Feel like you’re missing out on extra savings when you shop online? Rakuten can fix that. It pays you cashback just for buying things you planned to get—groceries, clothes, gifts, even toilet paper. Rakuten works with thousands of stores and gives a nice sign-up bonus to get started. Here’s how you can earn more and make every purchase count.
How Rakuten Helps You Save and Make Money
Rakuten fits into your shopping routine with almost zero effort. Instead of giving you coupons for things you’d never buy, Rakuten pays you back a percentage of what you spend at a huge range of stores. You can use this cashback for anything—coffee, groceries, your next online order, or a treat for yourself.
Saving and making money with Rakuten isn’t some secret club. Once you see how the cashback works and how easy the sign-up bonus is to grab, it starts to feel like a no-brainer.
Understanding Rakuten’s Cashback System
Rakuten partners with over 3,500 retailers, from everyday stops like Walmart and Target to big online brands like Nike and Macy’s. Here’s how it works:
- Partnerships: Stores pay Rakuten a commission when you shop through their link.
- Sharing the Profit: Rakuten splits that commission with you as cashback—real money, not points.
- How to Earn: Shop through the Rakuten website or use their browser extension. Your purchase tracks. Cashback appears in your Rakuten account usually within a day or two.
Typical cashback rates range from 1% to 12%, sometimes even higher during special events. Every quarter, Rakuten pays you out through check or PayPal. There’s no trickery—if you can click a mouse, you can earn real cashback.
Making the Most of Rakuten: Pro Tips for Increased Earnings
Getting cashback is great, but stacking up the savings is even better. Here are a few solid strategies for boosting your earnings:
- Install the Rakuten Browser Extension: Never miss a cashback opportunity. The extension flags eligible sites and applies coupons automatically, so you don’t have to remember a thing.
- Double (or Triple) Dip with Coupons: Rakuten often lists exclusive promo codes alongside cashback. Use both for extra value.
- Shop During Seasonal Promos: Around Black Friday, back-to-school, or holiday sales, cashback rates can jump. Keep an eye out for “double cashback” events.
- Refer Friends: Invite friends and family. Every successful referral puts extra cashback in your pocket, and your friend gets their own sign-up bonus.
- Plan Big Purchases: For purchases you can time (like electronics, appliances, or travel), wait for a high cashback promo to get the biggest payout.
Popular Stores and Categories for Maximum Savings
Certain stores and product categories regularly offer the best rates. Here are a few hot spots for cashback fans:
- Electronics: Best Buy, Dell, HP
- Fashion: Kohl’s, Macy’s, Nike, Old Navy
- Travel: Expedia, Hotels.com, Booking.com
- Beauty: Sephora, Ulta
- Groceries and Everyday Essentials: Walmart, Sam’s Club, Walgreens
Big-ticket items and regular shopping at these stores can mean fast-growing cashback.
Walmart and Rakuten Have a Partnership
Yes, Rakuten and Walmart are partners. This is huge for anyone who shops at Walmart—whether for groceries, kids’ supplies, or just about anything else. Here’s how you maximize this:
- Shop Online at Walmart.com: To qualify for cashback, start through Rakuten before heading to Walmart.com.
- In-Store Pickup: You can buy online, then choose in-store pickup to save on shipping and get your items fast. You still earn cashback.
- Groceries Count Too: Use Rakuten to order groceries online from Walmart. Picking them up rather than having them shipped still unlocks cashback (easy savings on stuff you buy weekly).
That’s as close as it gets to free money for shopping where you already shop.
Rakuten and Ibotta
One great trick: double-dip cashback with Ibotta. After shopping through Rakuten, upload your Walmart (or other store) receipt to Ibotta’s app. You’ll stack Rakuten’s cashback with Ibotta’s rebates, which can lead to serious savings. It’s like getting paid twice to shop once.
This combo works well for everyday purchases, especially groceries, snacks, and household items. I’ve personally seen a few dollars extra from a single shopping trip—without much extra effort.
Getting Started with Rakuten and Earning Your Sign-Up Bonus
Signing up for Rakuten is simple, quick, and free. Better yet, new users can cash in on a sign-up bonus pretty much right away.
How to Sign Up and Activate Your Account
Registering with Rakuten takes less than two minutes:
- Visit the Rakuten website or download their app.
- Enter your email and a password. Or sign up with Google or Facebook.
- Confirm your account if prompted via email.
- Set your preferred payment method (check or PayPal—it’s up to you).
After that, you’re set. You only need to remember to start your shopping through Rakuten’s links or use the browser extension.
Earning the Rakuten Sign-Up Bonus
Rakuten’s sign-up bonus is famously easy to earn. Here’s how it works:
- Join Rakuten with a valid email.
- Shop through Rakuten and make qualifying purchases totaling at least $30 within 90 days of joining. Qualifying means buying from a store that offers cashback via Rakuten (like Walmart, Nike, Sephora, or many more).
- Bonus Payout: The bonus, which is usually $30 (sometimes higher during promos), deposits into your Rakuten account. You’ll see it after your purchase clears, usually within a week.
Tip: Don’t forget to complete your qualifying purchase before the bonus window ends. Plan your shopping list and take full advantage of the offers during sign-up.
Cashback Payments: Tracking and Redeeming Your Earnings
Rakuten makes it easy to track and redeem your money:
- Quarterly Payments: You get your cashback every three months, released as a ‘Big Fat Check’ (yes, that’s their official term) or PayPal payment.
- Minimum Threshold: If your total cashback is at least $5.01, you get paid that quarter. If not, your balance rolls over.
- Track on Dashboard: The Rakuten dashboard shows pending, confirmed, and paid-out amounts. Check it anytime in the app or on the website.
- No Fees or Gimmicks: There are no hidden costs, and you never lose your money if you’re under the payout minimum. Just keep shopping to pad your account.
