Hey there, savvy shoppers! If you’re anything like me, you love scoring a good deal when you shop online. But what if I told you there’s an easy way to earn some cash back on your purchases? Enter Rakuten — your new best friend in the world of online shopping. In this blog post, I’m going to walk you through how to use Rakuten to get cash back, step by step!
What is Rakuten?
First things first: what is Rakuten? It’s a cash-back website that partners with tons of retailers. When you shop through Rakuten, you earn a percentage back on what you spend. It’s like getting paid to shop! Whether you’re buying clothes, electronics, or even booking travel, Rakuten has you covered.
Getting Started with Rakuten
Step 1: Sign Up
- Visit the Rakuten Website: Go to the Rakuten website and click on “Join Now.” It’s free to sign up!
- Create an Account: You’ll need to enter your email address and create a password. You can also sign up using your Facebook or Google account for quicker access.
- Get a Welcome Bonus: Keep an eye out for special promotions. Often, new users get cash bonuses just for signing up and making their first purchase!
Step 2: Browse Retailers
Once you’re all set up, you can start exploring. Rakuten has a huge list of participating merchants, from big names like Amazon and Walmart to specialty stores.
- Check the Cash Back Rates: When you browse through retailers on Rakuten, check the cash-back percentage offered. This can vary depending on the store and the current promotions.
- Use the Search Bar: If you’re looking for a specific store, type it into the search bar to find them faster.
Step 3: Activate Cash Back
Now, let’s get to the fun part — actually earning cash back!
- Click Through Rakuten: When you find a retailer you want to shop at, click the “Shop Now” button. This will redirect you to the store’s website while automatically activating your cash-back link.
- Make Your Purchase: Shop like you normally would! Select your items and proceed to checkout. Just make sure to complete your purchase in the same window Rakuten opened for you.
Step 4: Track Your Purchases
After your purchase, it usually takes a little while (around a few hours to a couple of days) for Rakuten to track your transaction and credit your account with cash back.
- Check Your Account: Log back into your Rakuten account to see your cash-back balance. You should see your earnings there!
- Keep an Eye on Your Spending: Rakuten also offers tracking tools so you can see how much you’ve spent and how much cash back you can expect.
Step 5: Get Paid!
Once your cash-back balance reaches a minimum threshold (usually $5), you can cash out your earnings. Here’s how:
- Choose Your Payment Method: Rakuten allows you to receive your cash-back via check or PayPal. Select your preferred method in the “Account Settings” section.
- Request Your Payout: Simply click on the “Get Cash Back” button when you’re ready to be paid. It’s that easy!
Bonus Tips for Maximizing Cash Back
- Use the Mobile App: Consider downloading the Rakuten app for on-the-go shopping. You can earn cash back while you shop in-store at participating retailers too!
- Stack Cash Back: Use Rakuten alongside other deals, coupons, and credit card rewards to maximize your savings.
- Referral Program: Invite friends to join Rakuten using your referral link. They’ll get a cash bonus, and you’ll earn a referral bonus when they make their first purchase.
Final Thoughts
Shopping just got a little sweeter with Rakuten! Earning cash back while buying things you already need is a win-win situation. So, whether you’re picking up groceries or splurging on a new outfit, don’t forget to Rakuten your way to savings. Happy shopping, and may the cash back be ever in your favor!