Rakuten: How to Use It and Why You Should!
If you love shopping online (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), then you’re probably always on the lookout for ways to save money. I know I am! That’s exactly how I stumbled upon Rakuten, and let me tell you, it has been a game-changer for my online shopping routine. Not only do I get cashback on purchases I was already planning to make, but the platform is ridiculously easy to use. If you’re not using Rakuten yet, here’s everything you need to know about how it works and why you absolutely should give it a try.
What Is Rakuten?
Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates) is a cashback site that rewards you for shopping through their platform. It’s simple: Rakuten partners with thousands of online retailers, and when you make a purchase through Rakuten’s links, you earn a percentage of your total back in cashback. It’s like getting paid to shop!
The cashback percentages vary depending on the store, but they can range anywhere from 1% to as much as 15% (or more during special promotions). Whether you’re buying clothes, booking travel, or ordering groceries, Rakuten has you covered with cashback offers at a wide variety of stores.
How to Use Rakuten
Using Rakuten is incredibly easy, even if you’re new to the whole cashback game. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to get you started:
1. Sign Up for an Account
First, you’ll need to create a free account on Rakuten’s website or app. It only takes a minute, and you’ll often get a welcome bonus just for signing up and making your first purchase.
2. Install the Rakuten Browser Extension (Optional but Awesome)
Rakuten offers a browser extension that automatically alerts you when you’re shopping on a site that offers cashback through Rakuten. I highly recommend installing it because it makes earning cashback effortless. You don’t even have to remember to check Rakuten first; the extension will remind you to activate cashback with just one click.
3. Shop Through Rakuten
To earn cashback, go to Rakuten’s website or app and search for the store where you want to shop. Click on the store’s link, and Rakuten will automatically track your purchase and apply cashback. You can also browse by category or check their “Hot Deals” section for extra savings.
4. Earn Cashback
After shopping through Rakuten’s links, the cashback will be added to your Rakuten account. You’ll see your cashback balance grow as your purchases are confirmed by the retailer, which usually takes a few days to a week.
5. Get Paid
Rakuten pays out your cashback earnings every quarter via PayPal or check (whichever you prefer). So, every few months, you’ll receive actual money back for the shopping you’ve already done. It feels like a little bonus every time!
Why You Should Use Rakuten
Now that you know how Rakuten works, here’s why I think you should start using it today:
1. Earn Cashback on Purchases You’re Already Making
This is the biggest reason I love Rakuten. If you’re already shopping online, why not earn some money back? It’s basically free money for doing something you were going to do anyway. Since Rakuten works with so many retailers, it’s rare that I shop somewhere that doesn’t offer cashback.
2. Easy to Use
Rakuten is super simple to use, especially if you install the browser extension. I don’t even have to think about it anymore—it automatically pops up whenever I’m on a participating site, and with one click, I activate my cashback. Easy peasy.
3. Special Deals and Discounts
Rakuten often has exclusive deals, coupon codes, and higher-than-usual cashback rates during certain times of the year. I’ve scored some amazing deals during holidays and special promotions where the cashback percentage is doubled or even tripled.
4. Cashback on Travel, Too!
One of the most surprising (and awesome) things about Rakuten is that you can earn cashback on travel bookings. Whether it’s flights, hotels, or car rentals, Rakuten partners with a variety of travel sites, so you can save big on your next vacation. I’ve earned hundreds in cashback just from booking trips through Rakuten.
5. Referral Bonuses
Rakuten has a great referral program that rewards you for inviting friends to join. For every friend who signs up through your link and makes a qualifying purchase, you both get a bonus (which is usually $30 or more, depending on the promotion). It’s a win-win!
Rakuten is one of the easiest ways to save money on your everyday purchases. Whether you’re shopping for clothes, electronics, or planning your next vacation, Rakuten makes it simple to earn cashback with very little effort. It’s like getting paid to do something you were already going to do!
If you haven’t tried Rakuten yet, I highly recommend it. You’ll be amazed at how quickly the cashback adds up, and it’s one of those things where you’ll wonder why you didn’t start using it sooner.