The Easiest Way to Get Cash Back: How Rakuten Helps You Save While You Shop

If you're spending money online and not using Rakuten, you're missing out on a simple way to earn cash on purchases you're already making. Rakuten is a free cashback platform that rewards you with real money—just for shopping through their links. Even better, new users receive a $30 welcome bonus after their first qualifying purchase.

This guide will walk you through what Rakuten does, how to use it correctly, and how to maximize your earnings with very little effort.

What is Rakuten? A Quick Overview

Rakuten is a cashback service that partners with thousands of popular retailers. When you buy something through one of Rakuten’s referral links, the retailer pays Rakuten a small commission. Rakuten then gives a portion of that commission back to you.

There’s no cost to sign up, no hidden fees, and no complicated steps. It’s one of the most straightforward ways to earn money from shopping online.

How to Use Rakuten in 5 Simple Steps

1. Create an Account and Unlock Your Bonus

Sign up through this link to qualify for Rakuten’s $30 welcome bonus. 

To receive the bonus, your first purchase must be at least $30 (before tax and shipping) and made through Rakuten within 90 days of signing up.

2. Install the Browser Extension

Rakuten offers a free browser extension that alerts you when you visit a participating retailer. You can activate cashback directly on the store’s website without having to go back to Rakuten.com.

This tool is optional but makes the process seamless and hard to forget.

3. Start Shopping at Partnered Stores

You can shop in two ways:

-Use the Rakuten website: Login, find your preferred store, and click the link to activate cashback.

-Use the browser extension: If you land on a Rakuten-partnered site, it will prompt you to turn on cashback with one click.

Once activated, your purchase is automatically tracked.

4. Complete Your First Purchase to Receive the $30 Bonus

As long as your first eligible order is $30 or more and made through Rakuten, the $30 bonus will be added to your cashback balance after the purchase is verified.

You can check the status of your cashback and bonus in your account dashboard.

5. Receive Your Payout

Rakuten issues payments every three months. You can choose to be paid via PayPal or by check.

How to Maximize Your Earnings with Rakuten

-Plan purchases through Rakuten: Especially when buying big-ticket items like electronics, furniture, or travel.

-Use during sales events: Cashback rates are often higher during major shopping events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

-Book travel: Earn cashback on flights, hotel stays, and car rentals from sites like Expedia, Hotels.com, and Booking.com.

-Stack with credit card rewards: Use Rakuten and your cashback credit card to double your benefit.

-Refer friends: Rakuten also rewards you when people sign up using your referral link and make a qualifying purchase.

Is Rakuten a Trusted Platform?

Yes. Rakuten has been operating since 1997 and is now part of a global e-commerce company based in Japan. It has paid out billions in cashback to users and maintains strong partnerships with reputable retailers.

It’s not a scam, a coupon site, or a rewards program—it’s a legitimate way to earn real money from shopping online.

Final Thoughts

Rakuten is one of the easiest ways to earn extra money with minimal effort. If you shop online even a few times a month, using Rakuten can lead to significant savings over time—especially when combined with store sales, coupons, and credit card perks.

Plus, the $30 sign-up bonus makes now a great time to join.

Click here to sign up and claim your $30 cashback bonus → Get Started with Rakuten

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.

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