Introduction

Shopping online is a big part of our lives now. We buy clothes, electronics, groceries, and pretty much everything else through the internet. But what if you could get some of your money back every time you shop? That's where Rakuten comes in. Rakuten is a popular service that gives shoppers cashback rewards for buying things from their favorite online stores.

This article will explain everything you need to know about Rakuten. We'll cover what it is, how it works, its main features, and who can use it. We'll also look at the good and bad points, the payment methods, and which countries it works in. Plus, we'll share some tips to help you get the most out of Rakuten and answer some common questions.

What is Rakuten?

Rakuten, previously known as Ebates, is a company that gives shoppers cashback rewards. Think of it as a reward program for your online shopping. When you shop through Rakuten's website or app, you can earn a percentage of your purchase price back as cash.

Rakuten partners with thousands of online stores, from big names like Amazon, Walmart, and Target to smaller, specialized shops. When you click through to a store from Rakuten and make a purchase, the store pays Rakuten a small commission. Rakuten then shares a portion of that commission with you as cashback.

It's a win-win situation: the stores get more sales, Rakuten gets a commission, and you, the shopper, get money back for shopping you were already planning to do.

Main Features

Rakuten offers several features to make online shopping more rewarding and enjoyable:

• Cashback Offers: This is the core feature. You can earn a percentage of your spending back from a wide range of retailers. The cashback rates can vary from store to store and can sometimes be higher during special promotions.
• Promo Codes and Coupons: Besides cashback, Rakuten also lists available promo codes and coupons for many stores. This means you can often stack savings by using a discount code and still earn cashback on the discounted price.
• Referral Program: Rakuten has a referral program where you can earn a bonus for referring friends. When your friend signs up and makes a qualifying purchase, both you and your friend can receive a reward.
• Browser Extension: Rakuten offers a browser extension (for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.) that makes earning cashback even easier. When you visit a participating store's website, the extension will alert you if cashback is available and allow you to activate it with a single click.
• Mobile App: The Rakuten mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices. It allows you to shop, check cashback offers, and manage your account on the go.
• Seasonal Sales and Special Events: Rakuten often has special promotions during holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other shopping events, offering increased cashback rates for a limited time.
• Rakuten Rewards for Travel: You can also earn cashback on travel bookings, including hotels, flights, and rental cars, through Rakuten's travel partners.

How It Works

Using Rakuten is quite straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide on how it works:

1. Sign Up: The first step is to create a free account on the Rakuten website or through their mobile app. You'll need to provide some basic information.
2. Find a Store: Once logged in, you can search for a specific store you want to shop at or browse through the list of available retailers. Each store listing will show the current cashback percentage you can earn.
3. Activate Offers: Before you make a purchase, you need to activate the cashback offer for that store. You can do this by clicking the "Shop Now" button on the Rakuten website or by clicking on the notification from the Rakuten browser extension.
4. Shop as Usual: After activating the offer, you will be redirected to the retailer's website. You can then shop and add items to your cart just like you normally would. It's important to complete your purchase in the same browsing session after clicking through from Rakuten.
5. Earn Cashback: Rakuten tracks your purchase automatically. Once the purchase is confirmed by the retailer (this can take a few days), the cashback amount will appear in your Rakuten account, usually as "pending."
6. Get Paid: After a certain period (typically around 90 days, allowing for returns), your pending cashback will become "earned" and ready for payout. Rakuten sends out payments a few times a year.

Important Note: To ensure your cashback is tracked correctly, it's best to avoid clicking on other promotional links or ads after you've clicked through from Rakuten. Also, make sure your browser cookies are enabled.

Who Can Use It

Rakuten is designed for anyone who shops online and wants to save money. This includes:

• Everyday Shoppers: If you regularly buy items online, from clothing to electronics to home goods, Rakuten can help you get a portion of your money back.
• Bargain Hunters: People who are always looking for deals and discounts will find Rakuten a valuable tool. You can often combine cashback with other sales and coupons.
• Students: Students who shop for textbooks, electronics, or dorm supplies can benefit from earning cashback.
• Families: For families doing their regular shopping for household items, groceries (if available through participating online stores), and gifts, Rakuten can add up to significant savings over time.
• Travelers: Those who book flights, hotels, or rental cars online can also earn cashback through Rakuten's travel partners.

Generally, anyone with an internet connection and a valid payment method can sign up and start using Rakuten. There isn't a specific income or credit score requirement.

Pros

Rakuten offers several advantages for online shoppers:

Pro	Description
Easy to Use	The website and app are user-friendly, making it simple to find stores and activate offers. The browser extension further simplifies the process.
Wide Range of Stores	Rakuten partners with thousands of popular retailers, covering almost every shopping category imaginable.
Stackable Savings	You can often combine Rakuten cashback with other discounts, coupons, and sales, leading to significant savings.
Free to Join	There is no cost to sign up for Rakuten. You start earning cashback from your very first qualifying purchase.
Real Cash Payouts	Unlike some reward programs that offer points or store credit, Rakuten pays out in real cash, which you can receive via check or PayPal.
Referral Bonuses	The referral program provides an extra incentive to share Rakuten with friends and family.
Browser Extension Convenience	The browser extension is a major convenience, reminding you to activate cashback and making the process almost automatic.

