Getting Started with Rakuten
How Does Rakuten Work?
Earning Cash Back with Rakuten is simple.
- Start at Rakuten and choose a store. You can use our website, mobile app, or browser extension.
- Activate Cash Back to start shopping. Once you make an eligible purchase, we’ll add Cash Back to your account.
- Get paid! Add your address and get paid via check or PayPal.
That’s all you have to do.
Once a store confirms your purchase with us, we add Cash Back to your account and notify you via email or push notification. The time it takes for Cash Back to be confirmed depends on several factors, including the store, store policy, reporting schedule, exclusions and returns.
We’ll send your first payment as soon as 15 days after your first purchase. After that, we’ll send your Cash Back payment every three months. If there’s any Cash Back pending, we’ll carry it over to your next payment.
Remember, you can only earn Cash Back if you start shopping at Rakuten. If you make a purchase without going through Rakuten, we won't be able to reward you with Cash Back. You can always try our browser extension which will notify you about Cash Back deals when you’re on a website. It’ll even find coupons for you!
How does Rakuten make money?
We know, it seems too good to be true. Here’s the deal: Stores pay us for sending them shoppers. Then we split that money with you as Cash Back. Everyone wins!
The Many Ways to Earn Cash Back With Rakuten
We offer several features and tools, so you can earn Cash Back in the ways that work best for you.
The Rakuten Mobile App
Our 4-star Rakuten App ensures you’re always connected to savings.
To get started, visit your app store to find the Rakuten App and download it onto your mobile device. Once you’ve downloaded the app, you can activate a Rakuten Shopping Trip by clicking a Rakuten link.
When you’ve started a Shopping Trip, a window will open within the Rakuten App that lets you know that Cash Back has been activated. That window will then direct you to the store’s site to start shopping. If for any reason that store does not offer Cash Back through the mobile app, you will be notified in the activation window.
Learn More About Rakuten Mobile AppsÂ
The Rakuten Cash Back Button
Our Cash Back Button is an automated tool that proactively finds discounts and lets you earn Cash Back — without visiting Rakuten first.
To get started, first visit your browser store, search for the Rakuten Cash Back Button and download it. Once you’ve downloaded the Cash Back Button, you’ll see it in your browser bar.
Then, when you visit a store’s website, you’ll get a drop-down notification of the Cash Back and coupons offered at that store. Simply click on that drop down to start earning Cash Back, without interrupting your shopping.
You can also activate Cash Back through the Cash Back Button icon that appears on your browser bar by clicking on store cards, coupons and more. In both cases, you will be notified that Cash Back has been activated.
If for any reason, the store does not offer Cash Back through the Cash Back Button, the notification will not appear.
Learn More About the Cash Back Button
In-Store Cash Back
Now you can enjoy Cash Back, even when you shop in a brick and mortar store.
To get started, link your credit or debit card to your Rakuten account. Then, when you find an In-Store Cash Back offer that interests you, simply activate it and shop in the store with that card.
Learn More About In-Store Cash Back
Note: There are Exclusions & Limitations to earning Cash Back with In-Store Cash Back.
You can always activate a Rakuten Shopping Trip by following links from our emails. If the link sends you shopping, a window will open that lets you know that Cash Back has been activated.
Rakuten.com
Shopping through our website is easy.Â
Members activate a Rakuten Shopping Trip by clicking a Rakuten link, found in buttons, coupons, store links, banners and more. When you click, a new window will open. This window will let you know that a Shopping Trip has been activated and will send you along to the store’s site to start shopping.
How to Join Rakuten
Joining Rakuten is simple and free. Once you sign up, you can start shopping and earning Cash Back on qualifying purchases.
Creating a Rakuten account
Create a secure account with an email and password. You can also join using your Facebook, or Google or Apple account.
Friend referrals
Love Rakuten? Spread the word of Cash Back with friends and we’ll give a bonus to you and a bonus to them!
If you were referred by a friend, there are two ways to make sure everyone gets their bonus:
- Use the link that was sent to you by your friend. It’s the easiest way!
- When prompted to join, select “Did someone refer you?” at the bottom of the form and enter your friend’s email. Your friend’s email must be the one they use for their Rakuten account.
How Rakuten Bonus Offers Work
Rakuten offers bonuses, including:
- Boost bonuses
- Refer-A-Friend bonuses, received after your referral makes a qualifying purchase.
- Bonus offers for making a qualifying purchase with select stores and services.
- And more!
How can I redeem bonus offers?
Each bonus offer has its own details, terms and exclusions. Be sure to check bonus terms to understand what you have to do to earn your bonus.
Where can I find my earned bonuses?
Any bonus earned will be listed in your Cash Back Balance. Bonuses can be found below Cash Back on Purchases. For any bonus earned in a previous pay period, visit your Big Fat Check History.
Read up on these articles to learn more about our bonuses:
Boost Bonus FAQ
What’s a Cash Back boost?
A Cash Back boost is a special bonus that offers more Cash Back on top of the normal Cash Back rate.
How does the boost work?
If the normal Cash Back rate is 5% and we offer you a 5% boost, you’ll get 10% Cash Back on your purchase until you hit the boost cap.
How does the boost cap work?
There’s a limit on how much you can earn with a boost. Be sure to check the reward details and terms to find out the boost cap.
Do the Cash Back rates I see include the boost?
Yes, when a boost is unlocked, any rate you see on Rakuten will include the normal Cash Back + the boost rate.
Can any purchase use a boost?
Like all our deals, certain stores, items and categories may be excluded from earning Cash Back. Be sure to check the reward details and terms of your boost to understand the boost exclusions and cap.
Do boosts expire?
Yes, each boost has a certain timeframe in which you can use it. Be sure to check the reward details and terms to know how long you have to use your boost.