Earn Real Cash Back with Rakuten: A Practical Guide to Getting Started
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Shopping online is already a part of everyday life—but what if you could get paid for doing it? That’s exactly what Rakuten offers. It’s a free cashback platform that rewards you for shopping at your favorite stores, and they’re currently offering a $30 bonus just for signing up and making a qualifying purchase.
This guide will show you how Rakuten works, how to set up your account correctly, and how to maximize your earnings every time you buy something online.
What Is Rakuten and How Does It Benefit You?
Rakuten is a cashback service that connects you with thousands of major online retailers. When you make a purchase through Rakuten’s portal or browser extension, the store pays Rakuten a commission—and Rakuten gives you a portion of that as cashback.
It’s simple: you shop as usual, and Rakuten gives you money back. No points, no gimmicks. Just real cash delivered through PayPal or by check every quarter.
Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission if you click on one of the links and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
SUBSCRIBE NOW to get your FREE Rakuten Starter Kit!
How to Start Using Rakuten (Step-by-Step)
1. Create Your Free Rakuten Account
To get started, head to Rakuten via this special link. You’ll be eligible for a $30 welcome bonus once you make a qualifying purchase of $30 or more. Signing up only takes a minute and requires an email address or Google/Facebook account.
2. Add the Rakuten Browser Extension
While you can always start your shopping journey from Rakuten’s homepage, the browser extension ensures you never forget to activate cashback. It automatically alerts you when cashback is available at a store you’re visiting and makes activation effortless with one click.
3. Activate Cashback Before You Shop
There are two main ways to earn:
-Through the Rakuten website: Search for a retailer, click their link from Rakuten, and shop as normal.
-Through the extension: Rakuten will pop up on eligible sites and ask if you'd like to activate cashback—just confirm and continue shopping.
Once activated, your order is tracked, and your cashback will appear in your account within a few days.
4. Unlock Your $30 Welcome Bonus
After your first purchase of $30 or more (not including tax or shipping), Rakuten will automatically add a $30 bonus to your account. This must be completed within 90 days of signing up.
5. Receive Your Payment
Rakuten pays out earnings every three months via PayPal or check. Here’s the current payout schedule:
| Earning Period | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January – March | May 15 |
| April – June | August 15 |
| July – September | November 15 |
| October – December | February 15 |
You can track your pending earnings and bonus status from your Rakuten dashboard.
Ways to Get the Most Out of Rakuten
-Use it for travel bookings: Get cashback on flights, hotels, and rental cars through partners like Expedia and Priceline.
-Stack savings: Combine Rakuten cashback with store discounts, promo codes, or credit card rewards.
-Shop seasonal sales: Cashback rates often increase during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and back-to-school promotions.
-Refer friends: Earn additional bonuses when people sign up using your personal referral link.
Is Rakuten Trustworthy?
Yes. Rakuten has been around since 1997 (originally as Ebates) and is now part of a publicly traded company. It’s paid out billions in cashback to its users and has partnerships with thousands of major retailers. There’s no catch—just an incentive system that benefits everyone involved.
Start Saving with Rakuten Today
If you’re making online purchases and not using Rakuten, you’re missing an easy opportunity to earn money. Signing up is free, and with the $30 bonus for new users, there’s no better time to try it.
Sign up for Rakuten here and claim your $30 bonus after your first $30 purchase → Start now
SUBSCRIBE NOW to get your FREE Rakuten Starter Kit!