Have you ever wondered how to make the most out of your online shopping? If you love shopping as much as I do, you'll be thrilled to discover Rakuten—a FREE online platform that offers cash back on most of your online purchases with no hidden fees!
Why Rakuten is a Shopper’s Best Friend
Signing up for Rakuten is completely free. Once you create an account, Rakuten rewards you with a percentage of cash back from your purchases whenever you click through a store’s link on the Rakuten website first. In this blog, I’ll walk you through how to use Rakuten and share six valuable tips to maximize your cash back earnings.
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How Does Rakuten Work? Is Rakuten Free?
Rakuten makes earning cash back straightforward and free! Here’s how you can start:
- Create an Account: Sign up on the Rakuten website using your email and a password. It’s free, with no hidden fees!
- Set Up Your Payment Info: Enter your PayPal account and mailing address in your account settings to ensure you receive your cash back.
- Choose Your Store: Select a participating online store from the Rakuten website and click the retailer’s link. You’ll be redirected to the retailer’s site, and your cash back will be automatically applied to your purchase.
- Shop and Earn: Make your purchase as usual and receive the Rakuten-listed percentage back in cash!
Participating Retailers & Cash Back Amounts
Rakuten partners with over 750 online retailers across various categories like travel, beauty, tech, home, and clothing. While most retailers offer a default cash back percentage, Rakuten frequently increases these rates or provides special coupons and deals to help you save even more.
- Cash Back Range: Earn between 1-15% cash back, depending on the retailer and current promotions. These rates are always changing, so keep an eye on the Rakuten site!
- Special Offers: Some retailers, like Amazon, may advertise “up to” a certain cash back percentage. This means not all products qualify for the maximum rate. Check the “read more” link for detailed information on qualifying categories and exclusions.
Example: I frequently shop at Sephora, which typically offers 2-4% cash back. However, during special promotions, I’ve earned up to 15% cash back on certain purchases. Always check the Rakuten store search for the latest cash back rates.
Pro Tip: Create a favorites list in your Rakuten account to quickly find your preferred retailers and their current cash back rates.
So far, I’ve earned almost $200 in cash back since joining Rakuten, and I’m excited to see more savings during my Christmas shopping!
How Does Rakuten Track Your Shopping?
Understanding how Rakuten tracks your purchases is simple. When you click on a retailer’s link on Rakuten, it uses your browser’s cookies to monitor your shopping activity during that session. Always ensure you’re ready to make a purchase before clicking through Rakuten to maximize your cash back.
Important: Disable any ad blockers while using Rakuten, as they can interfere with tracking and prevent your purchases from being validated.
Enhance Your Shopping with Rakuten’s Browser Extension
It’s easy to forget to go through Rakuten, which means missing out on cash back. Rakuten’s browser extension solves this problem by automatically notifying you when you’re on a partnered retailer’s site. Here’s what the extension offers:
- Automatic Notifications: Reminds you to use Rakuten when you’re shopping online.
- Coupon Codes: Access a repository of valid coupon codes to save even more at checkout.
- Price Comparisons: Alerts you if a retailer offers a lower price with cash back compared to other sites.
Rakuten’s Cash Back Button is available for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari browsers. To install the extension, click here.
Additionally, Rakuten offers a mobile app, allowing you to earn cash back seamlessly while shopping on your smartphone.
When Do You Receive Your Cash Back Payments?
Rakuten disburses cash back payments quarterly on fixed dates: February, May, August, and November. You can choose to receive your earnings via a mailed check, e-deposit to your PayPal account, a family member’s account, or donate to a charity of your choice. Personally, I prefer receiving my cash back through PayPal for convenience.
Note: Payments are only issued once you reach Rakuten’s payment threshold.
6 Rakuten Hacks to Maximize Your Cash Back
Unlock even more savings with these Rakuten tips:
Hack #1: Install the Cash Back Button & Mobile App
Rakuten’s browser extension ensures you never miss out on cash back by automatically notifying you when you visit a partnered retailer’s site. It displays the current cash back percentage and available coupon codes, helping you save effortlessly. The Rakuten mobile app extends this convenience to your smartphone, so you can earn cash back anytime, anywhere.
Hack #2: Utilize the In-Store Cash Back Feature (US Only)
Rakuten’s In-Store Cash Back allows US cardholders to earn cash back on in-store purchases by linking their credit or debit cards to their Rakuten profile. Participating stores include Bed Bath & Beyond, Macy’s, GNC, Gap, Saks Fifth Avenue, the Body Shop, American Eagle, and Petco. Watch this video for a detailed guide on setting up and using in-store cash back.
Hack #3: Save on Travel Bookings Through Rakuten
Don’t just limit Rakuten to shopping—use it to save on travel! Rakuten’s travel page features partnerships with Expedia, Hotwire, Avis, Hertz, Hilton, Marriott, Days Inn, Air France, and Virgin America. Earn cash back on flights, hotels, car rentals, and more when you book your trips through Rakuten.
Hack #4: Buy Gift Cards & Earn Money Back
Purchasing gift cards through Rakuten is a smart way to earn cash back while gifting. Buy gift cards from your favorite retailers on Rakuten’s site and enjoy cash back on the purchase, plus free shipping on many gift cards. It’s a win-win!
Hack #5: Combine Coupon Codes for Extra Savings
Maximize your savings by using Rakuten’s coupon codes alongside cash back. When you shop through Rakuten, browse the retailer’s page for applicable coupons and apply them at checkout. Rakuten automatically adds cash back, while you manually enter the coupon code for additional discounts.
Hack #6: Take Advantage of Hot Deals and Increased Cash Back Offers
Rakuten frequently features retailers offering double or triple cash back for limited times. Additionally, some stores offer higher cash back rates when you shop through their mobile app. Look for the “2x Cash Back” or “3x Cash Back” links on Rakuten’s site to find these lucrative deals and boost your earnings.
Final Thoughts: Start Earning with Rakuten Today!
Rakuten is a powerful tool for turning your everyday online shopping into a steady stream of cash back. By following these tips and staying consistent, you can build up significant savings over time. Remember, Rakuten is not a get-rich-quick scheme—it requires upfront effort and patience, but the rewards are well worth it.
Ready to start earning? Sign up for Rakuten today and begin receiving cash back from thousands of participating retailers!
Don’t forget to sign up using this link to receive your $30 bonus.