Welcome to my savvy shopper’s guide to using Rakuten for earning cash back! If you’re like me, you love snagging a great deal, especially when it comes to online shopping.

A few years ago, a friend introduced me to Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, and I admit I was a bit skeptical.

How could a website give you money back just for shopping? It sounded too good to be true, but curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to give it a try.

What is Rakuten?

Rakuten is a cash-back and shopping rewards company originally launched in 1998 under the name Ebates. Over the years, it has grown into one of the largest affiliate marketing networks in the world, connecting millions of shoppers like you and me with top retailers and offering rewards for purchases made through the Rakuten platform.

How Does Rakuten Work?

The concept behind Rakuten is simple yet powerful. When you shop at one of the thousands of partner stores through Rakuten’s links, Rakuten earns a commission from the retailer for directing a sale their way.

Instead of keeping all this commission, Rakuten shares it with you in the form of cash back. It’s a win-win: stores get more customers, Rakuten gets its commission, and you get cash back on your purchases.

The Breadth of Rakuten’s Network

Rakuten partners with a vast array of online retailers across different categories—from well-known fashion brands and department stores to specialty shops and travel websites.

Whether you’re buying everyday essentials, updating your wardrobe, or booking a vacation, you can likely find a Rakuten deal that applies.

Some of the most popular partners include Walmart, Target, eBay, and Macy’s, but the list is expansive and ever-growing.

Personal Insight

When I first started using Rakuten, I was amazed at how many of the stores I regularly shopped at were already part of Rakuten’s network. It was incredibly satisfying to see the cash back accumulate from purchases I would have made anyway.

Over time, I’ve even shifted some of my shopping habits to ensure I maximize the benefits Rakuten offers.

Setting Up Your Rakuten Account

Getting started with Rakuten is straightforward, and within just a few minutes, you can be on your way to earning cash back on your online purchases. Here’s how I set up my account and some tips to get you started on the right foot.

Step 1: Visit Rakuten’s Website

Begin by navigating to Rakuten’s website. The homepage is user-friendly and designed to guide you smoothly through the sign-up process. Right at the top, you’ll see a prominent button that invites you to join. It’s hard to miss!

Step 2: Sign-Up Process

Click on the ‘Join Now’ button, and a sign-up form will appear. Here, you can choose to register using your email address or by connecting through your Google or Facebook account for quicker setup.

I personally prefer using my email to keep my social media accounts separate, but the choice is yours!

• Enter Your Email and Create a Password: If you choose to use your email, make sure it’s one you check regularly. This will be important for receiving notifications about cash back and special promotions.
• Referral Code (if applicable): If a friend referred you to Rakuten, this is the time to enter their referral code. Doing so can often land both you and your friend a bonus, which varies from $10 to $40 depending on the current promotions.

Step 3: Account Verification

Once you’ve filled out the form and submitted it, you might need to verify your email address. Rakuten will send a confirmation email with a link to activate your account.

Clicking this link verifies your account and sometimes unlocks a welcome bonus, which can be used towards your first cash-back purchase.

Step 4: Setting Up Your Payment Information

Rakuten makes receiving your cash back easy by offering payment through check or PayPal. You don’t have to set this up immediately, but I recommend doing so early on so that there’s no delay when it comes time to receive your earned cash back.

You’ll find these settings under the ‘Account Settings’ section once you’re logged in.

Personal Tip

When I first signed up, I also took the opportunity to install the Rakuten browser extension. This tool has been a lifesaver because it automatically alerts me to potential cash back and activates offers while I’m shopping online, ensuring I never miss out on cash back by forgetting to go through the Rakuten site.

How to Earn Cash Back with Rakuten

Once you’ve set up your Rakuten account, earning cash back on your online purchases is easy and rewarding. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to ensure you always get the most out of your shopping.

Activating Cash Back

The first step to earning cash back is to make sure you activate it before you shop. Rakuten offers several ways to do this, and here’s how I ensure I never miss a cash-back opportunity:

• Through the Rakuten Website: Before shopping, I log into my Rakuten account and search for the store I want to shop at. Rakuten lists any available cash-back offers, and by clicking on the store link directly from Rakuten’s site, the cash back is automatically activated. It’s crucial to complete your purchase during this session to ensure the cash back is tracked.
• Using the Rakuten Browser Extension: This is perhaps the easiest and my favorite method. Once installed, the Rakuten extension sits discreetly in your browser and alerts you if the website you’re visiting offers cash back. With just one click, you can activate the cash back right from the extension without needing to go through the Rakuten website first. The extension also shows available coupon codes, which can be applied to your purchase for additional savings.

