Introduction:
Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, is one of the most trusted and popular cashback platforms available today. It offers users cashback on a wide range of products and services from thousands of retailers. Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, Rakuten makes it easy to earn money back on everyday purchases. With millions of users and a long history of paying out cashback, Rakuten stands out as a reliable way to earn extra cash in 2025. In this article, we’ll explore how Rakuten works, how much you can earn, and how to get the most out of this trusted cashback app.
1. What is Rakuten?
Rakuten is a cashback and rewards platform that allows users to earn money back when they shop at partner retailers. Originally launched as Ebates in 1998, the platform was rebranded as Rakuten in 2019 after being acquired by the Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten. The platform offers cashback on a wide variety of purchases, including clothing, electronics, travel, and groceries.
Rakuten partners with over 3,500 retailers, making it one of the largest cashback networks available. Some of the most popular stores on Rakuten include:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
- Best Buy
- Macy’s
- Nike
- Expedia
- Sephora
2. How Does Rakuten Work?
Rakuten works by partnering with retailers to offer cashback on purchases made through its platform. Here’s how to use Rakuten to earn cashback:
- Sign Up: Visit Rakuten.com or download the Rakuten app and create a free account. You’ll also receive a sign-up bonus (typically $10 to $30) when you make your first qualifying purchase.
- Browse Retailers and Offers: Once you’ve signed up, browse through the list of retailers on Rakuten to find cashback offers that interest you. Cashback rates typically range from 1% to 15%, depending on the store and product category.
- Shop Through Rakuten: To earn cashback, you must start your shopping through the Rakuten website or app. Simply click on the retailer’s link to be redirected to the store’s website, where you can complete your purchase as usual.
- In-Store Cashback: If you prefer to shop in-store, Rakuten also offers in-store cashback at select retailers. To take advantage of this, link your credit or debit card to your Rakuten account and activate the in-store offer before making your purchase.
- Receive Cashback: After you complete your purchase, Rakuten will track your transaction and credit your account with cashback. Payments are made quarterly via PayPal or check once you’ve earned a minimum of $5.01.
3. How Much Can You Earn with Rakuten?
The amount of cashback you can earn on Rakuten depends on the retailer and the specific cashback rate they offer. On average, cashback rates range from 1% to 10%, but some stores may offer even higher rates during special promotions or holiday sales.
Here’s a breakdown of typical cashback rates:
- Clothing and Fashion: Earn 2% to 10% cashback at popular retailers like Nike, Macy’s, and Old Navy.
- Electronics: Get 1% to 5% cashback on electronics purchases at stores like Best Buy and Dell.
- Travel: Earn up to 10% cashback on travel bookings through sites like Expedia, Booking.com, and Travelocity.
- Groceries: Some grocery delivery services and stores offer cashback, typically ranging from 1% to 3%.
- Beauty Products: Earn 2% to 8% cashback at beauty retailers like Sephora and Ulta.
Most Rakuten users can expect to earn between $50 and $200 per year, depending on how frequently they shop and the types of purchases they make.
4. Why Rakuten is Trusted
Rakuten is one of the most trusted cashback platforms for several reasons:
- Established History: Rakuten (formerly Ebates) has been around for over two decades, building a strong reputation for reliability and consistent cashback payouts.
- Real Cash Payments: Rakuten pays users in real cash, either via PayPal or check, making it easy to access your earnings.
- Wide Range of Retailers: With over 3,500 partner stores, Rakuten offers one of the largest selections of retailers in the cashback industry.
- No Fees: Rakuten is completely free to use, and there are no hidden fees or charges for earning cashback.
- User-Friendly: The platform is easy to use, whether you prefer shopping online or in-store, and the app makes it convenient to track your cashback.
- Positive Reviews: Rakuten has thousands of positive reviews from users who appreciate the ease of earning cashback and the consistent payouts.
5. Maximizing Your Earnings with Rakuten
There are several strategies you can use to maximize your cashback earnings with Rakuten:
- Shop During Double Cashback Events: Rakuten frequently offers “Double Cashback” promotions, where certain stores offer double the usual cashback rate. These events are a great opportunity to earn more on your purchases.
- Use Rakuten for Big Purchases: If you’re planning to make a large purchase, such as buying a new laptop or booking a vacation, make sure to check Rakuten for cashback offers. These high-ticket items can result in significant cashback rewards.
- Stack Cashback with Coupons: Rakuten allows you to use retailer coupons and promo codes in addition to earning cashback. Be sure to check the Rakuten website for coupon codes before making a purchase to maximize your savings.
- Refer Friends: Rakuten’s referral program allows you to earn bonus cashback by inviting friends to join the platform. You’ll earn a referral bonus for each friend who signs up and makes a qualifying purchase.
- Use the Rakuten Browser Extension: Install the Rakuten browser extension to automatically receive cashback when shopping online. The extension will notify you if a store offers cashback and make it easy to activate the offer without having to visit the Rakuten website first.
6. Who Can Benefit from Rakuten?
Rakuten is suitable for a wide range of users:
- Online Shoppers: If you frequently shop online, Rakuten is a must-have tool to earn cashback on almost every purchase.
- Travelers: If you travel often, Rakuten offers cashback on flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages, making it easy to save on travel expenses.
- Bargain Hunters: Rakuten allows you to combine cashback with coupons and other discounts, making it perfect for those who love to find the best deals.
- In-Store Shoppers: Even if you prefer to shop in-store, Rakuten’s in-store cashback feature lets you earn money back on your purchases at select retailers.
7. Pros and Cons of Using Rakuten
Here are some of the pros and cons of using Rakuten:
Pros:
- Wide Selection of Retailers: With over 3,500 retailers, Rakuten offers cashback opportunities at a wide range of stores.
- Real Cash Payments: Rakuten pays you in actual cash, not points or credits, making it easy to redeem your earnings.
- Easy to Use: Rakuten’s website and app are simple to navigate, making it easy to find cashback offers and track your earnings.
- No Fees: Rakuten is completely free to use, with no hidden charges or fees.
- Frequent Promotions: Rakuten regularly runs promotions such as Double Cashback and referral bonuses, allowing users to earn even more.
Cons:
- Quarterly Payments: Rakuten only pays out cashback once per quarter, so you may have to wait a few months to receive your earnings.
- Minimum Payout Requirement: You must earn at least $5.01 in cashback before you can request a payment.
- Limited International Availability: Rakuten is primarily available in the United States, Canada, and a few other countries, limiting its use for international shoppers.
Conclusion:
Rakuten is one of the most trusted and reliable cashback platforms available today. Whether you’re shopping for clothing, electronics, or booking travel, Rakuten offers cashback opportunities at thousands of retailers. With its user-friendly interface, real cash payments, and wide selection of stores, Rakuten is a valuable tool for anyone looking to save money on everyday purchases. By following the strategies outlined in this article, you can maximize your earnings and take full advantage of everything Rakuten has to offer.
