Rakuten Review: Is It Worth Using for Cash Back?
In today’s world, who doesn’t love saving money while shopping online? Cashback platforms have become increasingly popular, and one of the most well-known services is Rakuten. But how effective is Rakuten really? Can you truly earn cashback, or is it too good to be true? In this in-depth Rakuten review, we’ll explore how it works, its benefits, the Rakuten app, and whether it’s worth using for your shopping needs.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you sign up through my links at no extra cost to you. As a Rakuten affiliate, I only recommend products and services I personally use and trust.
What is Rakuten?
Rakuten is a popular cashback website and app that allows users to earn a percentage of their purchase back when shopping through their platform. Formerly known as Ebates, Rakuten has been in the cashback business for over two decades and is trusted by millions of users. With partnerships with over 3,500 retailers, including big names like Amazon, Walmart, Macy’s, and Best Buy, Rakuten offers cashback on a wide range of products, from clothing to electronics, travel, and even subscriptions.
But what sets Rakuten apart from other cashback services? Let’s break it down.
How Does Rakuten Work?
Rakuten’s system is simple. When you shop through their platform, Rakuten earns a commission from the retailer for referring you, and Rakuten shares a portion of that commission with you as cashback. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how it works:
- Sign up for free: Rakuten offers a free account creation process. You can sign up through this Rakuten affiliate link and receive an additional 10% bonus after your first qualifying purchase.
- Browse or search for retailers: After signing in, you can browse through thousands of retailers or use the search bar to find specific stores. Rakuten lists the current cashback percentages next to each store.
- Shop as usual: Once you click on the store’s link from Rakuten, you’ll be redirected to the retailer’s website. From here, shop as you normally would. Rakuten will track your purchase and apply cashback to your account.
- Earn cashback: After making a purchase, cashback is credited to your Rakuten account, and you’ll receive a quarterly payment through PayPal or check.
Rakuten Cashback Features
Rakuten’s cashback program is straightforward, but there are several additional features that make it even more appealing:
- Cashback Button Extension: Rakuten offers a browser extension called the Cashback Button. This handy tool alerts you when cashback is available as you browse your favorite shopping sites. With one click, you can activate cashback without needing to visit Rakuten’s website first.
- Double Cashback Stores: Rakuten regularly features Double Cashback promotions at select retailers. During these promotions, you can earn twice the cashback amount, making your savings even greater.
- In-Store Cashback: In addition to online shopping, Rakuten also offers in-store cashback. By linking your credit or debit card to your Rakuten account, you can earn cashback on purchases made at participating physical stores.
- Travel and Vacation Deals: Rakuten isn’t just for retail shopping. They partner with travel booking services like Expedia, Booking.com, and Travelocity, allowing you to earn cashback on flights, hotels, and vacation packages.
Pros and Cons of Rakuten
Like any cashback service, Rakuten has its pros and cons. Let’s take a closer look:
Pros:
- Easy to use: Rakuten’s interface is user-friendly and doesn’t require a lot of effort to earn cashback. Once you click through Rakuten to a retailer, your purchase is tracked automatically.
- Wide range of retailers: With over 3,500 partner retailers, there are plenty of options to choose from, making it easy to earn cashback on most of your online purchases.
- Sign-up bonus: Rakuten frequently offers signup bonuses for new users. Sign up through this Rakuten affiliate link and enjoy extra 10% bonus after your first purchase.
- Quarterly payments: Rakuten sends out cashback payments every quarter via PayPal or check, making it easy to redeem your earnings.
Cons:
- Long wait for cashback: Since Rakuten pays cashback quarterly, there can be a long wait between earning your cashback and receiving it in your account.
- Not all purchases qualify: Some categories and items from certain retailers do not qualify for cashback, so you’ll need to read the terms carefully before purchasing.
- Lower cashback on certain items: Some stores offer relatively low cashback rates, which might make it less appealing for high-value purchases.
Rakuten App Review: User Experience and Benefits
Rakuten also offers a mobile app for both iOS and Android users. The app provides the same cashback opportunities as the desktop version, along with a few additional benefits:
- Push Notifications: The Rakuten app sends notifications when cashback offers or Double Cashback deals are available, ensuring you never miss a chance to save.
- In-Store Offers: You can access Rakuten’s in-store cashback deals directly from the app. Simply link your card and show your phone at checkout.
- Easy Shopping: The app allows you to quickly browse through different stores, view your cashback balance, and track purchases all in one place.
The user experience on the app is generally smooth, and it’s a great option if you prefer shopping from your phone or tablet.
Is Rakuten Legit? In-Depth Review
One of the most common questions people ask is, “Is Rakuten legit?” With so many cashback services available, it’s understandable to be skeptical. The short answer is yes—Rakuten is legitimate and has been operating for over 20 years with a proven track record.
Rakuten has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and millions of satisfied users. They’ve paid out over $1 billion in cashback to date. Users trust the platform for its transparency, ease of use, and reliable payouts.
That being said, you won’t get rich using Rakuten. Cashback percentages vary, and they generally range between 1% and 10%, depending on the retailer. However, if you’re already shopping online, it’s a great way to earn a little extra on purchases you’re making anyway.
Rakuten Cashback Review: Real User Experiences
To give you a well-rounded Rakuten review, we looked at feedback from real users. Most users praise Rakuten for its ease of use and reliable cashback system. Here’s a snapshot of what users are saying:
- Positive Experiences: Many users love how easy it is to earn cashback and appreciate the wide selection of retailers. The browser extension is particularly popular for its convenience.
- Negative Experiences: Some users report occasional issues with cashback tracking, especially when using mobile browsers. However, Rakuten’s customer service is generally responsive in resolving these issues.
Rakuten Pros and Cons in Detail
Pros
- Free and easy to join: No fees or memberships required.
- Generous signup bonus: Extra incentive for new users.
- Trusted cashback platform: With over 20 years of experience, Rakuten is highly reputable.
Cons
- Delayed cashback payments: Quarterly payments mean it can take months to receive your cashback.
- Some exclusions apply: Certain retailers may not offer cashback on specific categories (e.g., gift cards).
Is Rakuten Worth It?
In conclusion, Rakuten is a reliable, easy-to-use cashback service that offers a wide range of retailers and opportunities to save money. If you shop online frequently, Rakuten is a no-brainer. The cashback may not always be significant, but over time, it adds up—especially if you take advantage of their promotions like Double Cashback stores or in-store offers.
For anyone looking to save on everyday purchases, Rakuten is absolutely worth trying. It’s free to join, offers bonuses, and makes saving money simple. Just remember to activate Rakuten before making purchases, and you’ll start seeing the benefits.
Sign up today through this Rakuten affiliate link to get started with extra 10% bonus on your first qualifying purchase!
