In today’s fast-paced world, travel has become an integral part of our lives. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a business trip, or an exotic vacation, we all want to explore new places and create lasting memories. However, the cost of travel can sometimes be a barrier. That’s where Rakuten comes to the rescue, allowing you to master the art of saving money while booking your dream trips. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to maximize your cashback on travel bookings using Rakuten, ensuring your adventures don’t break the bank.
Understanding Rakuten: More Than Just Cashback
Before delving into the specifics of earning cashback on travel bookings, it’s crucial to understand what Rakuten is and how it works. Formerly known as Ebates, Rakuten is a cashback and shopping rewards platform that partners with thousands of retailers and travel providers. The concept is simple but effective: when you shop through Rakuten, you earn a percentage of your purchase amount back as cashback.
Rakuten collaborates with an extensive network of travel companies, including airlines, hotels, rental car services, and online travel agencies. This means that you can not only earn cashback on travel expenses but also on related purchases such as luggage, travel insurance, and more. It’s the perfect tool for frugal travelers looking to save money without sacrificing the quality of their trips.
1. Sign Up and Install the Rakuten Browser Extension
To begin your journey to savings, the first step is to sign up for a Rakuten account. Visit their website and complete the registration process. Once you have an account, consider installing the Rakuten browser extension. This extension automatically notifies you of cashback opportunities when you visit participating websites. It’s a game-changer because you won’t have to remember to go through the Rakuten portal each time you shop online. The extension does it all for you, making saving money a breeze.
2. Plan Your Travel Itinerary
When it comes to travel, planning ahead is key. To maximize your savings, start by creating a detailed itinerary for your trip. This includes choosing your destination, travel dates, accommodation preferences, and any additional services you may need, such as car rentals or airport transfers.
3. Browse Rakuten’s Travel Partners
Rakuten boasts an extensive list of travel partners, and this is where the real fun begins. Use Rakuten’s search feature to find the travel providers that suit your itinerary. Whether you’re booking flights, hotels, or rental cars, you’ll likely find a partner offering cashback on Rakuten. Browse through the available offers to determine which partner can provide the best deals for your travel needs.
4. Click Through Rakuten to Book
Once you’ve selected your preferred travel partner, it’s time to access the cashback. Click on the partner’s offer on Rakuten’s website or use the browser extension to ensure that your purchase is tracked. This is an essential step, as Rakuten relies on these tracking mechanisms to calculate your cashback. If you skip this step, you might miss out on substantial savings.
5. Book Your Travel
After clicking through to the travel partner’s website, proceed with your booking as you normally would. Select your flights, hotels, or other services, and enter your payment information. Keep in mind that the prices you see on the travel partner’s website are the same as if you had visited the site directly. The difference is that, by going through Rakuten, you’ll earn cashback on your booking.
6. Enjoy Your Trip and Reap the Rewards
With your travel plans set and bookings made, it’s time to embark on your adventure. Whether you’re sipping cocktails on a tropical beach, exploring a bustling city, or attending a business meeting, you can rest easy knowing that you’re already on your way to mastering the art of saving money. Once you complete your trip, Rakuten will calculate the cashback you’ve earned based on your total travel expenses.
7. Receiving and Using Your Cashback
After your trip, Rakuten will credit the cashback you’ve earned to your Rakuten account. Typically, this process takes a few weeks, so be patient. Once you’ve accumulated a significant amount of cashback, you can choose how you’d like to receive your rewards. Rakuten offers three main options:
a. Check: You can receive your cashback in the form of a physical check sent to your mailing address.
b. PayPal Payment: If you prefer a more convenient and faster option, you can have your cashback transferred directly to your PayPal account.
c. American Express Membership Rewards Points: Rakuten allows you to convert your cashback into American Express Membership Rewards Points.
You can decide which method works best for you based on your preferences. Regardless of your choice, it’s an exciting moment when your cashback comes in. It’s a tangible reward for your smart shopping decisions, and it’s the essence of mastering the art of saving money.
8. Maximize Your Savings with Rakuten Travel Promotions
Rakuten often offers special promotions and deals for its members. These promotions can significantly boost your cashback earnings, making your travel savings even more impressive. Keep an eye out for the following types of promotions:
a. Double Cashback: Some travel partners occasionally offer double cashback percentages. This means you’ll earn twice as much cashback for your booking, effectively doubling your savings.
b. Limited-Time Offers: Rakuten frequently runs limited-time promotions, where you can earn extra cashback for a set period. Keep an eye on these promotions, as they can provide substantial savings.
c. Rakuten Cashback Visa Credit Card: For those who want to take their cashback game to the next level, Rakuten offers a Cashback Visa Credit Card. With this card, you can earn additional cashback on your purchases, making it a valuable tool for avid travelers.
Conclusion
In the world of travel, every penny saved is a chance for a new adventure. Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, is your secret weapon for mastering the art of saving money on travel bookings. With a user-friendly platform and a vast network of travel partners, Rakuten makes it easy to earn cashback on your trips. From flights to hotels, car rentals to airport transfers, you can enjoy substantial savings without compromising the quality of your journeys.