What is Rakuten and How Does It Work in 2025

Imagine earning money while shopping for your favorite items. That’s exactly what Rakuten helps you do! It’s a free cashback platform that rewards you for purchases you already plan to make. By partnering with thousands of retailers, Rakuten shares a portion of the commission it earns with you. Whether you shop online, in-store, or through your phone, you can save effortlessly. Signing up is quick, and the rewards add up fast. Why not turn your shopping into savings?

Key Takeaways

• Rakuten is a free app that gives you money back for shopping. Sign up fast and save on things you already buy.
• To get cashback, look at deals on Rakuten’s site or app. Click a deal and finish your shopping. Rakuten tracks it and adds money to your account.
• You can also earn cashback in stores. Link your credit or debit card to Rakuten. Turn on the deal and pay with your linked card to get rewards.
• Invite friends to Rakuten with your special link. You get a bonus when they join and shop, helping you earn more cashback.
• Rakuten has many ways to earn cashback, online or in stores. Always check for deals before buying to save the most money.

How Rakuten Works

Cashback Mechanism

Retailer Partnerships

Rakuten collaborates with thousands of retailers to bring you cashback deals. These partnerships allow retailers to list their products and services on Rakuten’s platform, making it easier for you to find great offers in one place. From fashion and electronics to travel and groceries, you’ll find a wide range of options to suit your needs. Retailers benefit from increased visibility and sales, while you enjoy savings on your purchases.

Sharing Commissions with Users

Here’s how Rakuten’s cashback system works:

1. You sign up for Rakuten for free.
2. Browse cashback offers on the website, app, or browser extension.
3. Click on a deal to shop at the retailer’s site.
4. Complete your purchase, and Rakuten tracks the transaction.
5. Once the retailer confirms your purchase, Rakuten credits cashback to your account.
6. Every quarter, you get paid via PayPal, check, or gift card.

This simple process ensures you earn rewards effortlessly while shopping for what you love.

User Experience

Signing Up for Rakuten

Getting started with Rakuten is a breeze. You can create an account in minutes through their website, app, or browser extension. It’s completely free, and once you’re in, you’ll have access to thousands of cashback offers. The platform is designed to be user-friendly, so you won’t feel overwhelmed.

Shopping Through Rakuten’s Website or App

Rakuten makes shopping fun and rewarding. You can browse deals by category or search for specific retailers. The app and website are intuitive, helping you find the best offers quickly. If you prefer shopping on your computer, the browser extension notifies you of cashback opportunities as you browse. This seamless experience ensures you never miss a chance to save.

Why Retailers Partner with Rakuten

Increased Sales and Customer Reach

Retailers partner with Rakuten because it helps them reach more customers. By offering cashback, they encourage you to spend more, which boosts their sales. It’s a win-win situation—you save money, and they gain loyal shoppers.

Marketing and Advertising Benefits

Rakuten also provides retailers with valuable marketing opportunities. They can promote their products through featured deals and sponsored offers, increasing their visibility. Additionally, Rakuten’s loyalty programs foster deeper connections between retailers and customers, creating long-term benefits for both parties.

How to Earn Rewards with Rakuten

Earning Cashback Online

Using the Rakuten Website

Shopping online with Rakuten is straightforward. Once you log in to the website, you can browse cashback offers by category or search for specific retailers. Popular categories include clothing, travel, health & beauty, and electronics.

Here’s a quick look at some of the top categories for earning cashback:

When you find a deal you like, click on it to visit the retailer’s site. Complete your purchase as usual, and Rakuten will track your transaction to credit your cashback. It’s that simple!

Using the Rakuten Browser Extension

The browser extension makes earning cashback even easier. Once installed, it automatically alerts you to cashback opportunities as you shop online. No need to visit Rakuten’s website first. Just activate the offer with one click, and you’re good to go. This tool ensures you never miss a chance to save.

Earning Cashback on Mobile

Using the Rakuten App

The Rakuten app brings all the features of the website to your fingertips. You can browse deals, activate offers, and shop directly from your phone. However, some users have reported occasional issues with the in-app browser, such as slow loading times or crashes.

One modestly disappointing thing about the mobile app shopping experience is that the in-app browser is frequently slow and/or crashes when trying to activate certain deals or visit certain stores. This issue, along with occasional errors during checkout, seems to be a recurring problem among other users as well, which suggests that while the app essentially gives away free cashback, there’s definitely room for improvement in its performance and reliability.

