Rakuten: Everything You Need To Know About The Money Saving App

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If you’re someone who loves finding deals, discounts, and ways to save money on your online shopping, you’ve probably heard of Rakuten. But you may still be wondering: What is it exactly? How does it work? Is it actually a legit way to save money? You’re not alone—so let’s dive into everything you need to know about Rakuten, from how it helps you save cash to whether you can trust it with your purchases.

If you’ve heard of Rakuten but aren't sure exactly how it works, don’t worry. Let’s dive into what Rakuten is, how it functions, and why it’s a game-changer for savvy shoppers looking to save a few bucks (or more!).

What is Rakuten?

Founded in 1998 originally as Ebates, Rakuten is an e-commerce and cash back service that helps you earn money when you shop at thousands of partner retailers. It’s like a virtual shopping assistant that not only helps you find great deals but also gives you a percentage of your purchase back. In other words, you get cash back for buying things you would already be purchasing online.

Originally known as Ebates (you might remember the name), Rakuten has been around for over 20 years, but it’s only gotten more popular in recent years thanks to its easy-to-use platform and tons of big-name retailers.

How Does Rakuten Work?

It’s actually pretty simple. Here’s how it works:

Sign Up: First, you’ll need to create a free account on Rakuten’s website or app. You can sign up using this link. It takes just a few minutes, and once you're in, you can start shopping right away.

Browse Stores: Once you're logged in, you’ll find hundreds of stores listed in Rakuten’s marketplace. These stores cover a wide range of categories like fashion, electronics, home goods, and even travel. Popular retailers like Walmart, Macy’s, Amazon, Best Buy, and Sephora are all part of the Rakuten family.

Click and Shop: When you find something you want, just click on the retailer’s link through Rakuten. This takes you to the store’s site, where you can shop as you normally would.

Earn Cash Back: Once you make a purchase, Rakuten tracks your order and sends a percentage of your purchase back to you in the form of cash back. This percentage varies depending on the retailer and the promotion, but it can range anywhere from 1% to 10% or more. Some special deals even offer higher cash back, especially during holiday sales or limited-time offers.

Get Paid: You can choose how you want to receive your cash back. Rakuten lets you get paid via PayPal or a check, and payouts are made quarterly. Plus, if you don’t want to wait for the next payout, Rakuten gives you the option to redeem your cash back through gift cards from a variety of popular retailers.

How Can Rakuten Save You Money?

Now, you might be wondering: “But how does Rakuten actually save me money if I’m still spending money?” It’s a valid question, and here’s the breakdown:

Cash Back on Everyday Purchases: If you shop regularly at stores like Amazon, Target, or Walmart, Rakuten gives you the chance to earn cash back on those purchases. That’s money back in your pocket without having to do anything extra—just use the platform like you would for any other online shopping trip.

Stack with Coupons and Sales: Rakuten doesn’t just offer cash back, it also frequently features exclusive coupons and promo codes. Many of these can be used in combination with the cash back offer, meaning you get both a discount and money back on your purchase. So, it's like a double win!

Special Deals and Bonuses: Rakuten often runs promotions where you can earn bonus cash back or even get a lump sum if you spend over a certain amount at a specific retailer. For example, you could earn $10 or $20 back on a $50 purchase, which adds up quickly.

Referral Program: Want to earn more? Rakuten has a referral program where you can invite friends to join. When they make their first qualifying purchase, you get a bonus (and they do too!). This is a super easy way to rack up extra cash back by simply spreading the word.

Travel Savings: Rakuten doesn’t just cover shopping for goods, it also offers cash back on travel bookings. You can earn cash back when booking hotels, flights, or car rentals through Rakuten’s travel partners, which can be a big savings for vacations and business trips.

Why Use Rakuten?

There’s no fee to join Rakuten, so it’s a no-brainer if you do any online shopping at all. Why wouldn’t you want to earn cash back and score deals on things you were already planning to buy?

On top of the money you earn, Rakuten’s user-friendly platform makes it easy to track your earnings, find the best stores, and stay on top of deals. Plus, it’s available as both a website and an app, so you can shop and save no matter where you are.

Is Rakuten Legitimate?

Okay, but here’s the burning question: Is Rakuten trustworthy? Is it safe to use? The short answer is yes, Rakuten is totally legitimate. It’s been around for over two decades and has millions of users who swear by it for saving money. Plus, it’s been recognized by a lot of big names in the industry. In fact, Rakuten is now a publicly traded company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, and it has a solid reputation across the globe.

Here’s why Rakuten is legit:

Security: Rakuten takes security seriously. It uses industry-standard encryption to protect your personal and financial information. Plus, PayPal payouts offer an extra layer of protection for your cash.

Customer Service: Rakuten has a customer support team available if you ever run into any issues with your cash back. They’re quick to respond and generally helpful if there are any problems with tracking your earnings or redeeming your cash back.

Transparency: Everything about Rakuten’s cash back process is clear. You know exactly how much cash back you’re earning, and it’s easy to track your earnings through the site or app. They don’t hide anything behind confusing language or unexpected fees.

Partnered with Trusted Brands: Rakuten works with major retailers and brands, so you’re not just getting cash back from random, unknown sites. These are big names with reputations to uphold, which gives extra credibility to Rakuten’s claims of offering real deals and rewards.

Final Thoughts

Rakuten is one of those rare platforms where it actually pays you to shop. It’s free to sign up, easy to use, and a great way to earn cash back on the things you’re already buying online. Plus, the opportunity to stack coupons and take advantage of special deals makes it even more attractive.

If you love to save money and shop online, Rakuten is a no-brainer. And yes, it’s totally legitimate, it’s been trusted by millions of shoppers, and its reputation is solid. So, if you’re not already on the Rakuten bandwagon, it’s time to hop on and start earning cash back with every purchase. Happy saving!