Shopping Through the App

For those who prefer shopping on their mobile device, the Rakuten app makes earning cash back just as simple. Here’s how I use it:

• Download the Rakuten App: Available for both Android and iOS, the Rakuten app allows you to shop and earn cash back directly from your smartphone or tablet.
• Browse and Shop: Just like on the website, you can browse through the list of partner stores or search for a specific retailer within the app. Once you find your store, click through to activate cash back and then proceed to shop as usual.

Personal Tips for Ensuring Cash Back

• Clearing Cookies: Before I start shopping, I often clear my browser cookies or use an incognito window. This step helps ensure that Rakuten can track my purchases accurately, as existing cookies from other sites can sometimes interfere with the tracking.
• Check Email Promotions: Rakuten frequently sends out emails with special double cash-back offers or increased cash-back rates for specific stores. I make it a point to check these promotions, especially during major shopping seasons like Black Friday or Cyber Monday, to maximize my earnings.
• Consolidate Purchases: Whenever possible, I try to consolidate my purchases into fewer, larger transactions. Many stores offer cash back based on the number of transactions, and larger orders can sometimes trigger higher cash-back percentages or meet free shipping thresholds, saving additional money.

Maximizing Your Cash Back

Earning cash back with Rakuten is straightforward, but making the most out of each transaction requires a bit of strategy. Here are some ways I’ve learned to maximize the cash back I earn, ensuring every purchase works harder for me.

Using the Rakuten Cash Back Button

The Rakuten browser extension, commonly referred to as the Cash Back Button, is a tool I cannot recommend enough. Here’s why it’s been a game changer for me:

• Automatic Notification: The extension notifies me of cash back opportunities in real-time as I browse different sites. This automatic feature means I don’t have to remember to check Rakuten first, which is a huge convenience.
• One-Click Activation: With one click, I can activate cash back directly from the store page without having to go back to Rakuten’s website. This seamless integration has saved me time and ensured I always get the cash back I’m entitled to.

Combining Deals and Coupons

Rakuten is great not just for cash back but also for finding additional savings through deals and coupons. Here’s how I make sure to double dip on savings:

• Apply Rakuten’s Coupons: The Rakuten browser extension also automatically applies available coupon codes at checkout, which can be stacked with cash back for double the savings. I always make sure to enable this feature.
• Shop During Special Promotions: Rakuten often offers double cash back or special promotions around holidays and events like Black Friday. Shopping during these times can significantly increase the cash back percentages. I keep an eye on my emails from Rakuten for alerts about these promotions.

Refer-a-Friend Program

Rakuten’s Refer-a-Friend program is an excellent way to earn extra cash. For every friend who signs up using my referral link and makes qualifying purchases, both the friend and I receive a bonus. Here’s how I approach it:

• Share Personal Experience: I share my genuine experiences and benefits I’ve received using Rakuten on social media and directly with friends and family. Personal testimonials can be very convincing!
• Highlight the Win-Win: I make sure to emphasize that signing up via a referral gives them access to a bonus, which is a great incentive for first-time users.

Plan Major Purchases

I plan major purchases around Rakuten’s higher cash-back rates whenever possible.

Whether it’s electronics, home appliances, or holiday gifts, aligning big-ticket buys with increased cash back opportunities has led to substantial savings.

Personal Insight

One memorable experience involved buying a new laptop during a “Tech Week” promotion. I combined a special coupon found on Rakuten with a triple cash back offer and saved over $200 on a model that was already on sale.

It was incredibly satisfying to get such a great deal and reinforced my commitment to using Rakuten for major purchases.

Cashing Out

Receiving the cash back you’ve earned through Rakuten is an exciting moment. Here’s how the process works and some tips to ensure you get your money smoothly and efficiently.

How Rakuten Pays Out

Rakuten pays out the cash back earned during one of their several “Big Fat Check” periods throughout the year. Payments are issued quarterly, and here’s the schedule you can expect:

• February 15 for purchases posted between October 1 and December 31
• May 15 for purchases posted between January 1 and March 31
• August 15 for purchases posted between April 1 and June 30
• November 15 for purchases posted between July 1 and September 30

To receive a payment, you need to have earned at least $5.01 in cash back; otherwise, your balance will carry over to the next check period.

