How to Use Rakuten to Get Cash Back When Shopping Online

If you shop online often, you’re probably spending more money than you need to. The good news is that there’s an easy way to save some of that money without changing your shopping habits. That’s where Rakuten comes in. Rakuten is a free cash back service that gives you money back when you shop through their site or app. It sounds too good to be true, but it’s been around for years and is one of the most trusted cash back platforms. Let’s go step by step so you can see exactly how it works and how you can start getting cash back today.

What is Rakuten

Rakuten is basically a middleman between you and your favorite online stores. Instead of going directly to a store’s website, you go through Rakuten first. When you make a purchase, the store pays Rakuten a commission for sending you there, and Rakuten shares part of that commission with you as cash back. It’s free to use, and you don’t need to pay anything to join.

Signing Up for Rakuten

Getting started with Rakuten takes only a few minutes. Go to Rakuten’s website or download their mobile app and create an account using your email or Google account. During sign-up, you might even get a welcome bonus, usually given after you make your first purchase through Rakuten. Once you’re in, you’ll see a dashboard that shows popular stores, current cash back rates, and any special promotions.

Browsing Stores and Finding Deals

After logging in, you can search for the store you want to shop at. Rakuten partners with thousands of stores, from big names like Amazon, Walmart, and Macy’s to smaller specialty shops. Each store has its own cash back rate, which is usually shown as a percentage of your purchase. For example, if Macy’s is offering 10% cash back and you spend $100, you’ll get $10 back. You’ll also see special deals and coupon codes listed on the store’s Rakuten page, so it’s worth checking before you buy.

How to Shop Through Rakuten

Using Rakuten is simple. Once you’ve found the store you want, just click the “Shop Now” button on Rakuten’s website or app. That click activates your cash back. Rakuten redirects you to the store’s site, and from there you shop as you normally would. Add items to your cart, check out, and pay directly on the store’s website. Behind the scenes, Rakuten is tracking your purchase so they can give you your cash back later.

Using the Rakuten Browser Extension

If you’re worried about forgetting to go through Rakuten every time, the browser extension is a lifesaver. Once installed, it automatically pops up when you’re on a store’s website that offers cash back. All you have to do is click “Activate Cash Back,” and it does the rest. It even shows you available coupon codes, so you can save even more. This way, you don’t miss out on money just because you forgot to go to Rakuten first.

Shopping Through the Mobile App

If you prefer shopping on your phone, the Rakuten app works just as smoothly. Open the app, find the store, and tap to shop. It redirects you to the mobile version of the store’s site, where you can complete your purchase. The app also shows you trending deals, double cash back offers, and seasonal promotions, making it easy to score extra savings.

Getting Paid

One of the best parts about Rakuten is getting your cash back in actual money. Rakuten pays out four times a year, usually through PayPal or by mailing you a check. In your account settings, you can choose your preferred payment method. When your balance reaches a certain amount, Rakuten automatically sends you your cash back during the next payment period. It feels like a little bonus just for shopping like you normally would.

Tips to Maximize Your Cash Back

To get the most out of Rakuten, always check the cash back rates before you buy because they can change daily. Look out for double cash back events, which happen often and give you higher percentages at certain stores. Combine Rakuten cash back with credit card rewards for even more savings. And if you’re shopping for big-ticket items like electronics, furniture, or travel bookings, always see if Rakuten has a deal because those purchases can add up to serious cash back.

Final Thoughts

Using Rakuten doesn’t require you to change your shopping habits much at all. You shop at the same stores, buy the same things, and still check out on the same websites. The only difference is that by starting with Rakuten, you earn cash back every time. It’s simple, free, and honestly feels like free money for something you were already planning to do. If you shop online even a few times a month, Rakuten is worth signing up for.