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In today’s digital world, saving money on everyday purcahases has become more accessible thanks to cashback platforms. Rakuten is one of the most popular and effective tools for shoppers looking to earn money while they spend.
If you’ve ever wondered, “How does Rakuten work?” or are considering signing up for it, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from the basics to more advanced features like in-store cashback opportunities.
Rakuten has revolutionized the online shopping experience, offering users cashback on purchases from various retailers. Whether you’re buying groceries, electronics, or booking a vacation, Rakuten provides an easy way to save. But what exactly is Rakuten, and how does it work? Let’s dive deeper.
What is Rakuten?
Rakuten is an online cashback platform that allows users to earn money back on purchases made through partnered retailers. Previously known as Ebates, Rakuten was rebranded in 2019 after being acquired by the Japanese e-commerce giant, Rakuten Inc. Since then, it has expanded its services, offering a user-friendly shopping experience with access to thousands of stores.
Rakuten
Rakuten is a simple way to score cash back for online and in-store purchases. The cash back you earn can be used for literally anything. It can be extra spending money, or use it to boost your savings and investments. Rakuten offers a $10 welcome bonus for new sign-ups!
To answer the question, “How does Rakuten work?” in simple terms: Rakuten partners with retailers and receives a commission for driving traffic and sales to these stores. Rakuten then shares a portion of this commission with its users in the form of cashback. This arrangement creates a win-win situation for both shoppers and retailers.
How Does Rakuten Work for Online Shopping?
Rakuten’s primary functionality is for online shopping, and here’s how it works step-by-step:
- Sign Up for Rakuten: First, you need to create an account on the Rakuten website or mobile app. The sign-up process is straightforward, and often Rakuten offers a welcome bonus when you make your first purchase through the platform.
- Browse Retailers and Offers: After signing up, you can search for your favorite stores or categories. Rakuten has partnerships with thousands of retailers across various sectors—clothing, electronics, travel, groceries, and more.
- Shop via Rakuten: Once you’ve found a retailer or deal that interests you, click through to the store’s website from Rakuten. This step is crucial because Rakuten tracks your purchase to ensure you get the cashback.
- Make a Purchase: Complete your shopping as you normally would. After your purchase is confirmed, Rakuten will track the transaction and credit your account with the cashback percentage offered by the retailer.
- Receive Cashback: Rakuten distributes your cashback earnings either via PayPal or a check, known as “Big Fat Checks.” Payments are typically made every quarter, and you can easily track your earnings through your Rakuten account dashboard.
So, how does Rakuten work in terms of cashback percentages? The amount of cashback varies depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions. Some retailers offer a flat percentage, while others may have specific products or categories that offer higher cashback rates.
How Does Rakuten Work for In-Store Purchases?
While Rakuten is most widely known for its online cashback offers, the platform also provides an option for in-store purchases. If you’re wondering, “How does Rakuten work in-store?” this section will cover everything you need to know.
Rakuten’s in-store cashback feature allows users to earn rewards even when shopping at brick-and-mortar stores. Here’s how it works:
- Link Your Credit or Debit Card: To take advantage of in-store cashback, you first need to link a credit or debit card to your Rakuten account. This step is critical because Rakuten tracks your purchases through this card.
- Activate In-Store Offers: Before you head out to shop, browse the Rakuten app or website to find in-store cashback offers. Once you find an offer that interests you, click “Activate.” This step ensures that Rakuten will track the purchase when you use your linked card.
- Shop In-Store: After activating the offer, visit the retailer’s physical location and make your purchase using the linked card. Rakuten automatically tracks the transaction and credits your account with the corresponding cashback.
- Receive Cashback: Like online purchases, in-store cashback is credited to your Rakuten account and paid quarterly.
One of the great things about Rakuten’s in-store feature is that it works seamlessly with other rewards programs. You can still earn loyalty points, credit card rewards, or other benefits while simultaneously earning cashback through Rakuten.
Rakuten’s Browser Extension: A Convenient Tool
Another feature worth mentioning when explaining “how does Rakuten work” is the Rakuten browser extension. This tool enhances the shopping experience by making it easier to earn cashback. Here’s how it works:
- Install the Extension: Rakuten offers a free browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, and other major browsers. After installing it, you don’t need to worry about remembering to visit Rakuten’s website every time you shop.
