Refer-A-Friend Program FAQ
Refer-a-Friend Program FAQ
What is the Refer-A-Friend Program?
Rakuten offers cash bonuses to our members for spreading the word about earning Cash Back. If someone you refer signs up for Rakuten and makes a qualifying purchase, you can both earn a reward! The purchase requirement and reward amount can vary, but the most current promotion can always be found on the Refer-A-Friend page.
How does the program work?
Rakuten members are each assigned a unique link, which can be found by signing in to Rakuten and visiting the Refer-A-Friend page. Simply send your link to friends via email, text or social media. If they sign up via your link and make a qualifying purchase, you both earn your reward.
What do my friends need to do?
To earn your referral bonus, your friend has to:
- Sign up for Rakuten using your unique link or by providing the email for your Rakuten account at sign up. (This is how we’ll know who sent them!)
- Make a purchase (or a few) that qualifies for Cash Back within the specified timeframe of the bonus.
When will I receive my bonus?
Your refer-a-friend bonuses will be confirmed once your friend makes a purchase and their Cash Back is confirmed. How long does it take for Cash Back to be confirmed?
What does an expired referral mean?
An expired referral means that you invited a friend Rakuten, but they didn’t complete a qualifying purchase in time.
What does a pending referral mean?
A pending referral means that your friend joined Rakuten but hasn’t made a qualifying purchase yet. If they do, we’ll update the bonus status to earned.
What does an earned referral mean?
A earned referral means that your friend joined Rakuten and made a qualifying purchase. Once you get your referral bonus in a Big Fat Check, we’ll update the status to paid.
Why did I receive a different bonus amount than expected?
Bonus amounts are subject to change from time to time. The person who was referred to join will get the bonus that was available on day of sign up.
Can I see my activity?
To see if your friends have signed up and/or qualified you for a reward, visit “My Referral Activity” on the Refer-A-Friend page.
How many friends can I invite?
The more, the merrier! You can invite all the friends, family members and coworkers you know. Who doesn’t love Cash Back? Just know that in order to receive credit, members have to be new to Rakuten.
Will my friends receive unsolicited emails?
We respect your friends’ privacy and will only send email invitations to them at your request. Once your friends join, they’ll be able to adjust their email preferences.
What are the changes to the Refer-A-Friend program for members outside of the United States?
As of October 01, 2020, the Rakuten Refer-A-Friend program will no longer be available to residents outside of the 50 United States, D.C., and Canada. Both referrers and referees must be located in the 50 United States, D.C., or Canada in order to qualify for a referral or sign up bonus.