How to Use Rakuten to Get Cash Back When Shopping Online

Ever feel like you're spending too much when you shop online? Yeah, same here. But what if I told you there's an easy way to save money (and even make some back) just by using Rakuten? It’s like getting rewarded for buying stuff you were going to buy anyway. Sounds good, right? Let me walk you through how it works step by step so you can start cashing in on those sweet savings.

Step 1: Sign Up for Rakuten

First things first, you’ll need to create an account. Here’s how:

  1. Go to Rakuten's website or download the Rakuten app from your app store.
  2. Hit the “Sign Up” button. You can create an account using your email, or if you’re lazy like me, just sign up with your Google or Facebook account. It’s quick and painless.
  3. Bonus: Rakuten often offers a sign-up bonus (like $10 or $30) after you make your first purchase. Don’t miss that free money!

Step 2: Find Stores and Deals

Rakuten partners with thousands of stores—from big names like Target, Amazon, and Walmart to smaller niche shops. Here’s how to find the best deals:

  1. Use the search bar on Rakuten’s site or app to look up a store you’re planning to shop at.
  2. Check the cash-back percentage listed next to the store’s name. Some stores offer 1%, while others might go as high as 15% or more during special promotions.
  3. Click on the store’s link from Rakuten. This ensures your purchase gets tracked so you earn cash back.

Step 3: Shop Like You Normally Would

Once you’re redirected to the store’s website, shop as usual. Add items to your cart and check out. That’s it. Rakuten tracks your purchase automatically and credits your account with the cashback.

Pro Tip: Make sure you don’t have any ad blockers enabled. Sometimes they can mess with Rakuten’s tracking.

Step 4: Double Dip on Savings

Want to maximize your savings? Try these hacks:

  1. Use Coupons: Rakuten often lists promo codes or coupons for extra discounts at your favorite stores. You’ll see these on the store’s page on Rakuten.
  2. Use a Cash-Back Credit Card: Stack Rakuten’s cash back with the rewards from your credit card. Cha-ching!
  3. Shop During Sales: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other big sales events often have boosted cash-back rates.

Step 5: Get Paid

The best part? Getting paid! Rakuten sends out payments every quarter via PayPal or a paper check. Here’s how to set it up:

  1. Go to your Rakuten account settings.
  2. Choose your payment method: PayPal or check.
  3. Make sure your total cash back hits $5.01 or more to get paid out. If you don’t hit the threshold, it rolls over to the next payment period.

Step 6: Refer Your Friends

Want to earn even more? Rakuten has a referral program. For every friend you refer, you’ll get a bonus (usually $30) when they sign up and make their first purchase. Your friends get a bonus too, so it’s a win-win.

  1. Share your unique referral link with friends and family.
  2. Post it on social media or send it in a group chat.
  3. Watch the bonuses roll in.

Final Thoughts

Using Rakuten is like getting paid to shop, and who doesn’t love that? It’s super simple to use and can save you a decent chunk of change over time. So, why not give it a try? You’ve got nothing to lose and plenty of cash back to gain.

If you’ve got any questions or tips of your own, drop them in the comments below. Happy shopping and saving!

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