchase that doesn't meet all of the criteria for quick cashback but meets all of the other cashback requirements will wait for possible returns in the normal 60-day pending period.

As with any cashback purchase, your purchase must meet all of the requirements of the Microsoft Service Agreement to be eligible for cashback savings.

Here are a few more details about quick cashback:
  • We'll deposit quick cashback rewards in the PayPal account that you used during your purchase.
  • We'll email you if your cashback is rewarded with quick cashback.
  • The rules that apply to returning or canceling a purchase also apply to quick cashback rewards.

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At which stores are my purchases eligible for quick cashback?

Currently, these stores have launched with quick cashback:
  • Beach Audio
  • Cybercucina
This list is likely to change as we add new stores, so check back here for updates.

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Do I need to know anything specific about shopping with HP?

Yes, customer should note the following when shopping with HP

  1. The cashback percentage offered will apply to your entire order, before taxes and shipping costs.
  2. Entering a coupon code at the payment page will void your cashback. Also, beginning 10/2009, the Friends & Family program, HP Academy program, and the Employee Purchase Program can no longer be combined with cashback.
  3. Instant rebates and automatic free shipping on the HP Home & Office site will not void your cashback.
  4. Partial returns of an order will be recalculated and the cashback will apply to the new total purchase amount before taxes and shipping charges.
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cashback essentials

Is this safe? Will you share my information with anyone or send me "spam"?

This program is safe. All of the information collected through the cashback program - from your email address to the purchase information that we use to calculate your cashback rewards - is protected by the Microsoft privacy policy. We do email you a monthly newsletter, but you can opt out of that at any time. You can find instructions for doing so at the bottom of the email.

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Is there a limit to how much cashback savings I can get?

You can earn up to $2,500 in cashback savings every calendar year.

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When and how do I get my Bing cashback reward?

When you sign into your cashback account, you'll see your current cashback balances, including pending, available, in process, and rewarded cashback amounts. In case you decide to return your purchase, Bing cashback purchases are listed in your cashback account as pending for up to 60 days from the purchase date, depending on the store. After that waiting period, you can choose one of the reward methods listed in your cashback account. Then we'll send your cashback in approximately seven days. Please allow an additional 7 to 21 days to receive a check or funds deposited in your account. (Note that some stores require up to 90 days to process returns and exchanges.)

To request your cashback reward:

  1. In your cashback account, on the Summary page, click Get your cashback.
  2. Click a reward method.

Tip for eBay users Any cashback you receive from an eBay purchase will be automatically deposited in the PayPal account you used when you made the purchase. You don't have to do anything - it will be deposited either soon after the purchase or after 60 days.

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Am I eligible for cashback if I live outside the U.S.?

No, only those who reside in the U. S. are eligible for cashback.

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What happens if I select "Remember me"?

If you select the "Remember me" checkbox, you won't need to re-enter your email address when you visit a cashback store from Bing Shopping for the next 30 days.

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What are "cookies," and why do I need them?

Cookies are small files that are collected and stored in your Internet browser. A cookie allows a website to recognize you when you go there, so you don't have to log in each time. Cookies need to be enabled for cashback to work properly. Cookies are enabled by default in most browsers, but be sure you disable InPrivate Browsing in Internet Explorer 8.

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Where can I find the user agreement for Bing cashback?

Some people call it the Terms of Use; others call it the User Agreement. We call ours the Microsoft Service Agreement.

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Why are some eBay rewards deposited immediately?

When you make a purchase that is eligible for cashback on eBay using PayPal, PayPal might decide that your cashback reward is eligible for immediate deposit (see eBay's User Agreement). For these rewards, check the PayPal account that you used to make the purchase and see your cashback there. For eBay purchases that aren't rewarded immediately, your reward will be deposited automatically after 60 days in the PayPal account that you used to make the purchase. If you decide to return your purchase that earned immediately rewarded cashback, PayPal will reverse the cashback reward.

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This isn't working and I have followed all of the directions. Help!

We're committed to getting you all the cashback you're entitled to.

Sometimes our systems just need a little more time to update with current information. Other times you will need to follow one more step to get your cashback (like activating your account). On rare occasions, you might run into an issue that we'll need to help you with. If that's the case, go to the cashback support page, click the link on the right that comes closest to your issue, and fill out the form. We'll send suggestions that may help you solve your problem. If those suggestions don't work or don't apply to your issue, reply to the message and one of our customer service representatives will be happy to help.

