Google Play Points is Google’s free rewards program for the Play Store. You earn points when you buy apps, games, in-app items, movies, books, and subscriptions through Google Play, then trade those points for Play credit, in-game items, or discounts. Joining takes less than a minute. This guide shows how to sign up, every way to earn points, how the levels work, and how to spend what you’ve earned.
Quick answer
Open the Google Play Store app, tap your profile picture, choose Play Points, and tap Join. After that, eligible purchases on Google Play earn points automatically. In the U.S., you start at about 1 point for every dollar you spend.
Who can join
- You need to live in a country where Play Points is offered, such as the United States.
- Your Google account can’t be managed by a school, work, or Family Link parent account.
- You need a payment method added to your Google Play account.
Joining is free, and there’s no monthly fee.
How to join Google Play Points
On an Android phone or tablet
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Tap Play Points.
- Tap Join and follow the prompts.
On a computer
- Go to the Google Play website and sign in.
- Select Play Points from the menu.
- Click Join.
New members are often offered a welcome bonus, such as extra points on their first purchases during the first week. Check the Play Points page after joining to see current offers.
Ways to earn points
- Buy apps and games. Paid apps and games earn points based on the price.
- In-app and in-game purchases. Buying coins, gems, or upgrades through Google Play billing earns points, which is where many members earn the most.
- Subscriptions. App subscriptions billed through Google Play earn points with each payment.
- Movies, TV, and books. Rentals and purchases on Google Play count.
- Weekly prizes and promotions. Check the Play Points page regularly for weekly prizes, double or triple point events, and point boosters for specific games.
- Free downloads during promotions. Google sometimes offers points for installing or trying featured apps.
If you add Play credit with gift cards, you can manage that money alongside your points. See how to use Google Play balance.
Check your points balance and history
Open the Play Store, tap your profile picture, and choose Play Points. The top of the page shows your current points, your level, and how many more points you need to reach the next level. Tap the Info or history section to see which purchases earned points and when points were used. If a purchase doesn’t show up right away, give it a little time, since points can take a short while to post.
How Play Points levels work
Your level is based on how many points you earn in a calendar year. Members start at Bronze and can move up to higher levels such as Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Higher levels earn more points per dollar and unlock better perks, like bigger weekly prizes and special discounts. Google lists the exact thresholds and earning rates for your country on the Play Points page, and they can change, so check there for current numbers.
How to use your points
- Open the Play Store, tap your profile picture, and choose Play Points.
- Go to the Use tab.
- Pick a reward: Google Play credit, an in-game item, or a coupon.
- Tap the reward and confirm.
In some countries, you can also apply points at checkout to lower the price of an app or item. Google Play credit is added to your balance and works for most purchases on Google Play. For more ways to save, see how to use Google Play coupons.
Tips to get the most points
- Join before making a big purchase, such as a yearly subscription.
- Save in-app purchases for double or triple point events.
- Claim weekly prizes, which only take a tap.
- Spend points before they expire. Points can expire if your account has no Play Points activity for a long period, so check the expiration info in the app.
Things to know
Purchases made outside Google Play, such as subscriptions bought on a website, don’t earn Play Points. Refunded purchases may have their points removed. Points can’t be transferred to another account or exchanged for cash.
Related: How to transfer Google Play balance to Google Pay.
Frequently asked questions
Is Google Play Points free?
Yes. Joining and staying a member costs nothing.
Can I get Play Points without spending money?
A few. Weekly prizes and occasional promotions give free points, but most points come from purchases.
Why don’t I see Play Points in my account?
The program may not be available in your country, or your account may be a child, school, or work account. Updating the Play Store app can also help.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.