- Automatic Notifications: The browser extension automatically alerts you when you visit a retailer’s website that offers cashback through Rakuten. You’ll see a small pop-up asking if you want to activate the cashback for that store.
- One-Click Activation: With just one click, you can activate cashback without returning to the Rakuten website. The extension handles everything in the background, ensuring you never miss a cashback opportunity.
- Price Comparison: Another handy feature of the browser extension is price comparison. It will notify you if a lower price is available at another retailer, potentially saving you even more money.
The browser extension is a time-saver for users who frequently shop online, as it ensures you never miss an opportunity to earn cashback.
Additional Features: Bonuses, Referrals, and Special Events
Rakuten offers several additional features beyond regular cashback, which makes it even more rewarding for shoppers. Here’s a closer look at these extras:
- Sign-Up Bonuses: Rakuten often offers lucrative sign-up bonuses for new users. Typically, if you sign up through a referral link and make a qualifying purchase, you’ll receive a bonus amount in your account, often ranging from $10 to $40.
- Referral Program: Rakuten’s referral program allows you to earn money by inviting friends and family to join the platform. Every person who signs up through your referral link and makes a qualifying purchase will receive a referral bonus, which can vary depending on ongoing promotions.
- Double Cashback Events: Rakuten frequently holds special promotions where select retailers offer double the standard cashback rate. These events are a great way to maximize your savings, and they usually coincide with holiday seasons or major shopping events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
- Cashback on Travel: In addition to retail shopping, Rakuten also offers cashback on travel bookings. You can earn cashback on flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages when you book through Rakuten’s partnered travel sites.
These additional features make Rakuten even more appealing to users who want to maximize their cashback earnings.
Rakuten
Rakuten is a simple way to score cash back for online and in-store purchases. The cash back you earn can be used for literally anything. It can be extra spending money, or use it to boost your savings and investments. Rakuten offers a $10 welcome bonus for new sign-ups!
Frequent Asked Questions
Here are some of the related questions people also ask:
What is Rakuten?
Rakuten is a cashback platform that allows users to earn money back on purchases made from partnered retailers, both online and in-store.
How does Rakuten give cashback?
Rakuten partners with retailers to receive a commission on sales. It shares a portion of that commission with users as cashback for shopping through its platform.
Can I earn cashback when shopping in-store?
Yes, you can earn cashback on in-store purchases by linking your credit or debit card to your Rakuten account and activating offers before shopping.
Do I need to use the Rakuten app to earn cashback?
While you can earn cashback through the Rakuten website, using the Rakuten app makes it easier to activate in-store offers and track your earnings.
How do I get paid by Rakuten?
Rakuten pays users their cashback earnings quarterly, either through PayPal or by sending a check, known as a “Big Fat Check.”
Is there a sign-up bonus for new Rakuten users?
Yes, Rakuten often offers sign-up bonuses for new users who join through a referral link and make a qualifying purchase.
How does the Rakuten browser extension work?
The Rakuten browser extension alerts users to cashback opportunities while shopping online and allows for one-click activation of offers.
Can I use Rakuten with other rewards programs?
Yes, you can combine Rakuten cashback with other rewards programs, such as credit card rewards and loyalty points, to maximize your savings.
How often does Rakuten offer double cashback promotions?
Rakuten frequently holds special promotions, especially during holiday seasons or major shopping events, where select retailers offer double the standard cashback rate.
The Bottom: How Does Rakuten Work to Benefit Shoppers?
In conclusion, Rakuten is a simple yet highly effective way to save money on everyday purchases. To summarize, Rakuten partners with retailers, earns a commission on sales generated through its platform, and then shares a portion of that commission with shoppers in the form of cashback.
Rakuten works seamlessly for both online and in-store shopping. For online purchases, you simply need to click through Rakuten’s website or use their browser extension before completing a purchase.
For in-store shopping, you can link your credit or debit card, activate in-store offers, and earn cashback on the go. The platform’s additional features, such as referral bonuses, sign-up promotions, and double cashback events, make it even more rewarding for frequent shoppers.
Overall, Rakuten is a must-have tool for anyone looking to maximize their savings while shopping online or in physical stores. Whether you’re buying essentials, booking travel, or treating yourself to a new gadget, Rakuten ensures that you can save money every step of the way.
If you haven’t tried it yet, now’s the perfect time to see for yourself how Rakuten works and start earning cashback on your purchases. It’s a simple, effortless way to save money, and with so many participating retailers, the savings can quickly add up!