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How to Use Rakuten to Earn Money

How to Use Rakuten to Earn Money

Mansi B
Mansi B
Created on
February 24, 2025
Last updated on
February 24, 2025
10 min read
Written by:
Mansi B
Verified by:

Do you crave an easy way to earn without tricky steps? Rakuten offers a simple path that appeals to anyone seeking quick rewards. This platform pays you for regular shopping and helps you save on favorite brands. That spark often motivates people who like cash back.

Picture your usual online purchases turning into a source of extra pocket money. Rakuten connects you with deals across thousands of stores. You gain back a percentage of your spending when you follow their unique links. That benefit can feel exciting when budgets get tight and savings matter.

Sign up, activate offers, and watch the balance grow. Try stacking credit card perks with Rakuten’s deals for even bigger payouts. Keep reading for the best ways to use Rakuten and discover easy methods to strengthen your income stream. Then, take action today and see real gains soon.

What is Rakuten?

Rakuten

Rakuten is an online service that rewards you for shopping. It partners with many retailers, allowing you to grab cash back when you click through its links before checkout. It connects buyers to clothing, electronics, travel bookings, and everyday necessities worldwide.

This platform collects commission from partner stores and shares part of that amount with you through payouts. This system has attracted millions of shoppers eager to earn extra money. It offers a path to lower spending on items you plan to buy.

Is Rakuten Legit?

Doubts often arise when something sounds too good, yet Rakuten is known for reliability. It has a long history in the cash-back business, and many users confirm the real payouts. Online reviews highlight the ease of use and the steady stream of small bonus payments. CNBC has verified Rakuten about receiving cashback on purchases.

The company’s foundation traces back to 1997, later absorbing Ebates. Over the years, it has gained trust through consistent service and transparent policies. You receive actual cash, not just points or complicated credits. Rakuten is free, open to many countries, and well-regarded by frequent online shoppers.

How Does Rakuten Work?

Rakuten partners with thousands of retailers. When you click its link to enter a store’s site and then make a purchase, Rakuten gets a commission. To keep you returning, it shares some of that commission. That forms the core system, which continues to grow in popularity.


You can access Rakuten on a browser or via its mobile app. Activate cash-back offers with a simple tap. Payment arrives by check or PayPal every quarter once your balance exceeds five dollars. That gives you a consistent cycle of payouts for shopping you already plan.


It’s easy to forget to visit Rakuten first, so many users install a browser extension. It reminds you whenever there is a cash-back offer on a site you visit. That helps you avoid missing potential earnings. You simply click to activate and proceed with your cart.

How to Earn Money Online with Rakuten

One path involves essential shopping. Search for a store through Rakuten, follow the link, and buy what you need. It might be clothing, groceries, cosmetics, or even flight tickets. That triggers a percentage back. The best ways to use Rakuten include regular transactions for daily essentials.


Users also benefit from combined rewards. For instance, a cash-back credit card plus Rakuten can double your earnings. That means you get card rewards plus Rakuten’s cash back. The approach feels simple but can produce bigger payouts over time. Just remember to pay your card responsibly.


Another tactic is to watch for heightened promotions. Certain stores offer a boosted cash-back rate during holidays or special events. Those limited-time deals can multiply the money you receive. Planning purchases around those peak windows can supercharge your total returns and boost your overall savings.

How Much Money Can You Make on Rakuten?

Earnings vary by how much you spend and the cashback rate. If a user shops frequently, that person might accumulate hundreds of dollars yearly. A casual shopper might see smaller amounts. Rates generally range from 1% up to 20% for specific promotions.

Some users report an average of $50 to $200 annually. More dedicated shoppers might surpass $300 if they time purchases carefully. Large categories like travel or big-ticket electronics can mean more significant rebates. The best ways to use Rakuten include focusing on more enormous spending windows.

Everyone’s situation is different. The main factor is how many of your online purchases happen through Rakuten. Strategic use, combined with promotions, can bump up totals. It’s a helpful supplement, though it might not replace regular income. Yet those payouts can cover small bills or fun extras.

Tips for Beginners on Rakuten

Beginners can link a credit or debit card to unlock in-store deals. That covers physical shopping at select retailers. You activate an offer, then pay with the linked card. The store confirms your purchase, and Rakuten shows your cashback shortly after.

The browser extension or “Button” is handy if you forget to visit Rakuten first. Install it so you never miss an active offer. That simple plug-in is a popular tip among novices since it saves mental energy. Click once, shop, and watch your total climb.

Try to plan around bonus periods for higher percentages. Check the site or app for special deals. You might see select retailers offering two or three times their regular rates. That can transform your planned shopping into a bigger payout. That approach is a beginner-friendly growth hack.

Some find success by grouping large orders. Rather than placing small random orders, build a cart of items you intend to buy. That sets up bigger single payouts. Over time, each quarter’s check or PayPal deposit can feel more rewarding with minimal extra effort.

How to Sign Up on Rakuten

Follow these steps to sign up on Rakuten:

  1. Visit Rakuten’s website or downloading the app. Createan account using an email address, Google, or Facebook. Registration is free. 
  2. Once you create an account, decide whether you prefer checks or PayPal to receive payments.Many people add a browser extension to stay informed about cash-back deals. If they want in-store offers, they link a credit or debit card. 
  3. Choose your notification preferences to hear about big promotions. That completes the basic setup and gets them started.
  4. To make your first cash-back claim, log into your account and pick a retailer. 
  5. Follow Rakuten’s link and finish the checkout. 

Rakuten tracks your spending and reflects the reward in your account within a few days. That’s your gateway to consistent cash-back gains.

How to Not Get Banned on Rakuten

Rakuten provides guidelines that discourage fraudulent behavior. Exploring the system with multiple accounts or fake referrals can trigger red flags. Users should stick to genuine purchases and one valid account. That helps keep your membership safe and avoids any platform violations.