Cons

While Rakuten is very popular, there are a few downsides to consider:

Con	Description
Payment Schedule	Rakuten pays out cashback quarterly (every few months). If you expect immediate refunds, this might feel slow. You need to reach a minimum payout threshold, which is typically $5.00.
Tracking Issues Can Occur	Although rare, sometimes cashback might not track correctly. This can happen due to technical glitches, clearing cookies, or visiting other sites before completing a purchase. Customer support can usually resolve these issues, but it requires extra steps.
Exclusions Apply	Not all purchases are eligible for cashback. Sometimes, specific product categories or gift card purchases might be excluded by the retailer. It's important to check the terms for each store.
Requires Activation	You must remember to activate the cashback offer before shopping. If you forget, you won't earn any rewards for that purchase. The browser extension helps, but it's still a manual step.
Potential for "Impulse" Buying	The lure of cashback might sometimes encourage people to buy things they don't necessarily need. It's important to shop mindfully.

Payment Methods

Rakuten offers two primary ways to receive your earned cashback:

• Check: Rakuten will mail you a physical check for your earnings.
• PayPal: You can have your cashback deposited directly into your PayPal account.

The choice is yours, and you can select your preferred payment method in your Rakuten account settings.

Countries Supported

Rakuten primarily operates in a few key countries. The most prominent is:

• United States: Rakuten.com (formerly Ebates.com) is widely available and partners with a vast number of US-based retailers.

Rakuten also has operations in other countries, often under different brand names or as separate regional sites:

• Canada: Rakuten.ca
• Japan: Rakuten Ichiba (this is Rakuten's main e-commerce platform in Japan and is much broader than just a cashback service).
• United Kingdom: Rakuten.co.uk
• Other Countries: Rakuten's global presence is expanding, and they have services or partnerships in various other regions, though the cashback portal model like the US is most prominent in the countries listed above. For users in countries not explicitly listed with a dedicated cashback portal, it's best to check the Rakuten website for their region or for international shopping options.

It's important to note that the number of retailers and the cashback rates can vary significantly by country.

Tips to Maximize Earnings

To get the most out of your Rakuten membership, consider these tips:

• Always Activate: Make it a habit to check Rakuten and activate cashback before you start shopping online. Use the browser extension to get a reminder.
• Stack with Coupons: Look for coupon codes on Rakuten or other reputable coupon sites that can be used on top of cashback offers.
• Shop During Bonus Events: Keep an eye out for special promotions like "Double Cash Back" days or seasonal sales. These events can significantly boost your earnings.
• Refer Friends: Take advantage of the referral program. When you refer a friend and they make a qualifying purchase, you both get a bonus.
• Shop for Big Purchases: If you're planning a large purchase, like electronics, furniture, or a vacation, using Rakuten can result in a substantial cashback amount.
• Check Travel Deals: If you book hotels or flights, see if Rakuten has partnered with travel sites to offer cashback on your bookings.
• Use the App for Mobile Shopping: If you prefer shopping on your phone, use the Rakuten app to ensure your cashback is tracked.
• Don't Shop Unnecessarily: While earning cashback is great, only buy what you truly need or have budgeted for.
• Check Your Account Regularly: Monitor your Rakuten account to see your pending and earned cashback, and to ensure all your purchases are tracked correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people have about Rakuten:

Is Rakuten free to use?

Yes, it is completely free to sign up and use Rakuten. They make money by earning a commission from the retailers, and they share a portion of that with you.

How often does Rakuten pay out?

Rakuten pays out cashback quarterly. This means you'll receive your earnings approximately four times a year: in August, November, February, and May. You need to have at least $5.00 in earned cashback to receive a payment.

What happens if my cashback doesn't track?

If your cashback doesn't appear in your account within a few days, you can contact Rakuten's customer support. You'll usually need to provide your order details, including the order number and date of purchase. They can help you file a claim with the retailer.

Can I use Rakuten with other coupon sites?

You can often use Rakuten with coupon codes, but it's important to be careful. If you click on a coupon code from another website after activating cashback on Rakuten, it might void your cashback. It's best to find coupons directly on Rakuten or ensure the coupon doesn't interfere with their tracking.

Does Rakuten work on all stores?

Rakuten partners with thousands of stores, but not every single online store. You need to check if your desired retailer is listed on Rakuten.com.

Can I use Rakuten if I live outside the US?

Yes, Rakuten has specific websites for other countries like Canada and the UK. If your country doesn't have a dedicated site, you may still be able to use Rakuten.com if you have a US-based payment method and shipping address, but availability and terms can vary.

Final Verdict

Rakuten is a fantastic tool for anyone looking to save money on their online purchases. Its ease of use, wide selection of partner stores, and the ability to stack cashback with other discounts make it a valuable addition to any shopper's routine. While the quarterly payment schedule might not be ideal for everyone, the principle of getting money back for shopping you're already doing is a clear benefit.

By consistently using Rakuten and following the tips provided in this article, you can easily earn back a significant amount of money over time. It's a simple, free way to make your online shopping more rewarding. Whether you're buying everyday essentials or treating yourself to something special, Rakuten helps your money go further.

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