How to Use Rakuten to Get Cashback When Shopping Online (The Easy Way)

If you're not using Rakuten when you shop online, you're literally leaving free money on the table. I know that sounds dramatic—but it's true.

Rakuten gives you cash back just for clicking a link before you buy stuff you were already planning to buy. I’ve been using it for years, and I still get excited every time I see that cash back hit my account. 😎

So if you're new to it, or still not sure how it works, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Rakuten to save money while online shopping. It’s super simple—promise.

🛠 Step 1: Sign Up for a Free Rakuten Account

Go to rakuten.com and sign up for a free account. It takes like 2 minutes.

You just need:

  • An email address (or you can use Google/Facebook to sign up)

  • A password

  • Optional: Add your PayPal for quicker payouts

Bonus: New users usually get a $10–$30 welcome bonus after their first purchase through Rakuten (check the offer when signing up).

💻 Step 2: Choose How You Want to Use It (3 Options)

Rakuten works in a few different ways, and you can use whichever one feels easiest for you.

Option 1: Use the Website

Go to rakuten.com, log in, and type the name of the store you want to shop at (like Nike, Sephora, Walmart, etc.). Click the store's link, and Rakuten will redirect you. Once you're on the store’s site, shop like normal.

✔️ That click activates your cash back.

Option 2: Use the Rakuten Browser Extension

This is honestly the easiest method.

  • Install the Rakuten Cash Back Button for Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.

  • When you visit a participating site, a little pop-up will say something like “Activate 5% Cash Back.”

  • Click it, and boom—you’re good to go.

No need to go through the Rakuten site every time.

Option 3: Use the Mobile App

Shopping from your phone? Download the Rakuten app (iOS or Android), log in, and use it to browse stores and shop directly.

It’s super handy if you love shopping on your phone or tablet.

🛍 Step 3: Shop Like You Normally Do

Once you’re redirected through Rakuten (or activate the extension), shop as you usually would. Add things to your cart, use coupons, and check out like normal.

Rakuten tracks the purchase in the background. You don’t have to do anything else—no codes, no receipts.

Note: Make sure your cart is empty before clicking through Rakuten (some stores don’t track purchases correctly otherwise).

💸 Step 4: Get Cash Back (Seriously, It's That Simple)

After your purchase, you’ll get an email from Rakuten saying “Cash Back Earned!” It usually shows up within a few hours to a few days, depending on the store.

Once Rakuten gets confirmation from the store (this can take a few weeks), they’ll add the money to your balance.

🏦 Step 5: Get Paid (Via PayPal or Check)

Rakuten pays out every quarter (every 3 months). You’ll get your "Big Fat Check" either:

  • Through PayPal (fastest and easiest)

  • As a paper check mailed to your address

As long as your balance is over $5.01 by the end of the quarter, you get paid. If not, it just rolls over to the next one.

💡 Extra Tips to Maximize Rakuten

  • Use it with coupon codes – You can still use promo codes or store sales AND get cash back.

  • Stack it with credit card rewards – Double dip for even more savings.

  • Refer friends – You get a referral bonus when someone signs up with your link and makes a purchase.

  • Watch for Double Cash Back deals – These happen all the time, especially around holidays.

  • Use it for travel – Yes, Rakuten works with Expedia, Booking.com, and more. You can earn big on hotel stays and flights.

🧾 Real Talk: Is Rakuten Legit?

Yes. 100%. Rakuten is totally legit and has been around since the 1990s (formerly called Ebates). I've personally been paid by them multiple times, and millions of users use it daily. They make money by partnering with brands and sharing part of that commission with you.

So yeah—it’s free money.

Final Thoughts

If you're shopping online anyway, there’s zero reason not to use Rakuten. It takes just a second to activate, and you literally earn cash for doing what you were already going to do.

Whether it’s a $5 t-shirt or a $500 tech upgrade, cash back adds up faster than you’d think.

Got questions? Let me know! Or if you’re ready to start saving, go sign up and grab your welcome bonus. 🎉

👉 Click here to join Rakuten and get your bonus (referral links work too if you want to earn extra!)

Let me know if you want this turned into an Instagram caption, email blast, or TikTok script too!

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