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What do I do if I haven't heard from you after submitting a request through your support site?

Our customer service representatives respond to most requests within a few days. The emails our representatives send out occasionally are filtered out as "spam," so the message may have been routed to your "spam" or "junk mail" folder. Check those folders first if you think you haven't heard from us.

If you want to ask about the status of a service request or provide more information, your most direct path is to reply to the last email you received from us. Opening a new request for the same issue won't speed our response

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Shopping for cashback

Did I earn cashback on everything I buy at a store or only for the item I found at Bing cashback?

You earned cashback savings on the item you clicked at Bing cashback and all other items on the store's site that are eligible. If the cashback percentage rate is displayed as a range (such as 8 – 10%), the rate you earn for other eligible products at that store may be higher or lower than the percentage rate for the product you initially searched for. A store visit means the same web browsing session (not to exceed 24 hours) in which you click an eligible product or store link. (You can see limited exceptions to purchase eligibility in the Microsoft Service Agreement. Online stores may have separate eligibility requirements on their sites, too.)

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How does Bing cashback know that I've made a qualifying purchase?

When you start your purchase from Bing, the store knows that you came from Bing. After you make your purchase, the store reports the purchase to Microsoft. We then list the cashback in your cashback account as Pending, but we need to wait 60 days for possible returns before we can send or deposit your cashback reward.

To request your cashback reward:

  1. In your cashback account, on the Summary page, click Get your cashback.
  2. Click a reward method.

Tip for eBay users Any cashback you receive through an eBay purchase will be automatically deposited in the PayPal account that you used when you made the purchase. You don't have to do anything - it will be deposited either soon after the purchase or after 60 days.

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What's the deal with coupons or specials at the store?

The cashback program terms and conditions state that coupons could void your cashback rewards. Some stores may have allowed purchases made using coupons to earn cashback. Your best bet is to check with the store before making a purchase. We need to comply with the policies of stores that ask us to cancel a cashback reward because a coupon was used.

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Can I earn cashback from links in blogs, deal sites, and other offers?

Only search results within the cashback site or a Bing ad with the symbol are valid methods for earning cashback when you shop online. Look for the cashback symbolcashback Icon to be sure. We can't track the purchase or give you your cashback reward when you used other methods.

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Can I purchase items for resale and earn cashback?

No, purchases for resale or business purposes are not eligible for cashback. But eBay permits cashback savings on some purchases for resale. Be sure to check out the eBay User Agreement for cashback before purchasing goods or services on eBay.

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What about eBay sellers who say that I'll get cashback if I purchase from them?

What is eligible for cashback on eBay is set by eBay corporate policy. An eBay seller can't guarantee that you'll get cashback if you purchase from them.

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What happens if I return, exchange, or cancel a purchase?

Returns, exchanges, and cancelations are subject to the store's return policy. If you return, cancel, or exchange part or all of a purchase, the store may reverse your purchase with us. We won't be able to pay you any cashback savings from that transaction.

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Hey! A store changed the cashback amount since the last time I was on their site! What's going on?

The cashback percentage is set at the time of purchase, so we can't honor the cashback amount you saw on an earlier visit after it has changed. Keep in mind that cashback is a merchant-supported program. All sales, cashback percentages, and special events are set by that store's policy.

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Your cashback account

Why do I need a cashback account?

To receive your cashback, you need to provide us some basic information so we can communicate with you and send your cashback savings to you. You can read the Microsoft Service Agreement. Rest assured that your cashback account is free, and Microsoft doesn't sell, rent, or lease our customer information to third parties.

For complete information about how Microsoft uses and protects the information that you provide, please see the Microsoft privacy statement.

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Where's my cashback account, and what's in it?

Start on the cashback sign-in page using your Windows Live ID. Your cashback account will contain a record of every transaction we know of that was eligible for cashback. Your account will specify when the cashback savings on each purchase will be available for reward. That's also where you can keep your contact information up to date. The screen should look something like this, but the amounts in the cashback summary will total your purchases: Cashback Account

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Why do I need a Windows Live ID for a cashback account?

