Get Cash Back When Shopping Online with Rakuten!

If you love a good deal and want to save some extra cash while shopping online, then Rakuten is a game-changer. Rakuten is one of the easiest ways to get cashback on purchases from tons of popular stores. Plus, there’s no catch—it’s genuinely free money back in your pocket just for shopping at places you already love. In this post, I’ll break down exactly how to start earning cashback with Rakuten, so you can stretch your budget and treat yourself without the guilt. Ready? Let’s get started!

Step 1: Sign Up for Rakuten

The first step is creating your Rakuten account. It’s totally free to sign up, and Rakuten even gives new members a welcome bonus after they make their first qualifying purchase. Here’s how to sign up:

  1. Go to Rakuten’s Website: Click the “Join Now” button on the homepage.

  2. Fill Out Your Info: You can sign up with an email address or simply use a Google or Facebook account to make it even easier.

  3. Look Out for Your Welcome Bonus: Rakuten often offers a bonus (usually around $10-$30) when you make your first purchase, so keep an eye on that! You don’t have to do anything extra; just make sure your first purchase is with one of Rakuten’s partner stores.

That’s it! Once you’re signed up, you’re ready to start earning cashback right away.

Step 2: Find the Best Cashback Deals on Rakuten

Rakuten partners with thousands of online stores, offering anywhere from 1% to 10% (or even more) cashback. From fashion and beauty to travel bookings and electronics, you can find cashback deals in almost every category. Here’s how to find the best deals:

  1. Search for Your Favorite Stores: Go to Rakuten’s website or open the app, and use the search bar to find stores you want to shop at. You’ll see the current cashback rate next to each store name.

  2. Browse Categories: Not sure where to start? Browse through categories like Travel, Electronics, or Clothing to find high cashback rates. You may even discover new stores you love!

  3. Double Cashback Events: Rakuten frequently hosts double cashback events where certain stores offer twice the usual rate. These events are perfect for holiday shopping or big purchases, so check in regularly.

Step 3: Activate Cashback Before You Shop

Now that you’ve found a store offering cashback, you’ll want to activate the cashback offer before you make your purchase. There are a couple of ways to do this:

Option 1: Shop Directly Through Rakuten’s Website

  1. Click the Store Link on Rakuten: On the Rakuten website, find the store you want and click the link. This will activate the cashback offer and take you to the store’s website.

  2. Shop as Usual: Add items to your cart and check out like you normally would. Rakuten will track your purchase and apply the cashback to your account within a few days.

Option 2: Use the Rakuten Browser Extension

This is my favorite way to shop with Rakuten because it’s so easy!

  1. Install the Rakuten Browser Extension: The extension is available for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.

  2. Shop Online Like Normal: When you’re on a partner store’s website, the extension will automatically pop up to let you know cashback is available. Just click “Activate” when prompted, and you’re all set.

With the extension, you never have to remember to go through Rakuten’s site—it’s always there to remind you of available cashback deals!

Step 4: Get Cashback on In-Store Purchases

Rakuten doesn’t just work online! You can also earn cashback at physical stores. Here’s how:

  1. Download the Rakuten App: Open the Rakuten app on your smartphone.

  2. Link a Credit or Debit Card: In the app, link the card you plan to use in-store for purchases.

  3. Find In-Store Cashback Offers: Go to the “In-Store” tab and look for stores near you that offer cashback. Activate the offer in the app before you shop.

  4. Shop as Normal: Once you’ve activated an in-store offer, just use your linked card to pay, and Rakuten will handle the cashback automatically.

Step 5: Earn More with the Rakuten Referral Program

Once you’ve tried Rakuten and are loving the cashback, you can share the love (and earn even more). Rakuten has a referral program where you can earn bonuses for each friend who signs up through your link and makes a qualifying purchase.

  1. Get Your Unique Referral Link: In your Rakuten account, look for the “Refer a Friend” section to get your unique referral link.

  2. Share with Friends: Send the link to friends, family, or post it on social media. They’ll get a welcome bonus, and you’ll get a bonus after their first purchase. Win-win!

  3. Earn Extra Cash: Rakuten often runs special referral promotions, where they increase the referral bonus for a limited time. Keep an eye out for those for even more cashback!

Step 6: Get Paid via PayPal or Big Fat Check

Rakuten makes getting paid super easy, and you have two options:

  1. Choose Your Payment Method: Rakuten pays out quarterly, and you can select PayPal for direct deposits or opt to receive a “Big Fat Check” mailed to you.

  2. Meet the Payout Threshold: As long as you’ve earned over $5 in cashback by the end of a quarter, Rakuten will send you your cashback automatically. If you’re below the threshold, your earnings roll over to the next quarter.

  3. Stack Your Savings: Don’t forget to check Rakuten’s “Hot Deals” section for special coupons and codes. You can often stack these savings with cashback for even bigger discounts.

Final Thoughts: Start Earning with Rakuten Today

Getting cashback with Rakuten is seriously one of the easiest ways to save money on purchases you’re already making. With the browser extension, mobile app, and in-store cashback options, Rakuten makes it so simple to save every time you shop.

If you haven’t tried it yet, sign up here and start putting some of that shopping money back in your wallet. Happy saving, and enjoy your cash back!

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