Stop Overpaying: How to Use Rakuten to Get Money Back When You Shop

Most people know how to find a discount code—but far fewer know they can get paid just for shopping online. That’s exactly what Rakuten helps you do. As a cashback platform, Rakuten gives you money back when you make purchases at thousands of top retailers—and if you're new to the platform, you can also claim a $30 bonus when you sign up and spend $30 or more.

If you’re looking to stretch your budget or earn passive cash from purchases you were already going to make, this guide is for you.

What is Rakuten and Why It Works

Rakuten partners with over 3,500 online stores—think Target, Ulta, Nike, and Expedia. When you shop through Rakuten, the store pays Rakuten a commission for referring you. Rakuten then shares that commission with you in the form of cashback.

It costs you nothing extra. You just activate cashback before you check out, and Rakuten handles the rest.

How to Use Rakuten to Start Earning Cashback

Step 1: Sign Up for a Free Account

To qualify for the $30 bonus, you’ll need to sign up through this link. Once you create your account and spend at least $30 at any partner store, you’ll receive the bonus.

Signing up takes less than a minute, and you can use your email, Google account, or Facebook login to get started.

Step 2: Add the Rakuten Extension to Your Browser

To make sure you never forget to activate cashback, install Rakuten’s free browser extension. It automatically notifies you when you’re on a participating site and gives you one-click access to enable cashback tracking.

Step 3: Shop Normally—but Activate Cashback First

There are two ways to activate cashback:

-Through the Rakuten website: Login, search for the store, click the link, and shop as usual.

-With the browser extension: If you land on a Rakuten partner site, the extension will prompt you to turn cashback on.

Once activated, just complete your order like you normally would.

Step 4: Unlock Your $30 Welcome Bonus

Make a purchase of $30 or more through Rakuten within 90 days of signing up. Once your transaction is verified, Rakuten will credit your account with a $30 bonus.

You can check your cashback status anytime in your dashboard.

Step 5: Receive Your Cashback

Rakuten pays out quarterly. You can choose to receive your cashback by PayPal or have a check mailed to you. Here’s the payout calendar:

Tips to Earn More with Rakuten

-Compare cashback rates: Some stores offer more than others. Check Rakuten before buying big-ticket items.

-Look for double cashback events: Rakuten frequently increases rates for limited-time promotions.

-Book travel through Rakuten: Earn on hotels, flights, and vacation packages.

-Refer friends: You’ll earn extra cash for every person who signs up through your referral link and shops.

Is Rakuten Safe to Use?

Absolutely. Rakuten has been in operation since 1997, originally under the name Ebates. It’s owned by a global e-commerce company and has paid out billions in cashback to users. You don’t need to store payment info or make purchases through Rakuten directly—it simply tracks your visits and purchases via secure links or its browser extension.

Final Thoughts: Why Rakuten Is Worth Signing Up For

Rakuten is one of the few tools that lets you earn money back on things you were planning to buy anyway. With thousands of store partners and no fees to join, it’s a smart way to stretch your budget a little further.

If you're new, don’t miss out on the $30 welcome bonus. Sign up today and start getting rewarded for your everyday shopping.

Create your Rakuten account and claim your $30 bonus → Sign up here

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