How to Use Rakuten to Get Cash Back When Shopping Online: Your Ultimate Guide

Hey, savvy shopper! 🛒 Ever wish you could get a little extra cash just for shopping online? Well, with Rakuten, you can! Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates) is one of those nifty tools that lets you earn cash back on your online purchases. It’s super easy to use and can save you some serious bucks. Let’s dive into how you can make the most out of Rakuten and start earning cash back today.

What is Rakuten?

Before we jump into the how-to, let’s quickly cover what Rakuten is. Rakuten is a cash-back and rewards platform that partners with thousands of online retailers. When you shop through Rakuten’s links, you get a percentage of your purchase back as cash. It’s like getting a little bonus for buying things you were already planning to buy!

Step 1: Sign Up for a Rakuten Account

  1. Visit the Rakuten Website: Go to Rakuten’s homepage.
  2. Create an Account: Click on “Join Now” or “Sign Up” at the top right corner of the page. You’ll need to provide your email address and create a password. If you’re feeling fancy, you can also sign up using your Facebook or Google account for a quicker process.
  3. Verify Your Email: Check your inbox for a confirmation email from Rakuten and click the verification link to activate your account.

Step 2: Install the Rakuten Browser Extension

This little tool will make your life so much easier!

  1. Download the Extension: After logging into Rakuten, look for a prompt to install the Rakuten browser extension. If you don’t see it, you can find it by searching “Rakuten Extension” in your browser’s extension store (like the Chrome Web Store).
  2. Add the Extension: Click “Add” or “Install” and follow the prompts to add the extension to your browser. It’s available for most major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.
  3. Log In: Once the extension is installed, click on the Rakuten icon in your browser’s toolbar and log in with your Rakuten account details.

Step 3: Start Shopping!

Now for the fun part—shopping and earning cash back!

  1. Browse Rakuten’s Site: Go to the Rakuten website and browse through their list of retailers. You can search for specific stores or browse by category.
  2. Click Through Rakuten: When you find a store you want to shop at, click on the store’s link through Rakuten. This will redirect you to the retailer’s site while tracking your cash back.
  3. Shop as Usual: Once you’re on the retailer’s site, shop like you normally would. Add items to your cart and complete your purchase.
  4. Track Your Cash Back: After your purchase is complete, Rakuten will track your cash back and add it to your account. This might take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the store’s processing times.

Step 4: Check Your Cash Back Balance

  1. Log In to Rakuten: Head back to Rakuten’s website and log into your account.
  2. View Your Cash Back: Go to the “Account” section or “Cash Back” tab to see your balance and the status of your pending cash back.
  3. Track Your Transactions: You can review past transactions to see how much you’ve earned and from which retailers.

Step 5: Redeem Your Cash Back

Once you’ve accumulated enough cash back, it’s time to cash out!

  1. Set Up Payment: Click on “Account” and then “Payment Settings” to set up your preferred payment method. Rakuten typically offers options like PayPal or a check.
  2. Request a Payment: Once you meet the minimum payout threshold (usually around $5 or $10), you can request your cash back. Click on “Request Payment” or a similar option.
  3. Receive Your Cash: Depending on the payment method you chose, you’ll receive your cash back either in your PayPal account or as a check in the mail.

Tips for Maximizing Your Cash Back

  1. Check for Coupons: Rakuten often lists available coupons for partnered stores. Use these to save even more!
  2. Shop During Special Promotions: Keep an eye out for double cash back days or special promotions that can boost your earnings.
  3. Refer Friends: Rakuten has a referral program where you can earn bonus cash back by referring friends. Check the “Refer a Friend” section to get your unique referral link.
Final Thoughts

Rakuten is a fantastic way to earn cash back effortlessly while shopping online. It’s super easy to use, and once you’ve got it set up, you can start saving money with every purchase. So, what are you waiting for? Sign up, install the extension, and start shopping smarter today!

Happy cash-back shopping! đź’¸

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