If you remember Ebates, the cash back service is now called Rakuten. It can be an easy way to earn a little money back on purchases you were already planning to make online.
Rakuten Cash Back is not an instant discount at checkout. You start your shopping trip through Rakuten, activate the available offer and complete an eligible purchase. Once the store reports and confirms the order, the cash back is added to your Rakuten account.
I have used Rakuten since it was called Ebates, and I have always liked earning a little cash back on purchases I was already planning to make. It’s not a reason to spend more, but it can be a simple extra savings step when I am shopping online.
Right now, new Rakuten members can get a $50 bonus after joining through my referral link and spending $50 on qualifying purchases.
What Is Rakuten Cash Back?
Rakuten is a free cash back shopping service that partners with online stores. When you start at Rakuten and make an eligible purchase, the store pays Rakuten a commission. Rakuten then shares part of that commission with you as cash back.
Cash back rates and exclusions can change, so always read the store’s current terms before you shop. Some products, categories, gift cards, taxes, shipping charges or other parts of an order may not qualify.
How Does Rakuten Cash Back Work?
1. Start at Rakuten
Go to the Rakuten website, app or browser extension before you begin shopping. Find the store you want to shop at and check the current cash back rate and terms.
2. Activate Cash Back
Select the store and activate the offer. Rakuten should open the retailer’s website and create a shopping trip so the purchase can be tracked.
3. Complete Your Purchase
Shop as you normally would and finish the purchase in the same activated shopping session. Avoid opening competing rewards or coupon extensions during the trip because they may interfere with tracking.
4. Wait for the Purchase to Track
Cash back may take time to appear in your account. Rakuten may show the purchase as processing or pending while the store confirms that the order is eligible. Returns, cancellations or excluded items can reduce or remove the cash back.
Tips to Help Your Rakuten Cash Back Track
- Confirm that Cash Back is activated before you place the order.
- Read the store’s exclusions and terms before shopping.
- Use coupon codes listed by Rakuten unless the store’s terms specifically allow another code.
- Avoid private or incognito browsing, VPNs, ad blockers and competing rewards extensions during the shopping trip.
- Keep your order confirmation and order number until the cash back is confirmed.
- If you switch devices or leave the retailer’s website, return to Rakuten and start a new shopping trip before ordering.
When Does Rakuten Pay Cash Back?
Rakuten currently sends cash back payments every three months. Your confirmed balance must generally be at least $5.01 to receive a payment. If it is below the minimum, the balance rolls forward to a future payment date.
Available payment choices can include a mailed check, PayPal, electronic gift cards or eligible rewards point options, depending on your account and the choices Rakuten currently offers. Check your Rakuten account for the payment methods available to you.
Is Rakuten Worth It?
Rakuten can be worth using when you are already planning to make a purchase and the store has an eligible cash back offer. The best approach is to compare the final price, read the exclusions and avoid buying something only because cash back is available.
Remember that cash back is not guaranteed until the retailer confirms the purchase. Returns, cancellations, unapproved coupon codes and tracking problems can affect the amount you receive.
Important Rakuten Cash Back Reminders
- Cash back rates can change.
- Not every item or category qualifies.
- Taxes and shipping usually do not earn cash back unless the store’s terms say otherwise.
- Purchases made by phone, chat or customer service may not qualify.
- Returns and cancellations can reverse the cash back.
- Cash back is usually not immediate.
How to Get Started with Rakuten
Before signing up, check the current welcome offer and eligibility requirements because the bonus amount, qualifying purchase and deadline can change.
Once your account is set up, remember to start at Rakuten or activate the browser extension before making an eligible online purchase.
Get a $50 Rakuten Bonus
If you are new to Rakuten, you can currently get a $50 bonus when you join through my Rakuten referral link and spend $50 on qualifying purchases.
Be sure to check the current offer details and eligibility requirements before signing up. Bonus terms can change.
When you use my referral link, I may also receive a referral bonus at no additional cost to you.
