Good Money Blog

Even if you won’t plan to shop much this holiday season, you still can potentially save some money (e.g. gift cards) with this offer:

• 20-30% cashback* ($200 cashback reward per transaction and up to 12 qualifying purchases per account)
  • Search with Live Search and jump to eBay
  • Use “Buy It Now” and check out with PayPal
  • Cashback will be available for redemption 60 days after the purchase date
• Additional 10-15% eBay coupon code posted at RetailMeNot.com

To take advantage of this offer, you need:

• A Microsoft Live ID (Hotmail, Live Messenger, Zune, or XBOX Live account)
• A Live Search cashback account (sign up with the Microsoft Live ID)
• eBay and PayPal accounts

Here’s my step-by-step experience:

1) Create a Live Search cashback account

Create a Windows Live ID if you don’t have one. Otherwise, sign in with your Windows Live ID.

2) Go to Live Search and search for an item (like “Rock Band 2″)

In the search result page, look for the gold coin cashback icon and the link “Live Search cashback” that will take you to eBay (www.eBay.com).

3) Find the right “Buy It Now” item that will also accept PayPal

Note: You have 60 minutes to complete this qualifying purchase.

4) On the item page, click “Buy It Now” and review your order details

Enter any eBay coupon code you may have and make sure you still see “Microsoft cashback” with the cashback total.

5) Sign in to Live Search cashback account at eBay

At the checkout page, eBay will prompt for a Live Search cashback account. This will essentially link your eBay purchase to your Live Seach cashback account. Alternatively, you can sign in later after the purchase as eBay will send a message to your inbox in “My eBay”.

6) Check your Live Search cashback account again.

The cashback amount should appear as pending on the summary page. It will be on hold for up to 60 days until you can request for a paper check or a direct transfer to your PayPal/bank account (minimum $5).

Have a great holiday season!

Read eBay Terms for Live Search Cashback Rewards | Live Search Cashback Q&A

* Cashback offer varies over time.