How to Get Paid for Shopping Online: A Beginner’s Guide to Rakuten
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Online shopping is part of daily life—but most people don’t realize they can earn cash back on their purchases without doing anything extra. That’s where Rakuten comes in. It’s a free cashback platform that rewards you for shopping at thousands of major retailers, and new users receive a $30 bonus after their first qualifying order.
If you’re new to Rakuten or just curious how it works, this guide walks you through the setup and earning process step by step.
What Is Rakuten and Why Should You Use It?
Rakuten is a cashback website and browser extension that connects shoppers with online retailers. When you buy something through Rakuten’s link, the store pays Rakuten a referral commission—and Rakuten shares that commission with you.
You don’t need to clip coupons or enter promo codes. If you activate cashback before checkout, you’ll earn a percentage of your purchase back as cash. It’s that simple.
How to Use Rakuten (Step-by-Step Setup)
1. Sign Up for a Free Rakuten Account
Start by creating your account through this referral link to unlock a $30 bonus. Once you spend at least $30 through Rakuten within 90 days, the bonus will be added to your earnings. Signing up is quick—you’ll just need an email address or can register via Google or Facebook.
2. Install the Browser Extension
Rakuten’s free browser extension ensures you don’t miss a cashback opportunity. When you visit a participating site, it will prompt you to activate cashback. With one click, Rakuten begins tracking your purchase.
3. Shop Through Rakuten to Earn
You can earn cashback in two ways:
-Use the Rakuten website: Log in, search for your favorite store, and click through their link to begin shopping.
-Use the extension: If you land on a Rakuten partner store, the extension will alert you to activate cashback right away.
From there, just check out like normal—Rakuten handles the tracking behind the scenes.
4. Make Your First Qualifying Purchase
To qualify for the $30 bonus, spend at least $30 in one transaction (excluding tax and shipping) within 90 days of signing up. Once the purchase is confirmed, the bonus will appear in your Rakuten balance.
5. Get Paid Quarterly
Rakuten issues payments every three months, either by check or via PayPal. Here’s when you can expect to receive your cash:
| Shopping Period | Payment Sent |
|---|---|
| Jan – Mar | May 15 |
| Apr – Jun | Aug 15 |
| Jul – Sep | Nov 15 |
| Oct – Dec | Feb 15 |
You can monitor your earnings through your Rakuten dashboard at any time.
Ways to Increase Your Rakuten Cashback
-Check for store-specific deals: Cashback percentages vary, and some stores offer limited-time higher rates.
-Use Rakuten for travel: Book flights, hotels, and rental cars through partners like Booking.com and Expedia.
-Combine with credit card rewards: You can earn Rakuten cashback and credit card points at the same time.
-Refer others: Rakuten’s referral program lets you earn bonuses by inviting friends or family.
Enter Your Email Here to Grab Your FREE Rakuten Starter Kit!
Is Rakuten Legitimate?
Yes—Rakuten is a trusted platform that has been operating since 1997 (previously as Ebates) and is backed by a global e-commerce company. It has paid out billions in cashback to users and is partnered with over 3,500 brands. There’s no catch or hidden fee—it’s a legitimate cashback service used by millions.
Conclusion: Why You Should Join Rakuten Today
Using Rakuten is one of the easiest ways to save money without changing your shopping habits. It takes just a minute to set up, and you’ll be earning cashback automatically on purchases you already make. And with a $30 welcome bonus on your first $30+ purchase, there’s no reason not to give it a try.
Sign up for Rakuten now and claim your $30 bonus → JOIN HERE
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.