If you’re booking travel, shopping for everyday essentials, or just scrolling for sales — you might be leaving money on the table. I’ve personally received over $735 in cash back using a free service called Rakuten, and today I’m breaking down exactly how it works, why it’s free, and how you can use it wisely.
✨ What Is Rakuten?
Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates) is a cash-back and coupon site that partners with thousands of online retailers. When you shop through Rakuten’s app or browser extension, you earn a percentage of your purchase back in cash, typically between 1% and 10%, though some promotions go even higher.
Rakuten was founded in 1998 as Ebates, but in 2014, the Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten Group, Inc. acquired the company. Since then, it’s grown into one of the largest loyalty and rewards platforms in the world.
💸 How Does Rakuten Work for Consumers?
- Sign up for free using my referral link: Join Rakuten & Get a Welcome Bonus
- Install the free browser extension or download the app.
- Shop as usual at over 3,500 partnered retailers like Macy’s, Sephora, Expedia, Booking.com, Nike, Walmart, and more.
- Rakuten will automatically apply coupon codes and activate cash-back offers.
- Every quarter, Rakuten sends you your earned cashback via PayPal or mailed check (your choice).
🧠 Why It’s Free: The Business Behind Rakuten
You might be wondering, “What’s the catch?” Here’s how Rakuten makes it work:
- Retailers pay Rakuten a commission for referring customers.
- Rakuten shares a portion of that commission with you, the shopper.
- In short: it’s affiliate marketing with a twist — you earn part of the commission Rakuten earns from the retailer.
This setup is a win-win-win:
- ✅ Consumers get free cash back and coupons.
- ✅ Retailers get traffic and conversions without upfront ad spend.
- ✅ Rakuten profits by keeping a portion of each commission.
📲 How to Use Rakuten — 2 Easy Options
1. Download the Free Browser Extension
- Works on Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge.
- Automatically notifies you when cash back is available on a site you’re browsing.
- Activates deals with a single click — no need to visit Rakuten.com first.
2. Use the Rakuten App (iOS & Android)
- Perfect for mobile shoppers.
- Built-in browser and search tools make it easy to activate cash back on the go.
- Great for booking travel through Expedia, Hotels.com, and more.
💰 How Do You Get Paid?
Rakuten pays users on a quarterly basis:
- Payouts happen in February, May, August, and November.
- You’ll get your earnings via PayPal or a paper check (aka the “Big Fat Check”).
- Your balance must be at least $5.01 to receive a payout.
👉 I’ve received $735.12 since joining — all from purchases I would’ve made anyway!
⚖️ Are There Any Downsides?
Rakuten is free, but here are a few things to consider:
- Data Sharing: Rakuten tracks your shopping behavior to match you with retailers and offers. This is fairly standard with affiliate and rewards platforms, but if you’re highly sensitive to online tracking, this might not be for you.
- Cashback Isn’t Instant: Your pending balance may take a few days or weeks to appear, depending on the store’s return policy.
- Not All Purchases Qualify: Some items (e.g. gift cards, subscriptions) may be excluded from cash back. Be sure to read each retailer’s terms.
🎁 Get a Free Bonus When You Sign Up
Use my referral link below and get a $30 bonus (subject to Rakuten’s current offer) when you make your first qualifying purchase.
🛍️ Final Thoughts
Rakuten doesn’t change how you shop — it simply adds savings to the process. Whether you’re shopping for flights, beauty, home goods, or electronics, Rakuten can help you keep a little more in your travel fund.
- Free to join
- Get cash back at 3,500+ stores
- Install the extension or app
- I’ve earned $735 — and you can too!
🔗Interested in other “smart spending; smart savings” suggestions? Be sure to read our reviews on travel credit cards.
📌 Hashtags (for sharing on social & Pinterest)
#Rakuten #CashBackTips #OnlineShoppingHacks #InconspicuousTraveler #TravelSmarter #TravelDeals #PassiveIncome #TravelBudgetTips #RakutenReferral