Rakuten Review: Is This Cashback App Actually Worth Your Time?

What Is Rakuten?

Rakuten (formerly Ebates) is a cashback app and browser extension that gives you money back when you shop online. Partner retailers pay Rakuten a commission for referring customers, and Rakuten splits that commission with you.

It sounds simple because it is. But is it worth the time and potential privacy trade-offs? Let’s break down exactly how it works and whether it deserves a spot in your money-saving toolkit.

How Rakuten Works

Step 1: Sign Up (Free)

Create an account at rakuten.com. No credit card required. They often offer a $10-30 sign-up bonus after your first qualifying purchase.

Step 2: Shop Through Rakuten

Before buying anything online:

• Go to rakuten.com and search for the store
• Click the store link on Rakuten’s site
• Shop normally on the retailer’s website
• Cashback tracks automatically

Or install the browser extension. It alerts you when cashback is available and activates it with one click.

Step 3: Earn Cashback

Cashback percentages vary by store and time:

• Amazon: Up to 6% (varies by category)
• Walmart: 1-8%
• Target: 1-8%
• Best Buy: 1-10%
• Home Depot: 1-8%
• Nike: 2-15%

During promotions (Black Friday, holidays), rates often double.

Step 4: Get Paid

Rakuten pays quarterly via:

• PayPal
• Physical check
• Amex points (if you prefer)

You need at least $5.01 to receive payment. If you earn less, it rolls to the next quarter.

The Real Numbers: How Much Can You Earn?

Let’s be realistic. You’re not getting rich from Rakuten. But the savings add up.

Example: Average Online Shopper

• Annual online spending: $3,000
• Average cashback rate: 5%
• Annual cashback: $150

That’s $150 for clicking one extra button before shopping.

Example: Big Purchase

• New laptop: $1,200
• Best Buy cashback: 6%
• Cashback earned: $72

For 30 seconds of effort, you saved $72.

Example: Holiday Shopping

• Gifts and decorations: $800
• Average rate during promotions: 10%
• Cashback earned: $80

The Pros of Rakuten

✓ Completely Free

No membership fees. No hidden costs. They make money from retailers, not from you.

✓ Effortless Once Set Up

The browser extension makes it automatic. You get alerts before checkout. One click activates cashback.

✓ Stacks with Other Savings

Use Rakuten WITH:

• Credit card rewards (double dip!)
• Store sales and coupons
• Discount gift cards

✓ Huge Retailer Network

3,500+ stores. If you shop online, Rakuten probably works there.

✓ Reliable Payments

They’ve paid out over $2 billion since 1999. Payments arrive on schedule.

✓ In-Store Cashback

Link a credit card and earn cashback at physical stores too. Limited selection but growing.

✓ Good Referral Program

Refer friends, earn $30 each. If you have an audience or social network, this adds up fast.

The Cons of Rakuten

✗ Privacy Trade-Offs

Rakuten tracks your shopping behavior. They know what you buy, when you buy it, and how much you spend. If privacy matters deeply to you, this is a concern.

✗ Quarterly Payments Only

No instant gratification. You wait up to 3 months for your money. Dates are:

• February 15 (for Oct-Dec purchases)
• May 15 (for Jan-Mar purchases)
• August 15 (for Apr-Jun purchases)
• November 15 (for Jul-Sep purchases)

✗ Cashback Can Be Declined

If you return items, use certain coupons, or violate terms, cashback gets denied. Always read the fine print for each store.

✗ Can Encourage Spending

“I’m getting 10% back” can justify purchases you wouldn’t make otherwise. Cashback on a $100 impulse buy is still $90 spent.

✗ Exclusions Apply

Gift cards, some electronics, certain brands—cashback doesn’t apply to everything. Check exclusions before buying.

✗ Customer Service Issues

When cashback doesn’t track properly (happens occasionally), getting help can be slow. Document everything.

Rakuten vs. Competitors

Feature	Rakuten	Honey	TopCashback	Swagbucks
Cashback Rates	Good	Lower	Often highest	Similar
Coupon Finding	No	Yes	No	Some
Payment Frequency	Quarterly	Periodic	Anytime	Anytime
Minimum Payout	$5.01	Gold points	No minimum	$1
Referral Bonus	$30	500 points	$10	300 SB
Best For	Simplicity	Coupons	Max rates	Multiple earn methods

Maximizing Your Rakuten Earnings

Always Check Before Checkout

Make it a habit. Before clicking “buy,” open Rakuten or check the extension.

Stack Your Savings

Best combination:

1. Find item on sale
2. Apply coupon code (Honey or RetailMeNot)
3. Activate Rakuten cashback
4. Pay with rewards credit card

This “quadruple dip” maximizes savings on big purchases.

Time Big Purchases with Promotions

Rakuten runs “Big Give Week” events with doubled rates. Plan major purchases around these.

Use the Mobile App

In-store cashback requires the app. Link your cards and check participating stores before shopping.

Refer Friends Strategically

Your referral link earns you $30 per signup. Share when people are already planning to shop.

Check for Exclusions

Some stores exclude specific categories. Know before you buy to avoid disappointment.

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: Cashback Didn’t Track

Solution: Submit a missing cashback claim within 45 days. Keep order confirmations as proof.

Problem: Ad Blockers Interfere

Solution: Disable ad blockers on Rakuten and retailer sites. They can prevent tracking.

Problem: Using Coupons Breaks Cashback

Solution: Read terms for each store. Some allow coupons, others don’t.

Problem: Forgot to Activate

Solution: The browser extension helps. Or set a phone reminder before planned purchases.

Is Rakuten Worth It?

Yes, If:

• You shop online regularly
• You’re organized enough to remember to use it
• You make planned purchases, not impulse buys
• You’ll actually wait for quarterly payments

No, If:

• You rarely shop online
• You won’t remember to activate it
• Privacy concerns outweigh the savings
• You need cash immediately

The Bottom Line

Rakuten is legitimate, reliable, and genuinely saves money for online shoppers. It’s not life-changing cash, but $100-300 per year for minimal effort is real money.

The browser extension makes it nearly automatic. Install it, use it habitually, and enjoy quarterly deposits.

Just don’t let cashback justify purchases you wouldn’t make otherwise. That’s how they win.

This is not financial advice. This is an independent review. Rakuten did not sponsor this content.

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