Activating Cashback Offers

Activating cashback offers on the app is easy. Simply tap on the deal you want, and the app will redirect you to the retailer’s site. Complete your purchase, and Rakuten will handle the rest. It’s a convenient way to earn rewards while shopping on the go.

Earning Cashback In-Store

Linking Credit or Debit Cards

To earn cashback in-store, you’ll need to link your credit or debit card to your Rakuten account. Follow these steps:

1. Link a credit card to your account.
2. Add the offer to your card.
3. Go to the store and shop!
4. Pay with your linked card to earn cashback.

This process ensures your purchases are tracked and rewards are credited to your account.

Finding In-Store Offers

Rakuten’s in-store cashback options are perfect for everyday shopping. You can find offers through the app or website. While the cashback rates for in-store purchases are generally lower than online options, it’s still a great way to save on items you need.

If you’re looking for higher cashback rates, online shopping might be the better choice. However, in-store options are ideal for quick, local purchases.

Referral Bonuses

Inviting Friends to Join Rakuten

Sharing Rakuten with your friends is a win-win situation. You get rewarded, and they get access to an easy way to save money. Rakuten makes it simple to invite others. Once you sign up, you’ll find a unique referral link in your account. Share this link with your friends through email, text, or social media. When they click on your link and create an account, they’re one step closer to earning cashback.

But there’s more! For your friend to qualify, they need to make a purchase. Rakuten requires them to spend at least $30 within 90 days of signing up. This ensures they experience the benefits of cashback right away. It’s a straightforward process that helps everyone save while shopping.

Earning Bonuses for Referrals

Here’s the exciting part, you earn a bonus for every successful referral. In 2025, Rakuten offers an average referral bonus of $30. That’s right! Every time a friend signs up using your link and makes a qualifying purchase, you get $30 added to your account.

Tip: There’s no limit to how many friends you can refer. The more people you invite, the more bonuses you can earn.

This referral program is a fantastic way to boost your cashback earnings. Imagine sharing Rakuten with five friends. If all of them meet the requirements, you’ll earn $150 in bonuses! It’s an easy and rewarding way to make the most of your Rakuten account. So, why not spread the word and help others save while you earn?

How Rakuten Makes Money

Commission-Based Revenue Model

Earning Commissions from Retailers

Rakuten’s main source of income comes from commissions on sales. Every time you shop through their platform, Rakuten earns a small percentage from the retailer. For example, they might receive up to 4% of the total sale amount. This commission helps keep the platform running and supports its services.

But Rakuten doesn’t keep all of it. They share a portion of these earnings with you as cashback. This sharing model encourages you to shop more, which benefits both you and the retailers. It’s a simple system that rewards everyone involved.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how Rakuten generates revenue:

Sharing a Portion with Users

Rakuten’s cashback system is what makes it so appealing. By sharing part of their commission with you, they create a win-win situation. You save money on your purchases, and they attract more shoppers to their platform. This approach builds loyalty and keeps you coming back for more deals.

Advertising and Promotions

Sponsored Deals and Offers

Retailers often pay Rakuten to promote their products through sponsored deals. These offers appear prominently on the platform, making it easier for you to find them. When you click on these deals, Rakuten earns additional revenue. It’s a smart way for retailers to boost their visibility while giving you access to exclusive discounts.

Featured Retailer Partnerships

Rakuten also partners with select retailers to feature their stores on the platform. These partnerships often include special promotions or higher cashback rates. For you, this means more savings and exciting deals. For retailers, it’s a chance to attract more customers and increase sales.

Tip: Keep an eye out for featured deals. They often come with limited-time offers that can maximize your savings.

Benefits and Limitations of Rakuten

Key Benefits

Free to Use

Rakuten doesn’t charge you a dime to join or use its platform. You can sign up for free and start earning cashback immediately. This makes it an accessible option for anyone looking to save money while shopping.

Wide Range of Retailer Partnerships

With thousands of retailers on board, Rakuten offers cashback on everything from clothing to electronics. You’ll also find special events like Double Cash Back promotions, which boost your savings even more. These regularly updated offers make Rakuten a favorite among savvy shoppers.

Easy-to-Use Platform

Rakuten’s user-friendly design ensures a smooth experience. Whether you’re using the app, website, or browser extension, finding deals and earning cashback is simple. The platform also encourages referrals by offering cash bonuses, adding another layer of rewards for users.

Potential Limitations

Cashback Exclusions and Restrictions

While Rakuten is great for saving, some purchases don’t qualify for cashback.

