Google Has a New Rewards Program

Good news for Android users – Google has released Google Play Points in the United States, a free rewards program that allows members to earn points and rewards for purchases made through Google Play. The program was initially introduced in Japan in 2018 and expanded to South Korea in 2019. Google said in a blog post that the program has gained “millions” of members since its launch.

How to Earn Play Points

Play Points can be earned by spending money on media offered through Google Play. These include apps, movies, music, e-books, audiobooks, games, TV shows, in-app purchases, and subscriptions. According to Google, downloading featured free apps and games, participating in weekly point events, and buying in-app items with earn rate promotions can also increase your earnings.

How to Redeem Points

There are a few ways to redeem Play Points:

• Use for special in-app items, such as coins, gems, and characters, in popular games like Candy Crush and Pokémon GO.
• Redeem for coupons for discounted in-app or in-game purchases.
• Redeem as Google Play Credit for movies, books, music, apps, and more.
• Donate to a rotating list of nonprofit organizations. The first list includes Doctors Without Borders USA, Save the Children, and World Food Program USA.

It is important to note that points do expire one year from the most recent point activity, including earning and using points.

Program Tiers

The Google Play Points program has four tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. All members will begin at Bronze, earning 1 point for every $1 spent, and will make their way up the ladder. The tier breakdown is as follows:

• Bronze: 1 point per $1 spent. Up to 2x for movie rentals and books during monthly events. Up to 4x for in-game purchases during weekly events.
• Silver: 1.1 points per $1 spent. Up to 3x for movie rentals and books during monthly events. Up to 4x for in-game purchases during weekly events. Weekly prize worth up to 50 points.
• Gold: 1.2 points per $1 spent. Up to 4x for movie rentals and books during monthly events, and in-game purchases during weekly events. Weekly prize worth up to 200 points.
• Platinum: 1.4 points per $1 spent. Up to 5x for movie rentals and books during monthly events. Up to 4x for in-game purchases during weekly events. Weekly prize worth up to 500 points. Members also receive premium customer service support.

Once you achieve a new tier, you will remain at that tier until the end of the next calendar year.

How to Sign Up

Signing up for the rewards program is quick, easy, and free. Simply open the Google Play Store on your smartphone, tap the menu bar, and select Play Points. Check out the Google Play FAQ for more information.