How to Use Rakuten to Get Cash Back When Shopping Online
Ever wish you could get a little something back every time you shop online? With Rakuten, that's exactly what you can do. It’s a super simple way to earn cash back on your purchases, and who doesn’t love getting money back? Whether you're buying clothes, electronics, or even booking travel, Rakuten has you covered. Here's how to get started and make the most out of it.
1. Sign Up for a Free Rakuten Account
First things first, you need to sign up. Don’t worry, it’s free and only takes a couple of minutes.
- Visit the Rakuten Website: Head over to Rakuten website or dowload app on your phone.use this link get an extra 10% cash back.
- Sign Up: You’ll see a “Join Now” button at the top right. Click it and sign up using your email or link your Google or Facebook account for even quicker access.
- Download the App (Optional but Handy): If you prefer shopping on your phone, download the Rakuten app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Start Shopping Through Rakuten
Once you’re signed up, the fun part begins—shopping! But to get cash back, you need to make sure you’re shopping through Rakuten’s links. Here's how:
- Search for a Store: Rakuten partners with thousands of retailers. Just type in the store you want to shop at in the search bar on Rakuten’s homepage.
- Click the Store's Link: After finding your store, click on it. Rakuten will redirect you to the retailer’s website. This step is crucial because it’s how Rakuten tracks your purchase to give you cash back.
- Shop as Usual: Once you’re on the store’s website, shop like you normally would. Fill your cart, checkout, and complete your purchase.
3. Activate Cash Back with the Browser Extension
If you don’t want to remember to visit Rakuten’s site every time you shop, the browser extension is a game changer.
- Install the Extension: Head to the extensions store for your browser (like Chrome Web Store), search for “Rakuten,” and add the extension.
- Activate Cash Back: Whenever you visit a partner store, a little notification will pop up from the extension asking if you want to activate cash back. Click the button, and you're good to go.
- Shop as Usual: With the extension, you can shop directly on your favorite websites, and Rakuten will automatically track your purchase and apply the cash back.
4. Earn Bonuses with Referral Links and Special Offers
Rakuten also offers some sweet bonuses if you know where to look.
- Referral Bonuses: Share your referral link with friends and family. When they sign up and make their first purchase, you both get a bonus (sometimes as much as $30!).
- Double Cash Back Events: Keep an eye out for special promotions where certain stores offer double or even triple cash back. Rakuten regularly runs these events, especially around the holidays.
5. Cash Out Your Earnings
So, you’ve done some shopping and racked up cash back. Now what? Here’s how to get your money:
- Payment Options: Rakuten pays out every three months via check or PayPal. You can choose your preferred method in your account settings.
- Minimum Payout: There's no minimum threshold to get your cash back. Even if you’ve earned just a few bucks, Rakuten will pay it out.
- Expect Your Payment: Payments are sent out on a quarterly schedule, so depending on when you earned your cash back, you might have to wait a bit.
6. Tips for Maximizing Cash Back
To get the most out of Rakuten, keep these tips in mind:
- Combine Coupons with Cash Back: You can use coupon codes along with cash back offers. Rakuten even lists available coupons for you when you’re on the store’s page.
- Check Rakuten Before Big Purchases: For more significant purchases, always check Rakuten first. That cash back can really add up, especially with bigger ticket items.
- Stack with Credit Card Rewards: If your credit card offers rewards or cash back, you can stack those with Rakuten's offers to maximize your savings.
Rakuten is one of those no-brainers for anyone who shops online. It’s easy to use, costs nothing to join, and puts money back in your pocket for things you were going to buy anyway. Whether you’re a seasoned online shopper or just getting started, Rakuten makes it simple to save. Happy shopping, and enjoy your cash back!