Saving while you shop is easier than ever. When you earn cashback on every purchase with Rakuten, you turn regular shopping into real rewards.
Rakuten partners with thousands of trusted stores, giving you cash back every time you buy through their site or app. This guide explains how it works, how to sign up, and how to get paid quickly.
What Is Rakuten and How It Works?
Rakuten is an online cashback and rewards platform that helps shoppers save money. It connects over 3,500 stores and pays you a percentage of your purchases.
You simply shop through Rakuten’s links, and the platform gives you part of the commission it earns from retailers. It’s a simple and transparent system that rewards consistent shoppers.
The Basic Mechanism
When you visit a store via Rakuten, the platform tracks your purchase. The retailer then pays Rakuten a small commission for referring you.
It shares that commission by crediting your account with cashback. You can withdraw your earnings through PayPal, check, or other available options.
Why Rakuten Is Worth Using?
Using Rakuten doesn’t change your normal shopping experience. It just gives you money back for buying what you already need.
The process is quick, free, and accessible through desktop, mobile, or browser extension. Millions of users trust it because Rakuten has already paid out over $4.6 billion in cashback.
Stores You Can Shop At
It works with a wide variety of brands and categories. From clothing to electronics, you’ll find many stores offering generous cashback rates.
- Nike – 18% cashback
- Macy’s – 18% cashback
- Best Buy – up to 15% cashback
- Sephora – 12% cashback
- TEMU – 16% cashback
- Ulta Beauty – 12% cashback
- CVS – 15% cashback
- Chewy – 16% cashback
These “Boosted” cashback rates often change during holidays, so it’s worth checking Rakuten’s homepage for updates.
How to Start Earning Cashback?
Getting started with Rakuten is simple and free. The entire process takes just a few minutes and doesn’t require special qualifications. Once your account is ready, you can start earning cashback from your first purchase.
The Application Process
Here’s a quick guide to help you get started smoothly:
- Go to Rakuten or install the app. Create a free account using your email or social media login.
- Install the browser extension. It alerts you when a site offers cashback and automatically activates it at checkout.
- Shop at partner stores. Search for your favorite retailer and make your purchase through Rakuten’s link.
- Track your cashback. It appears as “Pending” within 24–48 hours and is confirmed after the store’s return period.
- Redeem your balance. You can withdraw funds quarterly via PayPal, check, or gift card.
This simple flow ensures your cashback is properly tracked and paid.
Boosted Offers and Extra Savings
Rakuten occasionally provides boosted cashback opportunities. These are limited-time increases during sales periods or holidays.
They can double or triple your normal rate, letting you save even more. Always activate your offers before checkout to make sure you qualify.
Stacking Discounts
You can combine Rakuten cashback with coupon codes or store promotions. It’s also possible to use cashback credit cards to multiply your total savings.
Checking Rakuten before any online shopping trip ensures you never miss out on potential rewards.
Payment Schedule and Options
Rakuten makes payments every quarter. The first payment is sent within 15 days after your first qualified purchase.
After that, you’ll receive regular payments as long as your cashback balance is over $5.01.
Available Payment Methods
You can choose from several convenient payment options:
- PayPal: Direct deposit into your linked PayPal account.
- Check by mail: Physical check sent to your address.
- Gift Cards: Choose from select brands and get slightly higher value.
- American Express Membership Rewards Points: Redeem cashback as Amex points.
This flexibility allows you to use your cashback in the way that suits you best.
Referral Program
Rakuten rewards users for sharing the platform with friends. Each time a friend signs up through your referral link and makes their first purchase, you both earn a cash bonus.
The amount varies depending on current promotions, but can reach up to $40 per referral.
Tips for Success
The referral program helps you earn passively by sharing Rakuten with others. Here’s how you can make it work effectively:
- Share your link via email, text, or social media to invite friends.
- Encourage friends to complete their first purchase to unlock your bonus.
- Track your referrals to ensure you receive your rewards.
The more referrals you bring, the more you earn—without spending extra yourself.
In-Store and App Purchases
You can also earn cashback when shopping in physical stores. Rakuten’s app allows you to link your debit or credit card to enable in-store cashback offers.
Simply activate offers in the app before visiting a participating retailer. Your cashback will appear automatically after the purchase is verified.
Mobile Shopping Advantage
Mobile users can enjoy the same cashback benefits as desktop users.
The Rakuten app is available for Android and iOS, making it easy to activate offers wherever you are. Notifications also help you spot boosted deals in real time.
Tracking and Managing Cashback
Rakuten makes it simple to track your earnings. Every transaction appears on your dashboard with a pending or confirmed status.
If something doesn’t appear, you can submit a claim directly through their support page. Keeping your receipts helps ensure accurate tracking and faster resolutions.
Browser Extension Benefits
The browser extension simplifies the process even further. It automatically activates cashback at supported stores and even tests available coupons for you.
This ensures you always get the best deal possible without manual searching.
Customer Service and Contact Information
Rakuten offers quick assistance for cashback or account-related issues. You can contact their team for help with missing rewards, account setup, or policy questions.
Support is available through the website, email, or phone hotline. Visit rakuten, email, or call 1-888-880-8430 for help.
Tips to Maximize Cashback
Using Rakuten effectively depends on consistency. Here are ways to ensure you’re always getting the best return.
- Always check Rakuten before making online purchases.
- Activate offers through the browser extension.
- Link your cards for in-store cashback.
- Refer friends for extra bonuses.
- Combine cashback with discount codes or store promotions.
Following these tips ensures every purchase earns you maximum rewards.
Conclusion: Start Saving with Rakuten Today
Rakuten gives you a simple way to save money on your everyday shopping. By shopping through their website or app, you can easily earn cashback on every purchase with Rakuten.
With thousands of partner stores, frequent boosted offers, and reliable quarterly payouts, it’s one of the best cashback platforms available. Sign up today, activate your offers, and start turning your shopping into extra income.
Disclaimer: Terms, conditions, and rates can change without notice. Always confirm the latest details with Rakuten before signing up or making purchases.
