How Does Rakuten Work?

Rakuten is a free shopping platform that offers Cash Back, deals and rewards from all your favorite stores. When you shop through Rakuten, stores pay Rakuten a commission for sending you their way, and Rakuten shares part of that commission with you as Cash Back. Since 1999, Rakuten members have earned more than $4.6 billion in Cash Back.

Rakuten at a Glance

• Rakuten offers Cash Back at 3,500+ stores.
• Rakuten members earn a percentage of the total cost of an order. For example, if you spend $100 at a store offering 5% Cash Back, you'll earn $5.
• Payments are sent every three months as long as you earn more than $5.
• Cash Back can be paid out via PayPal, Bilt Points, or check. Additionally, eligible American Express® Card Members can choose to earn Membership Rewards® points instead of Cash Back.

How to Shop with Rakuten

We’ve got you covered no matter how you shop.

Rakuten.com

Start at Rakuten.com on your computer or mobile browser. Choose the store you want to shop to activate Cash Back. We’ll take you to their site so you can shop. Once you make an eligible purchase, we’ll add Cash Back to your account.

Rakuten Mobile App

Download the free Rakuten app for iOS or Android to get app-only deals and earn Cash Back on dining and shopping in stores.

Rakuten Browser Extension

The free browser extension automatically finds Cash Back, coupons and deals. It’s available on desktop for Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari.

Rakuten Safari Mobile Extension

Works just like the desktop version, but for the Safari browser on your iPhone. Fun fact: The Safari mobile extension comes bundled for free with the Rakuten mobile app!

How to Earn Cash Back

1. Sign Up for Free. Create a free Rakuten account at Rakuten.com or through the mobile app using your email address.
2. Choose a Store. Browse over 3,500 stores and services.
3. Activate Cash Back. Click through to the store from Rakuten's website or app—or activate Cash Back directly in the browser extension—to start a shopping trip.
4. Complete Your Purchase. Shop as you normally would and complete checkout at the store's website.
5. Get Paid. Cash Back is added to your Rakuten account and paid out quarterly as long as you earn more than $5.

Rakuten Frequently Asked Questions

How does Rakuten make money?

Stores pay Rakuten a commission for referring shoppers to them. Rakuten keeps a portion of this commission and shares the rest with you as Cash Back.

When will I get paid?

Payments are sent quarterly (February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15).

What is the browser extension?

The Rakuten browser extension automatically notifies you when Cash Back is available at sites you visit, making it easy to activate savings without visiting Rakuten.com first.

Can I earn Cash Back in stores?

Yes! Link a card to your Rakuten account and earn Cash Back at participating in-store and dining locations.

Why didn't my Cash Back track?

Cash Back may not track if you used a non-Rakuten coupon code, had ad blockers enabled, or didn't click through Rakuten before purchasing. Submit a Missing Cash Back inquiry for help.