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Microsoft’s Bing Cashback Is No More. Two years after launch they are shutting it down by end of July 2010. After that, the program will be shut down, although Cashback users will have a full year to redeem their rewards.

Cashback first launched in May 2008 as Live Search CashBack. The program was simple: search for deals using Microsoft’s search engine. Buy products from search results with the coin icon and you received a bit of cash back from your purchase. It gained some traction after it launched, enough that Microsoft brought the program to Bing.

The idea of Cashback was classic, it gained some attantion at the begining but later it was lost amoung lots other deal. Still some people used it for buying regular stuff like from eBay then get Cashback. But now Microsoft is shutting down Cashback. They explained in their blog this way –

As part of this “test-and-learn” mentality, we will be retiring the Bing cashback feature, which means that the last day you can earn cashback will be July 30, 2010.

They also explained it a bit here –

So we are taking all the learning from the effort and putting it into some new programs for you and our advertisers designed to provide amazing shopping experiences for consumers and great opportunities for advertisers.

Our strategy for Bing remains consistent – working hard to understand the intent of your search and helping you make smarter decisions and complete important tasks.

About shutting down they informed user this –

So what does this mean for Bing cashback users? Well, until July 30th at 9:00 pm PST, it’s business as usual, with cashback offers still living within Bing. After that, Bing cashback will discontinue, though you will have a year to redeem any cashback you have earned through your cashback account consistent with the cashback Terms and Conditions. In addition, Microsoft will provide 12 months of customer support to ensure a smooth transition.

Source: Mashable