How to Use Rakuten (and Actually Get Cash Back)
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If you love online shopping but hate missing out on deals, you need to know about Rakuten. It’s one of those “why didn’t I start using this sooner?” kind of websites. Basically, Rakuten gives you cash back just for shopping at stores you already love — like Target, Sephora, Nike, and thousands more.
If you’re new to it or not sure how it works, don’t worry — here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to use Rakuten (and how to make sure you actually get that sweet cash back).
Step 1: Create a Free Account
Head over to rakuten.com and click “Join Now.”
You can sign up with your email, or just use your Google or Apple account if you want to make it quick. It’s 100% free — no hidden fees, no subscriptions.
Click this link and you’ll get a welcome bonus (usually around $10–$30) once you make your first qualifying purchase. Pretty nice start, right?
Step 2: Browse or Search for Your Favorite Stores
Once you’re logged in, you can browse by category (like Fashion, Beauty, Electronics, Travel, etc.) or just type your favorite store into the search bar.
When you click on a store, you’ll see how much cash back it’s currently offering — it could be anywhere from 1% to 15%, depending on the promotion. Some stores even go higher during special events.
Step 3: Click “Shop Now” Before You Buy
Here’s the most important part — you have to start your shopping trip through Rakuten.
So, when you find the store you want, click the “Shop Now” button on Rakuten’s site. That link takes you to the store’s official website, but it also tracks your visit so Rakuten knows to give you cash back when you make a purchase.
👉 Pro tip: Always make sure you click through Rakuten right before checking out. If you click away or close your browser, the tracking might reset and you could lose your cash back.
Step 4: Complete Your Purchase Like Normal
Once you’re on the store’s site, just shop like you normally do. Add your stuff to the cart, use any coupon codes you have, and check out.
Rakuten doesn’t change your shopping experience — it just quietly tracks your purchase in the background.
Step 5: Get Your Cash Back
After your purchase is confirmed, Rakuten will send you an email letting you know how much cash back you earned. It usually shows up in your Rakuten account within a few days, though some stores take a little longer to process.
Rakuten pays out your earnings every quarter (that’s every 3 months), and you can choose to get paid via PayPal or a paper check — they call it your “Big Fat Check.”
Bonus Tip: Use the Rakuten Browser Extension
If you want to make saving even easier, download the Rakuten browser extension (available for Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge).
Once it’s installed, it’ll automatically pop up whenever you’re on a store’s website that offers cash back. You just click “Activate Cash Back” and keep shopping — no need to go through the Rakuten website every time.
Step 6: Invite Friends & Earn Even More
Rakuten also gives you bonus cash for referring friends. Just share your referral link (you’ll find it in your account), and when your friend signs up and makes their first purchase, you both get a reward. Easy money.
Final Thoughts
Using Rakuten honestly feels like getting paid for shopping — because you kind of are. Once you get in the habit of clicking through before you buy, the savings really add up. Whether you’re grabbing groceries, booking a trip, or splurging on something fun, Rakuten makes sure you get something back every time.
So go ahead, make your account, click that “Shop Now” button, and start earning. Future you — and your wallet — will be very happy. 💸