What is Rakuten?

Rakuten is a cash back website that gives you a rebate for purchases you are already making. Rakuten has over 3,000 stores listed on their website that includes categories for clothing, travel, gifts, toys, tech, beauty, food, and the home.

How Does It Work?

Rakuten earns a commission by driving customers to retailers’ websites and they give you a portion of their commission.

How Do I Sign Up?

Using my link here will direct you to the website to create an account.  By using my link, you will earn a signing bonus of $50.  You will need to enter your email and password to join and continue to follow the prompts to create an account.  

How Do I Get the Cash Back Rebate?

After you have signed up and created an account, go to the Rakuten website.  In the search bar find the retailer you want to shop.  For example, if you want to shop at Hobby Lobby, you will type Hobby Lobby in the search bar and then click “Shop Now” and then “Continue”.  Once on the retailer’s website, you can make purchases like normal. After you have made a purchase, Rakuten will add the cash back to your account.

When Do I Receive My Cash Back Payment?

The time it takes to receive your cashback in your account can vary.  For example, if you have used cash back for travel, you will receive your cash back after your booking has been completed. Rakuten will always send you an email or a text notification when the cash back is processed and in your account. 

Rakuten will send you your first payment as soon as 15 days after your first purchase.  After that, they will pay you every February, May, August, and November.  You will need to have at least $5.01 in your account to receive payment. If you do not, then your earnings will roll over to the next pay period.

How Will I Receive My Cash Back?

There are five ways to receive your cash back payments: check (aka, Big Fat Check), PayPal, American Express Membership Reward points, Bilt, and by gift card.  Personally, the easiest is by check because then I can easily deposit it in my banking account.  Most banks have an app where you can deposit checks by a mobile app instead of walking into a bank.  If you want the quickest, you can just apply your earnings to a gift card that you will receive within 48 hours.  In order to use the gift card, you need at least $5 cash back in your account.

What Are The Ways To Use Rakuten?

1.      Rakuten Website - Online

2.      Rakuten Mobile App

3.      Rakuten Browser Extension

4.      Selected In-Store

5.      Selected Restaurants in San Franciso, CA

If you want to earn cash through dining or in-store you will need to add the cashback offer before payment, add a credit card to your account, and use that credit card at the time of purchase.

Does This Work With In-Store Pick-Up?

As long as the retailer you are using is on Rakuten, then yes.  Since you are still making a purchase online, you will still get the cash back.

How Much Cash Back Will I Be Earning?

This will vary and can change daily.  Typically, the rebates tend to be higher on the weekends and during holiday peaks such as Black Friday, Christmas, Prime Day, etc. Make sure you are signed up for emails to hear about these special cash back opportunities.

Can I use coupon codes will Rakuten?

Absolutely!  Rakuten will also supply coupon codes for you to use that are for each retailer.  However, if you use a coupon code that is not provided by Rakuten, but you got it from somewhere else, Rakuten may deny you cash back.  I have been using Rakuten for years and this has never been the case for me.  I believe this is a rare occasion.

What are the Exclusions?

• Using a gift card for your purchases

• Buying gift cards – except if the website only sells gift cards (i.e., giftcards.com)

• Sometimes using a coupon code that is not provided by Rakuten

• Returning items

• Canceling an order

• Certain categories of items are excluded.  Before shopping at a retailer, Rakuten will show you the terms and conditions before redirecting you to the retailer’s website.

Is There A Limit To How Much Cash Back I Can Earn?

Nope!  Continue to earn as much cash back each time you use Rakuten. I have been using Rakuten for years and I have earned hundreds of dollars!  To earn even more cash back click on my referral link here to earn a special signing up bonus. I do benefit monetarily.  Thank you in advance for using my link.