• Taxes, shipping fees, and purchases made with gift cards are excluded.
• Phone orders and certain stores labeled as “Coupons Only” or “No Discount” also don’t offer cashback.
• Eligibility rules can change, so it’s important to check the fine print before shopping.

Payment Delays

Rakuten pays cashback quarterly, which means you might wait weeks or months to access your earnings. This delay can be frustrating, especially if you’re eager to use your rewards.

Note: Always activate Rakuten before checkout to ensure your purchases qualify for cashback. Forgetting this step can disrupt your savings.

Tips for Maximizing Rewards

Checking for Cashback Offers Before Shopping

Always browse Rakuten for deals before making a purchase. Timing your shopping during special events or holidays can help you snag higher cashback rates.

Combining Cashback with Other Discounts

You can stack Rakuten cashback with credit card rewards or store discounts for maximum savings. Using the browser extension ensures you never miss an opportunity to save.

Tip: Refer friends to Rakuten to earn bonuses and boost your cashback earnings effortlessly.

Rakuten in 2025: Why It’s Still Relevant

Growth of Online Shopping

Increased Retailer Partnerships

The rise of online shopping has made Rakuten more relevant than ever. Retailers are eager to partner with platforms that can drive traffic and boost sales. With over 70% of consumers now preferring mobile apps for shopping, Rakuten has expanded its partnerships to include more mobile-friendly retailers. This ensures you have access to cashback offers from your favorite stores, whether you’re shopping for clothes, electronics, or groceries.

However, competition is fierce. Giants like Amazon dominate the e-commerce space, accounting for nearly 40% of U.S. online sales. Despite this, Rakuten’s unique cashback model and extensive retailer network keep it competitive and appealing to shoppers like you.

Enhanced User Experience with Technology

Rakuten has embraced cutting-edge technology to improve your shopping experience. AI-powered tools now optimize service delivery, making the platform faster and more efficient. For example, Rakuten uses AI to predict and prevent user churn, ensuring you stay engaged and satisfied.

Autonomous delivery services have also expanded, offering quicker and more reliable shipping options. With more stores participating and a wider service area, you can enjoy seamless shopping and delivery experiences. These advancements make Rakuten a leader in combining technology with rewards.

Expanding Cashback Opportunities

New Features and Innovations

Rakuten continues to innovate, introducing features that make earning cashback easier and more exciting. Here’s a quick look at what’s new in 2025:

These features not only enhance convenience but also maximize your savings potential.

Broader In-Store and International Options

Rakuten has expanded its cashback opportunities beyond online shopping. You can now find more in-store offers, making it easier to save on everyday purchases. Linking your credit or debit card to your account ensures you never miss out on rewards.

Internationally, Rakuten has broadened its reach, partnering with retailers across the globe. Whether you’re shopping locally or abroad, you’ll find cashback deals tailored to your needs. This global expansion ensures Rakuten remains a go-to platform for savvy shoppers everywhere.

Rakuten remains a top choice for saving money in 2025. Its cashback rewards program encourages spending while building loyalty. You can shop from a wide range of products, from clothing to electronics, all in one place. The platform’s seamless user experience, powered by advanced technology, makes earning rewards effortless. Plus, Rakuten fosters community engagement through loyalty programs and social initiatives.

With its innovative features and growing partnerships, Rakuten continues to lead the cashback and rewards space.

FAQ

How do I know if a purchase qualifies for cashback?

Rakuten makes it easy! When you shop through their website, app, or browser extension, they automatically track eligible purchases. Just make sure to activate the cashback offer before checkout.

Tip: Always double-check the terms of the offer to avoid surprises.

Can I use Rakuten with other discounts or promo codes?

Yes, you can! Rakuten allows you to stack cashback with most retailer discounts or promo codes. However, some exclusions may apply.

Note: Avoid using third-party coupon sites, as they might interfere with Rakuten’s tracking system.

What happens if my cashback doesn’t show up?

If your cashback doesn’t appear, don’t worry. Rakuten has a support team to help. You can file a missing cashback claim through your account.

Tip: Keep your purchase confirmation email handy. It’ll speed up the resolution process.

Is Rakuten available outside the U.S.?

Yes! Rakuten operates in several countries, including Canada, Japan, and the U.K. Cashback offers vary by region, so check your local Rakuten site for details.

How do I get paid my cashback?

Rakuten pays you quarterly via PayPal, check, or gift card. Just make sure your account has at least $5 in cashback to qualify for a payout.

Reminder: Update your payment details to avoid delays in receiving your rewards.

Source: