Getting free money while you shop online seems too good to be true. But with Rakuten, you can get cashback on many online and in-store purchases you make. Keep reading to see how it works.
If you’re part of the few, who have no idea as to how you can earn money while shopping online, then you should meet Rakuten (Ebates) to get the most out of your shopping.
In case you aren’t sure what Rakuten is and how it works, let's clear that up real quick.
While shopping online like you normally would, cashbacks app such as Rakuten will notify you about discount codes, cashback offers, and vouchers if you’re shopping with any of their partnered stores. All you have to do is click the offer to save some money on your purchase or earn some money back.
Sounds like a piece of cake? Now, let's jump into the full review of how Rakuten works.
What is Rakuten?
Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, is one of the most-commonly used cashback apps/extensions that can help you save a little money when you shop online.
It works as a mobile app or a browser extension.
From Ebates to Rakuten
For a little trivia, venture capital firm, Foundation Capital, founded the original Ebates in 1999, and the site now has more than 10 million users. Since it's inception, it has paid out more than $1 billion in cashback rewards.
It was known as Ebates for many years. However, after Rakuten acquired Ebates in 2014, it decided to change its name last spring of 2019.
Additionally, Rakuten was then a Japanese internet marketing company, and the Japanese word “Rakuten” means “optimism.”
So does Rakuten live up its name? Let’s find out.
How does Rakuten work?
To begin with, you have to sign up through the app or their website. You can also install the browser extension on any browser.
After that, use the Rakuten app and shop within it to claim your cashback for every eligible purchase.
Or, better yet, activate the browser extension and remove any pop-up ad blocker to make it work. So, every time you shop online, Rakuten will notify you of the best deals available for the stores you shop at.
Lastly, shop like you always do and then wait for a few days to get the cashback to appear on your Rakuten dashboard.
In addition, Rakuten also provides a list of which stores have impressive deals for customers, such as free shipping, buy one get one free, or gifts with purchase.
Join now and get a $10 sign-up bonus.
Features
Aside from pure cashback deals, Rakuten offers its users a wide array of unique ways to help consumers save money on things they’re already buying.
In-store cashback
Not only does Rakuten allow you to earn cash back for purchases made online, but also, you can earn in-store cashback when you shop in person.
You have to link your credit or debit card and use that card when you pay for your purchase at the store.
How does in-store cashback in Rakuten work?
First, when you’re into the app or within the site, you can browse for in-store cashback offers, or if it's already being displayed by Rakuten, click “Link Offer.” Next, enter your credit or debit card information, or link the offer to an existing card in your account. You can also add as many cards as you like.
Then, pay with your linked card in the store to earn cashback. Note that you should select “Credit” even if you are using a debit card when paying and do not enter your PIN. It is the only way Rakuten can track your cashback.
Just like online cashback, In-Store Cash Back must be confirmed by the store. It could take a few hours or days, and once the store confirms your purchase, you’ll see the cashback in your account, or Rakuten will send an email to you.
Double cashback stores
More than 2,500 biggest stores and specialty boutiques are Rakuten’s affiliated stores. Therefore, earning double cashback from these select stores is a sweet deal.
Hot deals
This Rakuten features displays coupon, promo codes, and featured daily deals, which include:
- Buy online, pick up in-store – this is practical if you want to buy the item first and pick it up in less than an hour instead of waiting in line.
- Gifts – Rakuten displays stores which offer free gifts
- Free shipping – In the free shipping feature, Rakuten will let you know how to avail of this feature for select sites.
- Gift cards – Rakuten also lets you buy gift cards from their partnered store and get cash back from them.
- Buy one, Get one free – This feature lets you know which popular stores offer BOGO deals through Rakuten.
Travel and Vacations
Cashback deals would not be complete without getting some from your travels and hotel stays. Like many other cashback sites, Rakuten also has this feature of getting you the cashback from your travel-related purchases and offering discounts from booking with their affiliated travel and hotel website.
You can get cashback and discounts on flights, hotels, rental cars, and more by booking through Rakuten! Some of their partner travel sites are Expedia and Travelocity.
Rakuten Cash-Back Visa card
Did you know that Rakuten has its own credit card product? The Rakuten Cash-Back Visa® Card is the official credit card for Rakuten.
Furthermore, use your Rakuten Cash Back Visa Card when shopping at Rakuten and earn an extra 3% Cash Back on qualifying purchases. Moreover, you earn 1% Cash Back on non-qualifying Rakuten purchases and purchases made everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. According to Rakuten, its Cash Back Visa Credit Card has no annual fee and zero fraud liability.
Rakuten will send rewards via Paypal or mail, and you also get unlimited cash backs. Further, the credit card is available on Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Referral Program
The refer-a-friend feature of Rakuten will let you earn additional cash. Likewise, you have to share the referral link via chat or text or email, and once a friend or anyone who signs up through your referral link will get $10 while you get $25 in return. In other words, free money!
Rakuten
Earn cash back on purchases, get access to discounts, vouchers, and the best price deals with Rakuten. Join over 1 billion users today.
Alternatives to Rakuten
Of course, Rakuten is not the only cashback website online. Certainly, there are several others, and some have even built strong reputations within the industry. Each has its unique features that you can explore. You can also use them in sync with Rakuten for more cash and savings!
| Rakuten | Honey (read the full review) | Wikibuy (read the full review) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | FREE | FREE | FREE |
| Formats | App, browser extension | Browser extension, App | App, browser extension |
| Main Feature | Cashback, Coupon, Discount codes | Coupon, Discount codes | Coupon, Discount codes |
| Partnered Stores | 2,500+ | 300+ | Thousands |
Pros and Cons
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Easy to use | Quarterly payouts |
| Legit cashback | Initially, you have to spend money to save, |
| A wide variety of merchants | May trigger impulse buying |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the catch with Rakuten?
Technically, there isn't any. However, the thought that you have to spend some money first to save can put one off a little. While most cashback apps are generally like that, keep in mind that your goal is to save money on necessary things and not spend on frivolous purchases just to get cashback.
Is Rakuten free?
Signing up in Rakuten is FREE. Moreover, you get a $10 bonus upon signing up. Likewise, the more you refer your friends, the more cash you'll get.
Who is Rakuten for?
Rakuten and other cashback apps will be of more use to those who frequently shop online. So, if you’re not one of them then this might be more of a cost to you than a gain. Most importantly, Rakuten passes part of its commission on your sale back to you in the form of a cashback reward.
How does Rakuten work in terms of payment?
You should know that cashback payments in Rakuten are paid every three months. As a result, once you reach the $5 minimum threshold you can get your earnings. However, if your approved cashback is $5 or less, it will carry over to the following period. Therefore, to be included in your next payment, cashback must be approved by the store you purchased from.
Meanwhile, here is Rakuten's schedule of payment.
| PURCHASES POSTED BETWEEN | |
|---|---|
| Jan 1 – Mar 31 | Big Fat Check will be sent May 15 |
| Apr 1 – June 30 | Big Fat Check will be sent Aug 15 |
| July 1 – Sept 30 | Big Fat Check will be sent Nov 15 |
| Oct 1 – Dec 31 | Big Fat Check will be sent Feb 15 |
Is Rakuten a good idea?
Yes, it is! Rakuten is a smart way of saving money on top of what you’re already spending on online shopping and in-store purchases. Most importantly, you can redeem your cash via Paypal or check without paying any fees.
How does Rakuten work in-store?
It’s as simple as a click of the thumb. You have to link your card to Rakuten and shop like normal. However, make sure to click the “activate cashback” button and shop within the Rakuten website because some stores track your purchases for you to be eligible for cashback, and it may take a while. As a result, you may have to wait for a few days before claiming your cash rewards.
How does Rakuten work with Amazon?
Amazon is the leading retailer already affiliated with Rakuten. For instance, you have to shop on Amazon through Rakuten's website to get cashback on Amazon purchases.
Is Rakuten a ripoff?
Most people are skeptical about using Rakuten. But, the truth is, Rakuten is 100% legit. It is not a scam as Rakuten’s partner stores give Rakuten a commission when they make a sale. Similarly, most users have also getting their big fat checks from Rakuten for over a year now.
What is the downside to Rakuten?
Rakuten is an app where the more you spend money, the more you get cashback rewards, gift cards, and so on. But you’re still spending money. For instance, you might spend a little bit more than you initially intended to; some deals might attract you and give you the false feeling of having a good deal. You might also find yourself purchasing things irrelevant to you just because you think the huge cashback is worth it.
Additionally, you might lose your cool when waiting for your cashback to materialize. In other words, since Rakuten gives payout every three months, you have to wait to cash out your checks. To clarify, it is not because Rakuten is slow when it comes to their reward system. It all lies in their affiliated stores as some stores take a while in paying Rakuten’s commission, so you need to wait and accumulate your earnings.
Final thoughts
Apparently, there are so many ways to save more money and legitimately earn a little bit more. Now that shopping lets you do just that, in doing so, it’s so easy now to get better at your finances. That is to say, if you’re on a strict shopping budget, cashback apps might be of great help!
However, you should bear in mind that these cashback apps do not and will not supplement your income. At best, it is just a little way to earn cash every once in a while.
As a result, you can have peace of mind and shop ‘till you drop'! Above all, yes, Rakuten does work to save you money. But also, learn how to control yourself when shopping so you don't go overboard.
I hope this Rakuten review has helped you and if you have used it, share your experience with the app with us.
On the other hand, if you plan to include Rakuten to get good deals, let us know your thoughts!
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