1. Sign Up for Rakuten (It's Free!)
First things first, if you haven’t already, sign up for a Rakuten account. The process is super quick:- Head over to Rakuten’s website or download the Rakuten app on your phone.
- Enter your email, create a password, and you’re in. (Pro tip: Rakuten often has sign-up bonuses, like $10 or $30 after your first purchase, so keep an eye out for that deal!)
2. Check Out Cash Back Offers Before You Shop
Rakuten partners with thousands of stores – think Amazon, Target, Walmart, Macy’s, and more. Here’s how to find deals that give you cash back:- Log into your Rakuten account.
- In the search bar, type in the name of the store you’re planning to shop at. If that store offers cash back through Rakuten, you’ll see the percentage amount (like 3%, 5%, or sometimes even 10%!) right there.
- If you don’t have a specific store in mind, you can browse through categories or check the “Hot Deals” section for the best cash back offers available at the moment.
3. Activate Cash Back with Just One Click
Once you’ve found a store with a good cash back offer, you’re just one step away from earning. Here’s how:
- Click on the store link within Rakuten. This step is key because it activates the cash back.
- A new window will open, taking you directly to the store’s website. You just shop as you normally would!
Rakuten tracks your purchase through that link, so it’s important to go to the store’s site directly from Rakuten each time you want to earn cash back.
4. Install the Rakuten Browser Extension for Easy Access
If you’re like most of us and sometimes forget to check Rakuten before you shop, the browser extension is a lifesaver.- Download the Rakuten extension (available for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari).
- Once installed, it’ll pop up automatically whenever you visit a store’s website that offers cash back through Rakuten.
- You’ll see a little “Activate Cash Back” button at the top of the page. Just click it, and the cash back is now active!
5. Stack Cash Back with Coupons and Promo Codes
Rakuten isn’t just about cash back; they also list promo codes and discounts that you can stack with cash back to save even more.- Before you check out, look through the promo codes on Rakuten’s page for that store.
- Just copy and paste the code at checkout, and you’ll get both the cash back and the discount! Double savings!
6. Use Rakuten In-Store Cash Back
Did you know you can also get cash back when you shop in-store? This is an option at select stores, and here’s how it works:- In your Rakuten app, find the “In-Store Cash Back” tab.
- Choose the store you’re planning to visit, and link a credit or debit card to activate the offer.
- When you shop in-store and use the linked card, the cash back is automatically applied. No extra steps needed!
7. Refer Friends and Earn More Cash
Rakuten has a generous referral program that lets you earn even more. Here’s how to take advantage:- When you log into your account, go to the “Refer & Earn” section.
- Share your unique referral link with friends or family. For each person who signs up using your link and makes a qualifying purchase, you both get a bonus (often around $30).
- Plus, Rakuten sometimes offers double or triple referral bonuses during certain times of the year!
8. Watch for Double Cash Back and Special Events
Every so often, Rakuten has Double Cash Back events where select stores offer twice the regular cash back. This is one of the best times to shop through Rakuten:- Check the Rakuten website or app regularly to see if there’s a Double Cash Back event happening.
- Plan your purchases around these events when you can – you could earn 10% cash back at stores that usually offer 5%!
9. Get Paid: Cashing Out Your Cash Back
So you’ve done your shopping, and you’re ready to see that cash. Here’s what happens next:- Rakuten pays out your cash back every three months, either through a PayPal payment or a check mailed to you.
- Just make sure you’ve earned at least $5.01 by the end of the quarter to qualify for a payout.
- If you don’t hit $5.01, your cash back will roll over to the next quarter until you reach the payout threshold.
- **Plan big purchases around Rakuten cash back offers** – for instance, buy electronics during Double Cash Back events.
- **Use your Rakuten cash back like a mini-savings account** for things you actually need. This way, you’re saving without having to think too hard about it.
- **Combine Rakuten with cash back credit cards** if possible for even more savings.
And that’s it! Rakuten is an easy way to score extra savings without changing your regular shopping routine. Whether you’re a daily online shopper or just picking up essentials, Rakuten turns your purchases into cash back, which feels a lot like free money.