How to Use Rakuten to Get Cash Back When Shopping Online: Step-by-Step Guide

September 14, 2024

If you're not using Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates), you're missing out on free money! Rakuten is one of the easiest ways to earn cashback when you shop online. You don’t have to do anything fancy—just shop as you normally would, and Rakuten will reward you with a percentage of your purchase back in cash. It’s that simple!

Here’s a detailed guide on how to use Rakuten to get the most cashback from your online shopping.

1. Sign Up for Rakuten

First things first, you’ll need a Rakuten account. Don’t worry—it’s free, and signing up is a breeze.

Go to Rakuten’s website (Rakuten.com) or download the Rakuten app on your phone.
Click on “Join Now” in the top right corner.
Enter your email address, create a password, and boom—you’re in!

If you want an extra boost, Rakuten often offers a welcome bonus (like $10 to $40) when you sign up and make your first purchase. So make sure to keep an eye out for that!

2. Install the Rakuten Browser Extension

To make sure you never miss a cashback opportunity, I highly recommend installing the Rakuten browser extension. It works with Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.

Here’s how to set it up:

Go to the Rakuten website and scroll down until you find the browser extension link, or search for "Rakuten extension" in your browser's app store.
Install the extension by following the prompts. It only takes a minute.
Once installed, the extension will pop up whenever you're shopping on a site that offers cashback through Rakuten. You'll see a little notification asking if you want to activate cashback—just click "Activate" and you’re good to go.

This makes life so much easier because you don’t have to remember to visit Rakuten’s website first. The extension does the work for you!

3. Find Your Favorite Stores

Rakuten partners with thousands of retailers, so chances are, your go-to online stores are already on their list. Some of the big names include Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and more.

Here’s how to see if your favorite store offers cashback:

Go to Rakuten’s website or open the app.
Use the search bar to type in the name of the store.
If the store is available, you’ll see the cashback rate (usually between 1% and 15%, but it can go even higher during special promotions).

When you click through Rakuten to shop at that store, the cashback rate will be applied to your total purchase. It’s really that simple.

4. Shop Like Normal

Once you’ve found a store offering cashback, you can start shopping like you normally would. Here’s how it works:

Click on the store link from Rakuten. This will open up the store’s website in a new tab.
Shop like you normally do—add things to your cart, apply any other coupon codes you have, and check out.
Complete your purchase and Rakuten will track it. Within a few hours or days, you’ll see your cashback in your Rakuten account.

Don’t worry—you don’t have to wait forever to get paid. Rakuten gives you your cashback every quarter (four times a year), either via PayPal or a check in the mail.

5. Stack Deals for Even More Savings

Want to get more than just cashback? You can stack Rakuten’s cashback with other deals, coupons, or credit card rewards. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Use coupons: Rakuten often shows coupon codes you can apply while shopping, so you’re saving money on top of earning cashback. The browser extension even finds and applies coupons automatically for you.
Check for sales: Combine store-wide sales or discounts with Rakuten cashback for bigger savings. If a store is running a sale and offering cashback, that’s double the benefit.
Use a cashback credit card: If you have a credit card that offers cashback, you can stack that with Rakuten’s cashback, essentially earning double rewards.

For example, if a store is running a 20% off sale and offers 10% cashback on Rakuten, plus your credit card offers 2% cashback, you’re saving big-time.

6. Refer Friends for Bonus Cash

Rakuten has a referral program that’s easy money. Here’s how it works:

Go to your Rakuten account dashboard.
Find the Referral Program link.
Share your referral link with friends, family, or anyone who loves saving money.
When they sign up and make a qualifying purchase, you both get a bonus (usually around $30, but it can go up during special promotions).

It’s a win-win for everyone!

7. Check for Double Cashback Stores

Rakuten often runs promotions where certain stores offer double cashback, which means you earn even more for your purchases. Here’s how to find them:

Go to the Double Cashback Stores section on the Rakuten homepage.
Look through the list of stores and find ones you want to shop at.
Click through and shop like usual, but enjoy earning 2x the cashback!

These promotions change frequently, so it’s a good idea to check Rakuten regularly or turn on notifications if you’re using the app.

8. Track Your Cash Back

Once you’ve made a purchase, you can easily track your cashback through your Rakuten account.

Log into your Rakuten account and head to the Cash Back Balance section.
Here, you’ll see the pending cashback from recent purchases and how much you’ve earned overall.
Rakuten pays out every three months via PayPal or check (your choice). You’ll get an email when your cashback is ready to be sent out.

Tip: If you don’t see your cashback right away, give it a few days. Some stores take a little longer to report purchases, but you’ll still get credit for it.

9. Download the Rakuten App for On-the-Go Shopping

If you prefer shopping on your phone, Rakuten has a free app available for iOS and Android. It’s super convenient for mobile shopping, and the process is basically the same:

Download the Rakuten app from the App Store or Google Play.
Sign in to your account or create one if you’re new.
Browse for stores, activate cashback, and shop directly through the app.

Just like with the desktop version, you can earn cashback on everything you buy, and you’ll get notifications about special promotions or double cashback deals.

Final Thoughts

Using Rakuten to get cashback while shopping online is a no-brainer. It’s easy, free, and you can earn real cash just by clicking a few extra buttons. Whether you shop from your desktop or phone, Rakuten helps you save on everything from clothes to electronics, and even travel.

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