Scoring Cash Back While You Shop Online: A Beginner's Guide to Rakuten
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In today's fast-paced world of online shopping, finding ways to save money is more important than ever. If you love snagging great deals but also want to earn a little something back from your purchases, Rakuten might just be your new best friend. This beginner's guide will walk you through the ins and outs of Rakuten, showing you how to score cash back while you shop online.
Rakuten is a cash-back and rewards program that partners with thousands of online retailers. When you shop through Rakuten, you earn a percentage of your purchase back in cash. It’s simple: you shop, you earn, and you save—all without any complicated steps. Plus, it’s completely free to join!
1. Sign Up
To get started, head over to the Rakuten website or download the app. Signing up is quick and easy—just provide your email address and create a password. Once you’re set up, you can start exploring the world of cash back.
2. Browse Retailers
Rakuten partners with a wide variety of retailers, from major brands like Amazon and Walmart to niche stores. You can browse through the list of available stores on Rakuten’s homepage or search for specific retailers. Each store shows the current cash-back percentage, which can vary based on promotions and seasons.
3. Activate Cash Back
Before making a purchase, click on the retailer's link in Rakuten to activate cash back. Use this link for Rakuten to get a $30.00 signup bonus. This redirects you to the retailer’s website, and your cash-back tracking will begin automatically. Just remember, you need to start your shopping from Rakuten for the cash back to be applied!
4. Shop as Usual
Once you’re on the retailer’s site, shop like you normally would. Add items to your cart, check out, and complete your purchase. It’s that easy! Your cash back will be calculated based on the total amount you spent (excluding taxes and shipping).
5. Get Paid
Rakuten pays out cash back every quarter. You can choose to receive your earnings via a check or have them deposited directly into your PayPal account. Keep in mind that you need to reach a minimum threshold of $5.01 to receive a payout, but that’s usually easy to achieve with regular shopping.
1. Look for Bonus Offers
Rakuten often runs special promotions offering increased cash back on certain retailers or products. Keep an eye on these deals, as they can significantly boost your earnings.
2. Refer Friends
Rakuten has a referral program that rewards you for bringing friends on board. When your friend signs up and makes their first purchase, you both earn cash back. It’s a win-win!
3. Use the Rakuten Browser Extension
Consider installing the Rakuten browser extension. It automatically alerts you to cash-back opportunities while you shop, ensuring you never miss out on potential savings.
4. Combine with Coupons
You can stack Rakuten cash back with other discounts or coupon codes. Always check for available coupons before making a purchase to maximize your savings.
What is Rakuten?
Rakuten is a cash-back and rewards program that partners with thousands of online retailers. When you shop through Rakuten, you earn a percentage of your purchase back in cash. It’s simple: you shop, you earn, and you save—all without any complicated steps. Plus, it’s completely free to join!
Getting Started with Rakuten
1. Sign Up
To get started, head over to the Rakuten website or download the app. Signing up is quick and easy—just provide your email address and create a password. Once you’re set up, you can start exploring the world of cash back.
2. Browse Retailers
Rakuten partners with a wide variety of retailers, from major brands like Amazon and Walmart to niche stores. You can browse through the list of available stores on Rakuten’s homepage or search for specific retailers. Each store shows the current cash-back percentage, which can vary based on promotions and seasons.
3. Activate Cash Back
Before making a purchase, click on the retailer's link in Rakuten to activate cash back. Use this link for Rakuten to get a $30.00 signup bonus. This redirects you to the retailer’s website, and your cash-back tracking will begin automatically. Just remember, you need to start your shopping from Rakuten for the cash back to be applied!
4. Shop as Usual
Once you’re on the retailer’s site, shop like you normally would. Add items to your cart, check out, and complete your purchase. It’s that easy! Your cash back will be calculated based on the total amount you spent (excluding taxes and shipping).
5. Get Paid
Rakuten pays out cash back every quarter. You can choose to receive your earnings via a check or have them deposited directly into your PayPal account. Keep in mind that you need to reach a minimum threshold of $5.01 to receive a payout, but that’s usually easy to achieve with regular shopping.
Tips for Maximizing Your Cash Back
1. Look for Bonus Offers
Rakuten often runs special promotions offering increased cash back on certain retailers or products. Keep an eye on these deals, as they can significantly boost your earnings.
2. Refer Friends
Rakuten has a referral program that rewards you for bringing friends on board. When your friend signs up and makes their first purchase, you both earn cash back. It’s a win-win!
3. Use the Rakuten Browser Extension
Consider installing the Rakuten browser extension. It automatically alerts you to cash-back opportunities while you shop, ensuring you never miss out on potential savings.
4. Combine with Coupons
You can stack Rakuten cash back with other discounts or coupon codes. Always check for available coupons before making a purchase to maximize your savings.