There is a policy against reselling or making suspicious returns. Placing bulk orders with the intent to return them may be questionable. Use Rakuten as intended. Keep your transactions honest and within standard consumer behavior. That approach reduces the risk of abrupt bans.

Be mindful of store policies. If a retailer denies a transaction, Rakuten cannot award a rebate. Watch out for using coupon codes from external sites that conflict with Rakuten deals. Following official coupons or offer listings keeps things legitimate, minimizing any risk of losing your account.

10 Ways to Earn Money on Rakuten

Here, look for ideas that can amplify your overall experience. These are different ways you can earn money and supercharge earnings.

1. Daily Shopping Routine

The best ways to use Rakuten begin with daily purchases. Consider everything from groceries to beauty products. When you direct these transactions through Rakuten links, you gain small but steady returns. Over the year, those bits can add up to a more significant chunk of change.

2. Combine Rewards

Use a cash-back or rewards-focused credit card. That piles an extra layer of returns on top of Rakuten’s payout. Some cards yield 3% or more on specific categories. That stacking approach is one of the best ways to use Rakuten if you seek more value.

3. Refer Friends

Rakuten hands out referral bonuses if someone uses your link and shops. Each friend must reach a specific spending threshold. You get a set bonus, sometimes $30 or more. Motivating a few friends to join can yield a decent bump to your account totals. Affiliate programs work best.

4. Try In-Store Offers

Not everyone knows that Rakuten extends to physical stores. Link your payment card, activate the offer, and shop in person. It might cover big-name clothing stores, home goods, and beauty chains. That helps you earn spontaneous shopping sprees that pop up during errands.

5. Holiday and Seasonal Promotions

Monitor Rakuten for holiday specials. Christmas, Black Friday, or back-to-school seasons can mean boosted cash back. If you plan major gift shopping during these times, your total can jump significantly. Some promotions might double or triple typical percentages, which sparks a spike in your earnings.

6. Stack Coupons

Many stores allow coupon codes along with Rakuten’s cash back. That means you can apply store discounts or promotional codes at checkout. Your final receipt might drop in cost; you can also stack Rakuten coupons on Rakuten’s website or extension tab.

7. Big-Ticket Purchases

When you buy a new laptop or pay for a flight, consider checking if that retailer partners with Rakuten. Large transactions can carry more significant cash-back returns. Instead of only using it for small items, see if major brands appear on the Rakuten list.

8. Split Large Orders

Some prefer to break a massive order into separate purchases if the store tracks each transaction’s cash back individually. That approach might unlock separate coupon codes or more targeted discounts. Check store rules to avoid shipping fees, then gather your multiple rewards from Rakuten.

9. Use the Rakuten Mobile App

Using Rakuten’s mobile app can bring special perks. The platform sometimes promotes app-exclusive deals. That means you get a unique cash-back rate you wouldn’t see on the desktop version. Tap, shop, and earn. It’s quick for on-the-go buying when time is tight.

10. Watch Return Policies

Returned purchases usually void cash. If you order items, confirm that you need them. Constant returns look odd to Rakuten and the store, which might lead to problems. Keeping your return rate low helps you maximize your final rebate each quarter.

How to Maximize Earnings with Spocket and Rakuten

Spocket can power a dropshipping store. Rakuten supports some eCommerce platforms that partner well with Spocket. If your Spocket-linked store is listed on Rakuten, you could promote that link to shoppers. That might let them enjoy cash back, increasing the appeal of your online business.

Spocket suppliers include beauty, technology, apparel, and more. A sample item is Sea Buckthorn Facial, which is priced at $14.97 on Spocket, compared to $24.95 retail. Print-on-demand products and branded invoices let entrepreneurs create a professional image. That synergy can attract customers who value quick shipping and verified suppliers.

With Spocket’s varied trending product catalog, cross-selling is simple. You can pair related items like gaming accessories or matching apparel sets. If your store is integrated with Rakuten, loyal shoppers gain cash back. This fosters repeat visits and encourages people to fill their carts for extra savings.

Conclusion

Rakuten offers a convenient solution for those seeking extra income from everyday shopping. You click, purchase, and collect rewards on items you plan to buy. This simple approach can yield a steady trickle of money over the year.

The best ways to use Rakuten revolve around consistency, good timing, and sensible planning. Watch for boosted promotions, link your cards, and track your spending. That helps nurture an ongoing bonus stream without complicated tasks or huge investments.

Following those strategies can help you increase your payout checks. Combine Rakuten with helpful tools like Spocket if you run an online store. Then, enjoy each deposit, treat yourself, or reinvest in fresh opportunities that suit your personal goals.

Best Ways to Use Rakuten FAQs

Can Rakuten and a store’s discount code be used together?

Yes, if the store honors both. Rakuten credits the cash back based on the total purchases that the store reports. You can enter store promo codes at checkout. The result is a lower upfront payment plus any cash back once the purchase is processed.

Do significant returns cause problems in Rakuten?

Excessive returns may trigger account reviews. Rakuten and partner stores monitor repeated returns that seem unnatural. If transactions are flagged, the account may be suspended. Honest shoppers rarely face issues, so it is best to buy items you genuinely intend to keep.

What if I forgot to click Rakuten before shopping?

Rakuten can’t reward a purchase that isn’t tracked through its link or button. That’s why many folks install the extension. It alerts you about possible cash back. If you finish checkout without activating Rakuten first, there’s no way to apply that missed rebate afterward.

How do you receive your money?

Rakuten pays every three months by check or PayPal once your account passes five dollars. If you prefer a “Big Fat Check,” they mail it to your address. PayPal is a quicker option for many people. Either way, you get actual cash, not store credits.

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