Cashback platform offering rewards when you shop at partner stores online and in-store.
⭐ 4.6 (Based on research & review)
What Is Rakuten?
Rakuten is a cashback and rewards platform that gives users money back when they shop through Rakuten’s partner links. Instead of paying full retail price, buyers go through Rakuten — the partner retailer credits Rakuten, which then shares part of that as cashback. It works for online and (in many places) in-store purchases, making it a popular tool for saving money.
Why We Rate This App
You create a free Rakuten account, enable their browser extension or use Rakuten app/website, then click retailer links before shopping. When you complete a purchase at a partner store, Rakuten tracks the sale and credits your account with cashback (usually a percentage of purchase). Every few months (or when threshold reached), Rakuten sends you payment by check or PayPal — simple and passive.
Who Is This Good For?
Rakuten is ideal for frequent online shoppers, bargain hunters, people who buy gifts or essentials regularly, or those who shop across many retailers. It’s also good for those who want to earn “bonus cash” without extra effort — you shop as usual, but with cashback. Perfect for budget-conscious users and regular consumers rather than full-time income seekers.
Our Score & Why
We rate Rakuten 4.6/5 because it reliably returns part of your spending as cashback — a direct dollar-back incentive most shoppers appreciate. The user interface is simple; payouts are straightforward; and it works across hundreds of major online stores. The downside: cashback rates vary by retailer and change over time; earnings depend on how much you spend. But overall, it’s one of the most trustworthy and widely used cashback tools.
Key Features of Rakuten
Rakuten offers browser extension and mobile app, works with 2,500+ retail partners, tracks both online and (in some cases) in-store purchases, and credits cashback automatically. Users get periodic promotions and limited-time bonus cashback rates, referral bonuses for inviting friends, and payout via PayPal or paper check. The system requires no coupons or manual rebate claims — cashback is automatic post-purchase, simplifying savings for regular shoppers.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Easy automatic cashback — shop as usual
Works on hundreds of big-name retailers
Simple to set up — no coupon hunting required
Cashback adds up over time, good for regular shoppers
Trusted platform with many users globally
Cons
Cashback rate varies widely by store
You must remember to activate Rakuten before shopping
Not a source of income — only cashback on spending
Cashback depends on how much you spend — limited if you shop rarely
Earning Potential on Rakuten
| Use Case / Shopper Type | Expected Return / Savings |
|---|---|
| Occasional shopper (holiday, gifts) | ~$5–$20 per purchase — 2–5% cashback |
| Monthly essentials shopper | ~$10–$50/month — depends on spending volume |
| Frequent online shopper | ~$50–$200+/month — higher spend & multiple stores |
| Seasonal big-spender (holiday, sales) | $100–$500+ per big shopping spree (with bonuses) |
Note: Earnings here are savings, not wage — your actual money spent determines cashback amount.
Withdraw Options on Rakuten
Rakuten pays cashback via PayPal or paper check. Once your accrued cashback hits the minimum threshold (usually $5–$10), Rakuten sends payment on its payout schedule (quarterly or monthly, depending on region). The process is automatic and doesn’t require extra steps beyond enabling cashback before purchase.
Risk & Safety on Rakuten
Rakuten is legitimate, widely used globally, and partners only with reputable retailers. There’s virtually no risk — no upfront investment, no hidden fees, and you only get cashback after real purchases. Only drawback is dependency on your own spending habits. As long as you shop responsibly, Rakuten remains a safe and useful cashback tool.
Should You Use Rakuten
Yes — if you already shop online or plan to make purchases. Rakuten is one of the simplest ways to save money with zero extra work. It’s not an income source, but for regular shoppers it’s one of the best perks: automatic cashback, trusted retailers, and easy payouts. Definitely worth having for savings stacking.