Rakuten (formerly Ebates) is a popular cashback and rewards platform that helps users earn money back on online purchases. Here’s a detailed overview of how Rakuten works, its referral program, and other key features:
What is Rakuten?
Rakuten is an online shopping platform that allows users to earn cashback on purchases made at a variety of popular retailers. It partners with thousands of online stores, offering users cashback for buying products through Rakuten’s referral links or using its browser extension.
How Rakuten Works:
- Sign Up: You can sign up for Rakuten for free by creating an account, typically using your email address.
- Browse and Shop: Once you're signed up, you can shop at hundreds of participating stores (such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, and more) through the Rakuten website or app. Each store offers a different percentage of cashback.
- Cashback: After making a purchase, Rakuten tracks your transaction and awards cashback. The amount varies by retailer and can range from 1% to 10% or more, depending on the promotion or product category.
- Receive Payments: Rakuten pays cashback to users via PayPal or check, typically on a quarterly basis.
Key Features:
- Wide Variety of Stores: Rakuten partners with thousands of online retailers, including big names like Macy’s, Best Buy, eBay, and more. You can earn cashback on almost any kind of product, from clothing to electronics to travel bookings.
- Additional Features:
- Rakuten Browser Extension: Rakuten offers a browser extension that alerts you when cashback opportunities are available on the websites you visit. This tool ensures you never miss out on a cashback deal.
- In-Store Cashback: Rakuten also offers cashback for in-store purchases at participating retailers through its "Rakuten In-Store" feature. This allows you to earn cashback when you shop offline at partner stores, which you can link to your Rakuten account via the app.
Rakuten Referral Program:
Rakuten has an attractive referral program that rewards users for referring friends and family to sign up for Rakuten and start shopping.
How It Works:
- Invite Friends: You can share your unique referral link with friends via email, social media, or other messaging platforms.
- Referral Signup: When someone signs up using your referral link and makes their first purchase, both you and the referred person receive a cashback bonus.
- Bonus Amount: The referral bonus can vary, but it typically offers $10 for each successful referral, provided the referred friend makes a qualifying purchase. The referred friend may also receive a $10 bonus as part of the promotion.
Steps to Refer:
- Log into your Rakuten account.
- Navigate to the referral section in your account dashboard.
- Share your unique referral link via email or social media.
- Once your friend signs up and completes their first purchase, you both receive the bonus.
Rakuten Membership Tiers:
Rakuten also offers an upgraded membership tier called Rakuten VIP, where users can earn higher cashback rates and exclusive deals. To unlock Rakuten VIP, users need to make a certain number of purchases or spend a minimum amount within a given time period.
Payment Methods:
Rakuten gives users two options to receive their cashback:
- PayPal: You can receive cashback payments directly to your PayPal account.
- Check: Alternatively, you can choose to receive a physical check for your cashback earnings.
Rakuten Mobile App:
Rakuten has a mobile app for both iOS and Android, which allows you to shop, track cashback, and make in-store purchases easily. The app also provides notifications about special deals, cashback offers, and seasonal promotions.
Additional Benefits:
- Seasonal Promotions: Rakuten frequently offers special deals, like double cashback days or exclusive discounts, which allow users to earn even more cashback during certain periods.
- Cashback on Gift Cards: In addition to regular shopping, Rakuten users can earn cashback when purchasing gift cards for stores such as Amazon, Target, and Walmart.
Pros of Rakuten:
- Easy to Use: The platform is simple to navigate, and the app or browser extension makes it easy to shop and earn cashback.
- Wide Range of Retailers: Rakuten partners with many well-known retailers, giving users many options to earn cashback.
- Referral Rewards: The referral program is a great way to earn extra money, especially with the $10 per successful referral.
- Free to Join: There’s no cost to join Rakuten, and you can start earning cashback right away.
Cons of Rakuten:
- Delayed Payments: Cashback is paid quarterly, so you won’t receive your earnings immediately after making a purchase.
- Minimum Earnings for Payment: You typically need to earn at least $5 before Rakuten will send you a payment, though this isn’t too difficult to achieve.
How to Get Started with Rakuten:
- Sign Up: Go to the Rakuten website or download the app and create an account with your email address.
- Browse for Deals: Once you're signed up, browse for stores that offer cashback deals and start shopping.
- Refer Friends: Share your referral link with friends and earn bonuses when they sign up and shop.
Conclusion:
Rakuten (formerly Ebates) is an easy-to-use platform that lets you earn cashback on purchases made through their site. With its referral program, you can earn extra rewards by inviting friends and family to join. If you're a frequent online shopper, Rakuten can be a great way to save money while earning cashback on your purchases.