Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start earning Membership Rewards points through Rakuten?

New to Rakuten? Sign up for a free Rakuten account to start earning. When prompted, enter your American Express account username and password. Once your American Express account is connected, you’ll start earning Membership Rewards points when you shop through Rakuten.

Already have a Rakuten account? Go to Account Settings and select Membership Rewards Points under How You Get Paid. Connect your American Express account by entering your user name and password and you’re all set!

Any confirmed Cash Back earned before switching to points will be converted to points and transferred on the next payment date.

You can only make the switch from Cash Back to points once. If you opt out of points later, you won’t be able to opt in again.

How does the Membership Rewards points program at Rakuten work?

Earning Membership Rewards points with Rakuten is simple:

• Start at Rakuten and choose a store. You can use our website, mobile app, or browser extension.
• Activate Cash Back to start shopping. You’ll still see Cash Back deals, but don’t worry, you’ll earn Membership Rewards points. Once you make an eligible purchase, we’ll add points to your Rakuten account.
• Get paid! Rakuten will transfer your confirmed Membership Rewards points every 3 months according to Rakuten’s current payment schedule.
• $1 Cash Back = 100 Membership Rewards points.

When will I get my Membership Rewards points?

To get your American Express Membership Rewards® points, make sure you earn at least 501 confirmed points before the payment date. Points must be confirmed by the store before the payment date to be included in your points transfer. If your Earnings Balance is 500 points or less, it will carry over to the next payment date.

Getting Paid

Any confirmed points you earn on purchases, bonuses and other rewards will be transferred to your American Express account every three months. The time it takes for points to be confirmed depends on several factors, including the store, store policy, reporting schedule, exclusions and returns.

Rakuten Payment Dates:

• February 15
• May 15
• August 15
• November 15
• Earnings Balance
  
  Your Earnings Balance reflects your current earnings, including both pending and confirmed points. The time it takes for points to be confirmed depends on several factors, including the store, store policy, reporting schedule, exclusions and returns. For more details, go to Earnings Balance.
  
  Remember, your earnings on purchases, bonuses and other rewards need to be confirmed before the payment date to be included.
  
  Want to track your payment? Track My Big Fat Check

Is there a minimum points balance to get paid?

Yes, you need minimum confirmed earnings of 501 points before the next payment date to get paid. Points must be confirmed by the store before the payment date to be included in your payment. If your Earnings Balance is 500 points or less, it will carry over to the next payment date.

How do I know if my American Express Card is eligible to participate?

You must have an American Express Card enrolled in the U.S. Membership Rewards program. It must not be cancelled or past due. Here’s a list of eligible cards.

Corporate cards or accounts are not eligible to participate.

How do I check my Membership Rewards points earnings in my Rakuten account?

You can see your current earnings any time in Earnings Balance.

I have more questions. Who can I reach out to?

Contact us and we’ll be happy to help!