Let’s face it; most of us have gotten so accustomed to ordering almost everything that we need through Amazon that we may be missing out on some savings and cash back opportunities available elsewhere through other innovative sites. Rakuten is one of those sites. Formerly known as eBates, Rakuten is a site that everyone should be using for its substantial cash back opportunities.

What is Rakuten?

Rakuten is a leading cash back website that allows shoppers to earn money back on their online or in-store purchases through thousands of retailers. Rakuten partners with both large (Walmart, Target, Ulta, Macy’s, etc.), specialty and mid-size retailers to offer consumers the ability to earn cash back rewards on the purchases they make everyday. Beyond consumer products, Rakuten also features cash back rewards for services like travel, pest control, design services, restaurants and so much more.

How does Rakuten cash back work?

First and foremost, Rakuten is completely free to use. And one of the key advantages of Rakuten is that you can use it on your phone, tablet and computer. So in theory, you will never miss out on an opportunity to earn cash back when shopping on any device that you are using.

To get started, you can download the app on the phone or head over to rakuten.com if you are using a web browser. Then, simply, you would create an account. Once logged in, users can browse through Rakuten’s list of partner retailers and click on the retailer they want to shop. Rakuten will list the cash back percentages under each retailer listed on the site. Once the user clicks on the preferred retailer, Rakuten will direct the user to the retailer’s site and the user will shop as usual. It is highly critical that the shopper accesses the retailer through Rakuten’s app or website before checking out to receive the cash back rewards.

After the user completes the purchase by checking out, Rakuten will track the purchase and will credit the user’s account with the promised percentage of the purchase amount as cashback. Cash will accumulate and users will be paid quarterly either via PayPal or a check.

Tips for getting the most from Rakuten

Rakuten is one of the best cashback sites around today. Here are a few quick tips to maximize savings:

1. If you are shopping for a particular item that might be carried by multiple retailers, you can shop around directly on the Rakuten site/app. In addition to being able to search by retailer, you can also search by item. Within the search results, you can view the percentage of cash back offered by each retailer and select the retailer offering the most cashback.
2. If you have a credit card or debit card that offers cash back rewards, you can combine those rewards with Rakuten cash back to save even more money on your purchases.
3. Rakuten tends to significantly increase cash back percentages for many retailers around major holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas time.
4. Want to make even more money? Then refer your friends and family. Rakuten offers each user the opportunity to receive $30 for each friend and family members that opens a Rakuten account.

Pros of using Rakuten

• Access to thousands of retailers offering cash back, which far exceeds the cash back retailers offered through most credit and debit rewards programs.
• The platform is extremely user-friendly, making it simple to shop and accumulate rewards.
• In addition to cash back rewards, Rakuten offers users the ability to access retailer coupons and other deals.
• Rakuten offers a lucrative referral program that rewards users for referring friends and family.

Cons of using Rakuten

• Users have to remember to login to Rakuten to access the cash back rewards, which is sometimes difficult with impulse purchases.
• It can sometimes take a few days (sometimes a bit longer) for accounts to be credited with the cash back following purchases.
• Cash back payments are only sent every three months according to Rakuten’s payout schedule. At this time, payments are only made via check or PayPal.

How to sign up for Rakuten today

Simply click on the link* below to begin saving through Rakuten:

Rakuten Sign-Up

*The author will receive referral compensation for those using the link above.

The bottom line on Rakuten

Rakuten offers a wonderful way to save while doing what we all do online – shop! By taking advantage of the cash back savings and the tips above, you can earn significant cash back rewards on your everyday online or in-store purchases. In the past year alone, I have received $213.88 back in cash back rewards. Start earning cash back on your purchases today with Rakuten and see how much you can save!

To check out another fabulous rewards app, click here.