If you're not using Rakuten yet, you’re seriously leaving free money on the table. It’s one of the easiest ways to get cashback for stuff you were going to buy anyway. The best part? It requires almost zero extra effort. In this guide, I’ll show you how to use Rakuten like a pro, so you can save money on all your online shopping.
Step 1: Sign Up for a Rakuten Account
First things first—you’ll need an account. Signing up is super simple, and it’s free.
- Go to Rakuten's website.
- Click the Sign Up button at the top right of the page.
- Enter your email address, create a password, and boom—you’ve got an account!
Bonus Tip: Sometimes Rakuten offers a welcome bonus, like $10-$30 cashback just for signing up and making your first purchase. Keep an eye out for these deals when you register.
Step 2: Install the Rakuten Browser Extension (Optional, but Recommended)
While this step is technically optional, it’ll make your life so much easier. Rakuten has a browser extension that automatically reminds you to activate cashback whenever you visit a participating store. No more forgetting to go through Rakuten first.
Here’s how to get the extension:
- After signing up, Rakuten will prompt you to install the browser extension.
- If you skipped that part, just go to the Rakuten Browser Extension page and download it for Chrome, Firefox, or whatever browser you use.
Once installed, you’ll see a little Rakuten icon in your toolbar. When you visit an eligible store, the icon will light up, reminding you to activate cashback with just one click.
Step 3: Find a Store You Love
Rakuten partners with over 3,500 online stores, from big names like Amazon, Walmart, and Macy’s to smaller niche retailers. To find a store where you can earn cashback:
- Head to the Rakuten homepage.
- Use the search bar at the top to type in the name of the store (like “Nike” or “Sephora”).
- Rakuten will show you how much cashback you can earn at that store—usually between 1% and 10%, but sometimes even more during special promotions.
You can also browse categories like fashion, electronics, or travel to discover new stores that offer cashback.
Step 4: Activate Your Cashback
Now, here’s the important part: to earn cashback, you need to start your shopping through Rakuten. There are a couple of ways to do this.
Method 1: Go to Rakuten First
- On the Rakuten site or app, click the Shop Now button next to the store you want to shop at.
- Rakuten will redirect you to the store's website.
- From there, just shop like you normally would, and Rakuten will track your purchase and apply the cashback to your account.
Method 2: Use the Browser Extension
If you installed the Rakuten browser extension, it’s even easier:
- Visit the online store directly.
- If the store offers cashback, the extension will pop up with a button saying Activate Cashback. Click it.
- Now, Rakuten is tracking your purchase, and you’ll automatically earn cashback when you check out.
Step 5: Complete Your Purchase
Once your cashback is activated, shop as usual. Add items to your cart, complete checkout, and that’s it. Rakuten will handle the rest.
Your cashback won’t appear immediately, though. It usually takes a few hours to a few days for Rakuten to confirm your purchase with the store. Once it’s confirmed, the cashback will show up in your Rakuten account under Cashback Balance.
Step 6: Get Paid!
Here’s the fun part—getting paid! Rakuten pays out your cashback in what they call a Big Fat Check every three months. You can choose to receive your payout in two ways:
- PayPal: Rakuten will deposit your cashback directly into your PayPal account.
- Check: They’ll mail a physical check to your house if you prefer to cash it the old-fashioned way.
To set up your payment preferences:
- Log in to your Rakuten account.
- Go to Account Settings.
- Under Payment Information, choose whether you want PayPal or a check.
Just keep in mind you’ll need at least $5 in your account to receive a payout. If you haven’t hit $5 by the time the payout rolls around, Rakuten will hold onto your cashback until you do.
Step 7: Stack More Savings (Optional but Awesome)
Want to get even more savings? You can stack cashback with coupons and other deals. Here’s how:
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Use Store Coupons: Many stores let you use coupon codes while still earning cashback. Rakuten often lists available coupon codes right on their site. Make sure to copy one before you check out to maximize your savings.
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Use a Cashback Credit Card: If you have a credit card that offers cashback on purchases, use that card at checkout. This way, you’re essentially earning double cashback—once from Rakuten and once from your credit card.
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Shop During Promotions: Rakuten regularly runs Double Cashback Events or seasonal promotions where certain stores offer higher cashback rates. Keep an eye out for these to get more bang for your buck.
Step 8: Refer Friends and Earn More
Rakuten has a referral program that lets you earn bonus cashback for inviting your friends. For every friend who signs up using your referral link and makes a purchase, you’ll get a referral bonus (which is usually around $30 or more, depending on the promotion).
To refer friends:
- Go to your Rakuten Account and find the Refer & Earn tab.
- Copy your unique referral link.
- Share it with friends via social media, email, or however you like.
Once they make their first purchase, you’ll both earn some extra cashback. It’s a win-win.
Final Thoughts
Rakuten makes getting cashback ridiculously easy. Whether you're buying everyday essentials or splurging on something special, you can always earn a little something extra back with minimal effort. The key is to make sure you activate your cashback either through the site or browser extension before you check out.
Happy shopping—and enjoy all that cashback!