Unlock the Secret to Earning Cashback with Rakuten: A Beginner’s Guide

Hey there, fellow online shopper! If you're like me, you love a good deal. And guess what? Rakuten makes it super easy to save money while shopping online by giving you cashback. It's like getting paid to shop! Let me walk you through how to use Rakuten step by step so you can start earning cashback today.

Step 1: Sign Up for Rakuten

First things first, you’ll need a Rakuten account. Use this link to sign up! Signing up is free and only takes a few minutes. Just enter your email, create a password, and boom – you’re in! Bonus: Rakuten often offers a welcome bonus (like $10 or $30) after you make your first purchase, so keep an eye out for that!

Step 2: Browse or Search for Stores

Rakuten partners with tons of stores – think big names like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Sephora, and more. You can either browse categories (like fashion, electronics, or travel) or use the search bar to find a specific store. Each store shows you the cashback percentage they’re currently offering. For example, you might see something like "5% cashback at Macy’s" or "10% cashback at Nike."

Step 3: Activate Your Cashback

Once you find a store you want to shop at, click the "Shop Now" button. This will take you directly to the store’s website. Rakuten tracks your visit, so they know you came through their link. This step is super important – no clicking, no cashback! If you’re using the Rakuten app, it’s even easier since everything is streamlined within the app itself.

Pro Tip: If you’re on a desktop, install the Rakuten browser extension. It’ll automatically notify you if a site you’re visiting offers cashback and let you activate it with one click. No more forgetting to click through Rakuten first!

Step 4: Shop as Usual

Now, just shop like you normally would. Add items to your cart, check out, and complete your purchase. As long as you clicked through Rakuten’s link before buying, your cashback is on its way.

Step 5: Get Paid

After you’ve made your purchase, Rakuten will confirm the cashback with the store. This usually takes a few days, and the cashback will appear in your Rakuten account as "pending." Once the store’s return window closes (usually 30-90 days), your cashback is finalized.

Rakuten pays out cashback every quarter via PayPal or check. Just make sure you’ve earned at least $5.01 by the payout date. If you haven’t, your earnings roll over to the next quarter.

Bonus Tips for Maximizing Your Cashback

• Stack deals: Use coupon codes or sales along with Rakuten’s cashback for double savings.
• Refer friends: Rakuten’s referral program lets you earn even more. Share your referral link with friends, and you’ll both get a bonus when they sign up and shop.
• Check the app for bonuses: Sometimes Rakuten offers limited-time higher cashback rates for certain stores. Keep an eye out for those sweet deals!

Why Rakuten is Worth It

Using Rakuten is seriously a no-brainer. It’s free money for doing something you were already going to do: shop online. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to use. Whether you’re buying groceries, booking a vacation, or snagging some new clothes, Rakuten has your back.

So, what are you waiting for? Sign up, start shopping, and let Rakuten put some extra cash back in your pocket. Happy shopping!