Google Play Points: What they are and how to use them wisely

Google Play Points: What they are and how to use them wisely

Google Play points let you earn rewards from purchases made in the Google Play Store. These rewards include store credit, in-app items, and discount coupons. For example, if you buy any ofour favorite Android apps on the Play Store, you’ll earn a minimum of 1 Play Point for each $1 spent.

However, navigating your way around the Google Play Points system of rewards and benefits can be confusing. This guide walks you through how to join, use, and cash in your Play Points for maximum rewards. Any device with Google Play installed can join the program, including premium andbudget Chromebooks.

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What is Google Play Points?

Google Play Points is the rewards program for the Play Store. Every purchase made on the Play Store earns you points, including apps, games, subscriptions, movies, and books. There are four ranks, from Bronze to Platinum. Earning more Play Points progresses you through the ranks, earning you more rewards and benefits. There’s no cost involved, but there are a few catches:

How to join Google Play Points

You can join Google Play Points if you have a Google account, a valid payment method, a billing address, and live in anapproved country.

To join, open the Play Store app on your phone or visit thePlay Store websiteon your desktop computer.

You don’t need to do anything else to earn Play Points. After you make an app or in-app purchase, a window displays how many Play Points you made off the transaction.

How to earn Google Play Points

Google Play makes it easy to earn points. You receive points every time you buy from the Play Store, including in-app purchases and subscriptions. Subscriptions earn monthly points, allowing you to level up quickly if they remain active.

The number of points earned depends on how much you spent and your Play Point level. To calculate potential earnings, multiply the item’s pre-tax price by your level’s base earning rate. Earn rates start at one point per $1 spent at the Bronze level and increase to 1.4 points per $1 spent at the Platinum level. To earn the most points possible, level up your Play Point Tier. After you reach each tier, you are guaranteed those benefits until the end of the following year.

Bronze Tier (0 to 149 points)

Silver Tier (150 to 599 points)

Gold Tier (600 to 2,999 points)

Platinum Tier (3,000+ points)

Promotions and weekly rewards boost earnings

You can boost your earning potential by following promotions and collecting your weekly reward bonus. The promotions do not stack, but they’re an easy way to boost your earnings. Keep these essential tips about promotions in mind:

Weekly rewards need to be manually claimed through these steps:

How to use Google Play Points

Using your Play Points is where the fun begins. You can receive discounts on games, redeem for Google Play credit, or donate to charities. The points have an initial expiration date of one year after earning, but that date is only effective if you stop spending. The credits apply to your account immediately after making a purchase and are removed immediately afterrequesting a refund from the Play Store.

Use your Play Points to unlock free gifts

Google Play Points might not be the path to significant savings, but the minimal effort required to participate means there’s no reason not to sign up. But if you want to keep those points coming in, a Google One subscription will earn you Play Pointsalongside its excellent benefits.

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This article is sponsored by Total Wireless.

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