How to Use Rakuten for Cash Back When Shopping Online: Easy Step-by-Step Guide for Maximum Savings
Share
If you’re shopping online and not using Rakuten, you’re missing out on free money! Rakuten is one of the easiest ways to earn cash back on your everyday purchases. It’s like getting paid to shop, and who doesn’t want that? Let me walk you through how to set it up and start racking up those cash-back rewards.
1. Sign Up for Rakuten
First things first, you need to create a Rakuten account. It’s free and takes just a few minutes. Go to Rakuten’s website and hit the “Join Now” button. Enter your email, create a password, and boom—you’re in! Rakuten often gives new users a welcome bonus (like $10 or more) after their first purchase, so that’s an extra perk.
2. Install the Rakuten Browser Extension
Next, to make earning cash back even easier, install the Rakuten browser extension. This is key because it automatically reminds you when cash back is available on sites you’re already shopping at—so you don’t have to keep checking.
Here’s how to do it:
- Go to this site and click on “Cash Back Button” (that’s their term for the extension).
- Follow the instructions to add it to your browser (works with Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.).
- Once installed, the extension will pop up when you’re on a site that offers cash back, reminding you to activate it before you checkout.
3. Browse for Stores Offering Cash Back
Rakuten works with thousands of stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and tons more. To see where you can earn cash back, go to Rakuten’s site and search for your favorite stores. You’ll see the cash-back percentage next to each store—this can range from 1% to 10% or more, depending on the store and any promotions going on.
4. Click Through Rakuten to Start Shopping
To earn cash back, you need to start your shopping through Rakuten’s link. Here’s how:
- Go to Rakuten, find the store you want, and click their link. Rakuten will take you directly to that store’s website, but it’ll track your visit to make sure you get credit for any purchases.
- Once you’re on the store’s site, shop as you normally would—add items to your cart and checkout.
You can also activate cash back if you’re using the browser extension. If you land on a store’s website without going through Rakuten first, the extension will pop up and remind you to click “Activate Cash Back.” This ensures you get your rewards!
5. Stack Cash Back with Coupons and Sales
Rakuten doesn’t just give you cash back—it also helps you find coupon codes! When you’re checking out, Rakuten will apply any available coupon codes automatically. This means you can save even more by stacking the cash back with discounts, promo codes, or store sales.
6. Track Your Cash Back
Once you’ve made your purchase, Rakuten tracks it and will add the cash back to your account, usually within a few days. You can log into your Rakuten account at any time to see how much you’ve earned.
7. Get Paid
Rakuten pays out every quarter (once every three months) via PayPal or a physical check (they call it the “Big Fat Check”). You’ll need at least $5 in cash back to get paid, but once you hit that threshold, they’ll send you the money. Super easy!
8. Use Rakuten In-Store
If you’re more of an in-person shopper, you can still use Rakuten to get cash back. Just link your credit or debit card to Rakuten’s in-store offers. When you shop at participating stores, use your linked card, and Rakuten will automatically give you cash back on your purchases. No need to show anything at checkout—just pay and go.
9. Refer Friends for Extra Cash Back
Rakuten has a referral program that’s super simple to use. You can share your personal referral link with friends, and when they sign up and make a purchase, both you and your friend will earn a bonus (usually around $30). It’s an easy way to boost your earnings without even shopping!