Google Play Points Explained: How to Earn and Use Them in Games
Learn how Google Play Points work in the US — earning points on purchases, levels and perks, weekly prizes, and the smartest ways to spend points on games.
If you buy games, apps, or in-app purchases on Google Play, you may be earning Google Play Points without knowing it. Play Points is Google’s free rewards program. Used wisely, it can give you free credit or items in your favorite games. Here’s how it works.
What Google Play Points are
Play Points is a free loyalty program available in the US and several other countries. You earn points when you spend money on Google Play, and you can redeem points for Play credit or special in-game items.
To join:
- Open the Play Store.
- Tap your profile picture.
- Tap Play Points and follow the steps to join.
How you earn points
- Purchases: You earn points for every dollar spent on Google Play, including games, apps, in-app purchases, books, movies, and subscriptions.
- Promotions: Some games offer bonus points or multipliers for limited times.
- Weekly prizes or perks: Depending on your level, you may get weekly rewards.
The earning rate increases as you reach higher levels.
Play Points levels
Play Points has tiers, such as Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. You move up by earning points within a year. Higher levels usually include:
- More points per dollar spent
- Bigger weekly prizes or perks
- Special offers and support perks at the top levels
Levels and perks change over time, so check the Play Points page in the Play Store for current details.
Tip: Never spend extra money just to reach the next level. The rewards are a bonus, not a reason to buy more.
How to use your points
Convert points to Play credit
You can turn points into Google Play credit and use it on anything in the Play Store. This is the most flexible option.
Redeem for in-game items
Some games offer exclusive items you can redeem with points, like currency packs, skins, or boosters. Sometimes these offer better value than converting to credit. Compare the value before redeeming.
Use points on a purchase
When buying something in a supported game, you might see an option to use your points directly.
Do points expire?
Points can expire if you don’t earn or use any for a long period, and level status resets each year based on activity. Check your Play Points page for any expiration notices.
Getting the most value
- Check weekly prizes if your level offers them.
- Watch for point multipliers on games you already planned to buy.
- Compare item value with Play credit before redeeming in-game items.
- Combine with sales for extra savings.
Play Points and budgets
Points are a nice bonus, but they can also encourage spending. Keep your normal budget, and don’t let “I’ll get points” justify purchases you wouldn’t otherwise make. Setting a monthly Google Play budget can help; see our guide on setting a gaming budget.
Quick summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does it cost money? | No, joining is free |
| How do I earn? | Purchases, promotions, weekly rewards |
| What can I get? | Play credit, in-game items, perks |
| Do levels reset? | Levels are based on yearly activity |
| Where do I find it? | Play Store → profile → Play Points |
If you already spend on Google Play, joining Play Points is an easy way to get a little back. Just treat it as a reward for spending you already planned — not a reason to spend more.
Frequently asked questions
Is Google Play Points free to join?
Yes. Joining is free, and you start earning points on eligible purchases right away.
Can I use Play Points on any game?
You can convert points to Play credit for most purchases. Special in-game items are only available in participating games.
Do free downloads earn Play Points?
Generally no. Points are earned on purchases and through promotions or weekly rewards.
Spotted something out of date? Apps change fast. Let us know and we’ll review the guide.
