The Ultimate Guide to Earning Cash Back with Rakuten

Introduction:

Want to save money every time you shop online? Rakuten (formerly Ebates) is one of the easiest ways to earn real cash back without changing your buying habits. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how it works, how to get the most out of it, and even reveal some lesser-known tips most people miss.

1. What is Rakuten?

Rakuten is a cashback platform that partners with over 3,500+ stores (like Walmart, Target, Sephora, and Best Buy). When you shop through Rakuten’s link, the retailer pays Rakuten a commission—and Rakuten shares a portion of that with you as cashback.

Pro Insight: This isn’t a coupon site. You get real cash, not points or credits.

2. How Does Rakuten Actually Make Money?

Rakuten earns money through a business model called affiliate marketing—but instead of keeping all the profits like most companies, they share a cut with you.

Here’s how it works in simple terms:

The Cashback Loop:

1. You start shopping by clicking a store link on Rakuten.

2. That store (like Nike or Walmart) tracks the referral and pays Rakuten a commission for sending you there.

3. Rakuten gives you a portion of that commission—real cashback in your account.

You don’t pay anything extra. The store pays Rakuten, and Rakuten pays you.

Why Do Stores Pay Rakuten?

Retailers are happy to pay Rakuten because:

-They only pay after a sale is made (performance-based marketing).

-Rakuten sends them high-intent shoppers (like you).

-It’s cheaper than running their own ads.

Think of Rakuten as a middleman that rewards you for where you were already planning to shop anyway.

3. Step-by-Step: How to Use Rakuten

Step 1: Sign Up (1 min)

-Go to Rakuten using my referral link to get a $30 bonus after your first $30 purchase.

-Create an account (email or Google/Facebook login).

Step 2: Install the Chrome Extension (Optional but Powerful)

-With Rakuten’s browser extension, you’ll get an alert when a cashback offer is available. No need to visit Rakuten manually.

-It also auto-applies coupons at checkout.

Step 3: Shop as Usual

-Search your favorite store from Rakuten’s site or use the extension.

-Click the store link from Rakuten.

-Shop and check out as usual.

Example:
Let’s say you spend $100 at Macy’s with 8% cashback → you earn $8.

4. When and How You Get Paid

Rakuten pays you every quarter via:

-PayPal

-Check in the mail

Payment schedule:

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5. Lesser-Known Tips to Maximize Rakuten

Stack Deals: Use Rakuten + credit card cashback + store promotions = triple savings.
Refer Friends: You earn $30 per referral—huge passive income potential.
Shop Travel: Rakuten offers cashback for flights, hotels, and car rentals too.
In-Store Cashback: Link your credit card to Rakuten and shop in person at select stores.

6. Mobile App Walkthrough

Don’t forget Rakuten’s mobile app for cashback on-the-go.

7. Is Rakuten Legit?

Yes—founded in 1997, Rakuten is publicly traded and has paid out over $2 billion in cashback. It’s not a scam or pyramid scheme—just affiliate marketing at scale.

8. FAQs

-Does Rakuten cost money? No, it's 100% free.

-Do I have to shop differently? Not really—just start from Rakuten’s site or extension.

-What if I return something? The cashback gets canceled too.

9. Final Thoughts + Freebie

Rakuten is one of the easiest ways to save money doing what you already do: shopping online. Whether you’re casually browsing or buying a big-ticket item, it pays to have Rakuten in your corner.

Ready to start? Use my Rakuten link to get a $30 welcome bonus
Click here to join Rakuten and get your bonus

Don’t Forget to Enter Your Email Address Below Get Your Free Rakuten Starter Pack:

-Checklist to never miss a cashback opportunity

-Tips to stack savings

-Referral tracker sheet

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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.