You need a Windows Live ID to access your cashback account. You can open a cashback account with an existing Windows Live ID, or you can use a new or existing email address to create a Windows Live ID. If you have an Xbox account or subscribe to another Microsoft online service, you might already have a Windows Live ID. You can have only one cashback account, so once you link your cashback account to a Live ID, you can't change it. If you need more help with this, please contact us before opening your cashback account.

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What if I forget my Windows Live ID?

Don't create another Windows Live ID if you think you have already created one. You can have only one cashback account and it can be linked to only one Windows Live ID. You can try logging in with other email addresses you may have used. Try resetting your password.

If you're still stuck, contact us for additional help.

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What do I do if I never get an email that tells me how to finish opening my Bing cashback account?

Contact us so we can resend the invitation email.

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How can I update my account information?

It's a good idea to keep your information up to date because that's how we find your purchases, send you checks, and deposit cashback rewards in your bank and PayPal accounts. At any time, you can log into your cashback account and update your information.

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How do I change my email address for receiving communications about Bing cashback?

Just go to the email preferences page and give us the new email address to which you want us to send all of your important email communications about Bing cashback

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Can I open more than one cashback account?

No, as stated in the Microsoft Service Agreement. It's possible to have multiple Windows Live IDs, especially if you have subscribed to more than one MSN service (like Xbox). But we allow only one cashback account per person, and it can be linked to only one Windows Live ID.

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How do I tell you how I want to receive my cashback reward?

It's easy:

  1. In your cashback account, click Settings, and then click Reward methods.
  2. Decide which type of reward method you want, and then click Add an account or Add a paper check.
  3. Give us the details about the PayPal account, bank account, or mailing address that you specify, and then click Save.
  4. Select that reward method and account or address when you request your reward.

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Can I set up more than one reward method?

You bet. In fact, you can set up more than one account or address for each reward method. For example, you can designate your home address and your work address for receiving your cashback reward in a paper check and then choose the address that best suits you each time you request a reward. Or you can add your checking account and your savings account to the bank account reward method and have different rewards deposited into the account you want each cashback reward to go to.

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Can I change a reward method?

Sure. Here's how:
  1. In your cashback account, click Settings, and then click Reward methods.
  2. Next to the reward method you want to change, click Edit.
  3. Make your changes, and then click Save.

Tip for eBay users Any cashback you receive through an eBay purchase will be automatically deposited in the PayPal account that you used when you made the purchase. You don't have to do anything - it will be deposited either soon after the purchase or after 60 days.

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PayPal is an option for cashback rewards. What is PayPal?

PayPal is an online payment solution that allows members to securely send and receive payments online. You probably have seen it if you use eBay. Any cashback collected as part of an eBay transaction must be rewarded using PayPal.

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Amazon payments is an option for cashback rewards. What is Amazon Payments?

Amazon Payments enables you to send payments and receive cashback rewards for goods or services by using the payment methods associated with your Amazon.com account. Purchases made through Endless.com must be rewarded through Amazon Payments. You can also choose to have cashback earned through other purchases be rewarded through Amazon Payments. To learn more, see the Amazon Payments FAQ.

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What does it mean when my Bing cashback is pending, available, in process, rewarded, or canceled?

If your cashback savings is
  • Pending Depending on the store, we wait up to 60 days after your purchase for possible returns, and then you can request your cashback reward. Some stores have a longer period of 90 days.
  • Available Your cashback purchases are no longer pending.
  • In process We're processing your request for your cashback reward, which you will receive about 7 to 21 days after requesting it.
  • Rewarded We have deposited or sent the requested cashback reward.
  • Canceled The store notified us that the purchase has been returned, exchanged, canceled, or is ineligible per the Microsoft Service Agreement.
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What do I do if a purchase is shown as canceled in my cashback account, but I didn't cancel it?

The store notified us that the purchase has been returned, exchanged, or canceled, or is ineligible per the Microsoft Service Agreement. If none of these conditions applies to your purchase, contact us.

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I don't want to receive the Bing cashback newsletter. How can I stop getting it?

Scroll to the bottom of the newsletter to find the unsubscribe link. Click that and you will be forwarded to a page where you can uncheck a box to be taken off of the mailing list.

Feel free to submit feedback as well if you like the idea of the newsletter but would like to see different content.

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