Rakuten Cash Back: How to Get Money Back on Shopping You Already Do

A free cash back site, formerly known as Ebates, that pays you back a percentage of eligible purchases at thousands of stores, sent by check or PayPal every few months.

“Class, imagine a store handing you back a little change after every purchase, just for walking in the right door. Rakuten is that door. Today we learn to use it every single time.”

What is Rakuten cash back?

Rakuten is a free cash back shopping site in the United States. Many longtime shoppers still remember it by its old name, Ebates. Here is how it works: stores pay Rakuten a commission for sending shoppers their way, and Rakuten shares part of that with you as cash back.

You start your shopping trip at Rakuten, through its website, phone app, or browser extension, then shop at the store as you normally would. When your purchase is confirmed, cash back is added to your Rakuten account. The percentage depends on the store and changes often.

Why I assign it to my students

Cash back is the easiest money a frugal person will ever earn, because it comes from shopping you were going to do anyway.

• It is free. No membership fee, ever.
• It works at many stores. Department stores, pharmacies, home goods, travel sites, and more.
• It stacks with sales. You can often use a store’s sale or coupon and still earn cash back.
• It pays real money. Payouts can come by check or PayPal, not just store credit.

How to earn Rakuten cash back, step by step

1. Join for free. Sign up at Rakuten.com with your email and a strong password.
2. Look up the store before you shop. Search for the store on Rakuten and check the current cash back rate.
3. Click “Shop Now” through Rakuten. This sends you to the store so your purchase can be tracked. Then shop and check out as usual.
4. Consider the browser extension or app. The extension can remind you when a store offers cash back, and the app works on a phone or tablet.
5. Wait for confirmation. Rakuten says cash back usually takes several weeks to confirm after you buy.
6. Choose how you get paid. Rakuten pays quarterly. You can pick a mailed check, which Rakuten calls a Big Fat Check, or PayPal. Other options may be listed in your account.

Is Rakuten good for seniors and fixed incomes?

Yes. Rakuten is one of the simplest money tools around. Once you have an account, you only need to remember one step: start at Rakuten before you shop online. Many people use it for prescriptions and health products from online pharmacies, birthday gifts, household items, and travel bookings.

The mailed check option is handy for anyone who prefers paper over apps. You can also ask a family member to install the browser extension on your computer, so Rakuten reminds you automatically when a store offers cash back.

Things to watch for

• Payments come quarterly, not instantly, and you need a small minimum balance to be paid. Leftover amounts roll over to the next payment.
• Cash back may not track if you use a different coupon site or skip clicking through Rakuten.
• Returning an item usually reverses the cash back for it.
• Browser extensions need permission to read the pages you visit. Review the permissions and privacy settings before installing.
• Beware of fake emails pretending to be Rakuten. Log in by typing the address yourself.

Professor Ima B. Cheap

Cash back rates, payout rules, and site features change often. Cheap101 is not affiliated with Rakuten. Always check the current terms and the store’s policies before you buy. More handouts: Cheap101 Class Handouts · Coupons and deals guide