In today’s digital age, online shopping has become a convenient and popular way to shop for everything from clothing and electronics to groceries and household items. However, wouldn’t it be great if you could earn cash back on your online purchases? Enter Rakuten, a platform that offers an innovative way to save money while shopping online.
What is Rakuten?
Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, is an online shopping portal that allows users to earn cash back on their purchases at thousands of online retailers. Founded in 1997 by Hiroshi Mikitani in Japan, Rakuten has grown to become one of the largest and most popular cashback platforms in the world.
How Does Rakuten Work?
Earning cash back with Rakuten is as easy as 1-2-3:
- Start at Rakuten: To begin earning cash back, simply visit the Rakuten website or use the Rakuten app. Once you’re on the platform, you can browse and select the online store where you want to shop.
- Shop as You Normally Would: After selecting your preferred store, you can proceed to shop for products just like you would on the retailer’s website. There’s no need to create a separate account or jump through hoops.
- Earn Cash Back: After making a purchase, Rakuten will track your transaction and calculate your cash back based on a percentage of your total purchase amount. This cash back is then credited to your Rakuten account.
The Benefits of Using Rakuten
Now that we understand how Rakuten works, let’s explore the numerous benefits it offers to savvy online shoppers:
1. Cash Back on Your Purchases
The most obvious benefit of using Rakuten is the opportunity to earn cash back on your online purchases. Depending on the store and the current promotions, you can receive cash back ranging from 1% to as high as 10% or more. This means that for every $100 you spend, you could get $10 back in your pocket.
2. Access to Thousands of Retailers
Rakuten partners with over 3,500 online retailers, including major brands like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and more. This wide selection of stores ensures that you can find almost anything you need while earning cash back.
3. Regular Promotions and Deals
Rakuten frequently offers special promotions, discounts, and deals. These can include double cash back events, bonus offers, and exclusive discounts for Rakuten members. Stacking these promotions with the cash back you earn can result in significant savings.
4. Easy-to-Use Mobile App
Rakuten offers a user-friendly mobile app that allows you to shop and earn cash back on the go. You can access exclusive app-only deals and conveniently track your cash back earnings.
5. Hassle-Free Payouts
Once you’ve accumulated cash back in your Rakuten account, you can choose how you want to receive your earnings. Rakuten offers payouts via check, PayPal, or as a gift card, giving you flexibility in how you use your cash back rewards.
6. Referral Program
Rakuten has a referral program that allows you to earn additional cash back by referring friends and family to the platform. When your referrals make qualifying purchases, you receive a referral bonus, further increasing your savings.
7. Save on Travel Bookings
In addition to cash back on online shopping, Rakuten offers cash back on travel bookings, including flights, hotels, and car rentals. This can lead to significant savings on your travel expenses.
8. Browser Extension for Easy Activation
Rakuten offers a browser extension that makes it even easier to activate cash back offers while shopping online. It notifies you when cash back is available at a particular store and ensures you never miss out on savings.
Tips for Maximizing Your Rakuten Savings
To make the most of your Rakuten experience and maximize your cash back earnings, here are some helpful tips:
- Install the Rakuten Browser Extension: This extension ensures that you’re always aware of cash back opportunities while shopping online.
- Stack Deals: Combine Rakuten cash back with existing store discounts and coupons to maximize your savings.
- Refer Friends: Invite friends and family to join Rakuten to earn referral bonuses.
- Keep an Eye on Promotions: Watch for special promotions and events to earn even more cash back.
- Plan Your Travel with Rakuten: If you’re booking a trip, consider using Rakuten to earn cash back on your travel expenses.
- Regularly Check Your Account: Make sure to check your Rakuten account to track your cash back earnings and request payouts.
How Rakuten Compares to Other Cash Back Platforms
While Rakuten is a leading player in the cash back space, it’s essential to know how it compares to other cash back platforms. Here’s a brief comparison:
Rakuten vs. Honey
Honey is another popular browser extension that helps users find coupon codes and deals while shopping online. While it doesn’t offer cash back like Rakuten, it can help you find discounts that can stack with Rakuten’s cash back offers, maximizing your savings.
Rakuten vs. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a rewards platform that offers various ways to earn points, including cash back on online shopping, surveys, and more. Rakuten focuses primarily on cash back from online shopping, while Swagbucks provides a broader range of earning opportunities.
Rakuten vs. TopCashback
TopCashback is a cash back platform similar to Rakuten. Both platforms offer competitive cash back rates, but the availability of specific stores and promotions may vary between them. It’s worth comparing the two to see which one offers better deals for your favorite retailers.
Is Rakuten Legit and Safe?
One common question users have about cash back platforms is whether they are legit and safe to use. In the case of Rakuten, the answer is a resounding yes. Rakuten is a reputable company with a long history of providing cash back to its users. It has partnerships with major retailers and a large user base, making it a trustworthy choice for earning cash back.
Rakuten also takes security seriously, employing industry-standard encryption and data protection measures to ensure your personal and financial information is safe.
Conclusion
Rakuten offers a simple and effective way to save money while shopping online. With cash back, access to numerous retailers, and regular promotions, it’s a must-have tool for anyone looking to get more value out of their online purchases. So, why not unlock the benefits of Rakuten and start earning cash back on your online shopping today?
In conclusion, Rakuten is a legitimate and safe platform that can help you save money on your online purchases. Whether you’re shopping for essentials, splurging on electronics, or planning your next vacation, Rakuten’s cash back offers can add up to significant savings over time. Plus, with a user-friendly app, browser extension, and a wide range of partner retailers, it’s easier than ever to make the most of your online shopping experience with Rakuten.
So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for Rakuten today and start earning cash back on your online shopping adventures!