Payment Methods

Rakuten offers two primary ways to receive your cash back:

• Check: A check mailed to your address is the default option. This is straightforward—just make sure your address is up-to-date in your account settings.
• PayPal: For a quicker and more secure way to receive your money, you can choose to have your cash back deposited directly into your PayPal account. This is my preferred method as it’s fast and allows me to use my cash back for more online purchases or easily transfer it to my bank account.

Setting Up Your Payment Details

To avoid any delays in receiving your cash back, it’s important to set up your payment details as soon as you sign up. Here’s how:

• Navigate to the ‘Account Settings’ section of your Rakuten account.
• Select ‘Payment Settings’ and choose your preferred method.
• For PayPal, link your PayPal account by entering your PayPal email address.
• For checks, confirm or update your mailing address.

Personal Experience with Cashing Out

The first time I received my Rakuten “Big Fat Check,” it was a delightful surprise. I had accumulated just over $50 from my holiday shopping, which came just in time to treat myself to a nice dinner.

The process was hassle-free, and the check arrived right on schedule. Since switching to PayPal, I’ve found the process even more seamless. Payments are usually available within a day or two of being issued, which is incredibly convenient.

Certainly! Here’s an expanded section on “Tips and Tricks for Using Rakuten,” filled with helpful advice and personal insights to ensure readers get the most out of their Rakuten experience:

Tips and Tricks for Using Rakuten

Over the years, I’ve picked up several strategies that have helped me maximize my cash back earnings with Rakuten. Here are some of my top tips and tricks that can make your shopping experience even more rewarding.

1. Stay Informed About Special Promotions

Rakuten frequently runs special promotions that can significantly increase your cash back percentages. These include Double Cash Back events, increased rates during holidays, and even random promotions on specific categories or stores.

• Personal Tip: I subscribe to Rakuten’s newsletter and follow them on social media to stay updated on these deals. It’s how I ensure I never miss out on increased cash back opportunities, especially during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, where the rates can be exceptionally high.

2. Use the Mobile App for On-the-Go Purchases

The Rakuten mobile app is not just convenient for shopping on the move; it sometimes offers exclusive cash back rates that are higher than those on the website.

• Insight from Experience: I’ve found that some travel bookings and fashion purchases have higher cash back percentages when I shop through the app. It’s always worth checking both the app and the website to see where the best deal is.

3. Combine Cash Back with Other Discounts

One of the best ways to maximize savings is to combine Rakuten cash back with other discounts, sales, or coupon codes.

• How I Do It: Before I finalize any purchase, I always check for additional promo codes or coupons. Rakuten’s browser extension is particularly useful here, as it automatically applies the best available coupon codes at checkout.

4. Keep an Eye on Your Cash Back Tracking

To ensure that you always receive your cash back, it’s important to keep track of your Rakuten account activity. Sometimes, tracking issues can occur, especially during high-traffic periods like major sales.

• Practical Advice: After making a purchase, I always check my Rakuten account to confirm that the cash back has been logged. If it hasn’t, Rakuten’s customer service is excellent at resolving these issues, especially if you provide your order confirmation as proof of purchase.

5. Plan Your Purchases

Planning your purchases can help you take advantage of the best cash back offers available. This is particularly beneficial for larger, more expensive items.

• Personal Strategy: I keep a wishlist of items I need or want and wait to buy them when I can maximize my cash back through Rakuten. This has saved me a significant amount on electronics and appliances over the years.

6. Refer Friends

The Rakuten Refer-a-Friend program is an easy way to earn extra cash. Each successful referral can add a substantial bonus to your cash back earnings.

• Successful Referrals: Sharing my success stories and how much I’ve saved with Rakuten has encouraged my friends and family to sign up under my referral. It’s a win-win, as they get a sign-up bonus, and I get a referral reward.

Conclusion

Using Rakuten has not only simplified my online shopping experience but also made it more rewarding. From activating cash back with a simple click to receiving quarterly payments, every step is user-friendly and designed with the shopper in mind.

By sharing my personal strategies and insights, I hope to help you navigate Rakuten effectively, ensuring you maximize your savings with minimal effort.

Whether you’re buying everyday items or making significant purchases, Rakuten offers a smart way to get more from your online shopping. Give it a try and start seeing the benefits in your own shopping routine!

For those interested in expanding their earnings beyond cash back, check out our ClickBank review where we explore additional opportunities to make money online.

Dive in to discover how you can enhance your income through affiliate marketing with ClickBank!