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  7. Android App開發入門
App development · Rakuten: Cash Back and Deals

Android App開發入門

如何設計像Rakuten: Cash Back and Deals這樣的App?

StarsNet · App team

In the last five years, our focus on app development has driven over HK$3,000,000 in revenue for merchants.

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How the Rakuten: Cash Back and Deals App Works – A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, is a leading cash-back and shopping rewards platform that allows users to earn money back on their online and in-store purchases. The Rakuten: Cash Back and Deals app (available for iOS and Android) simplifies the process of earning cash back by partnering with thousands of retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Macy’s, and more.

This guide will provide an in-depth explanation of how the Rakuten app works, covering:

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  • Signing Up and Getting Started
  • How Cash Back Works
  • Shopping Online with Rakuten
  • In-Store Cash Back Offers
  • Rakuten’s Browser Extension
  • Referral Program and Bonuses
  • Payment Methods and Payouts
  • Exclusive Deals and Promotions
  • Rakuten Membership Tiers (Gold & Platinum)
  • Tips to Maximize Earnings
  • Common Issues and Troubleshooting
  • Security and Privacy Considerations
  • By the end of this guide, you’ll have a complete understanding of how to use Rakuten to save money on every purchase.


    1. Signing Up and Getting Started

    Downloading the App

    • The Rakuten app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
    • After downloading, users must create an account using an email address or by linking a Google/Facebook account.

    Welcome Bonus

    • New users often receive a $10–$30 sign-up bonus after making their first qualifying purchase (varies by promotion).

    Linking Payment Methods (Optional)

    • Users can link credit/debit cards to earn in-store cash back (more details in Section 4).

    2. How Cash Back Works

    Rakuten partners with retailers to offer a percentage of your purchase back as cash. The process involves:

    Cash Back Rates

    • Rates vary by store (e.g., 1% at Amazon, up to 15% at Sephora).
    • Some stores offer temporary boosts (e.g., 10% cash back during Black Friday).

    How Rakuten Makes Money

    • Rakuten earns a commission from retailers for driving traffic to their websites.
    • A portion of this commission is shared with users as cash back.

    Exclusions

    • Cash back does not apply to taxes, shipping fees, or gift card purchases (unless specified).

    3. Shopping Online with Rakuten

    Method 1: Using the Rakuten App

    1. Open the app and search for a retailer (e.g., Nike).
    2. Tap "Shop Now" to be redirected to the retailer’s website.
    3. Complete your purchase as usual.
    4. Cash back will be tracked and credited to your account within 1–7 days.

    Method 2: Using the Rakuten Browser Extension

    • The Rakuten Cash Back Button (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) automatically activates cash back when shopping at partner stores.
    • A notification confirms when cash back is applied.

    Method 3: Manually Submitting Receipts (For In-Store Purchases)

    • Some stores allow receipt uploads via the app for cash back.

    4. In-Store Cash Back Offers

    Linking a Credit/Debit Card

    • Users can register eligible cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) in the app.
    • When shopping in-store at participating retailers, cash back is automatically tracked.

    Activating In-Store Offers

    1. Open the app and check for nearby in-store deals.
    2. Tap "Link Offer" to activate cash back before paying with a linked card.

    Exclusions

    • Some stores require minimum spending (e.g., $25 at Walgreens).
    • Not all locations participate.

    5. Rakuten’s Browser Extension

    Features

    • Automatically applies coupon codes at checkout.
    • Shows cash back rates before purchasing.
    • Alerts users if they’re on a non-cash-back retailer.

    Installation

    1. Visit Rakuten.com and download the extension.
    2. Log in to your account.
    3. The extension will notify you when cash back is available.

    6. Referral Program and Bonuses

    Earning Referral Bonuses

    • Users receive $25–$40 for every friend who signs up and makes a qualifying purchase.
    • Some promotions offer extra bonuses (e.g., $10 per referral during holidays).

    Sharing Referral Links

    • Links can be shared via email, social media, or direct messages.

    7. Payment Methods and Payouts

    Payout Schedule

    • Rakuten pays quarterly (February, May, August, November).
    • Minimum payout is $5.01 (for check) or $0.01 (for PayPal).

    Payment Options

    • PayPal (instant transfer).
    • Check (mailed).
    • American Express Membership Rewards (for Amex cardholders).

    8. Exclusive Deals and Promotions

    Double Cash Back Events

    • Some stores offer 2x or 3x cash back for limited periods.

    Rakuten Coupons

    • The app provides extra discount codes on top of cash back.

    Bonus Cash Back for First-Time Purchases

    • Some retailers offer extra $10–$20 for first-time buyers.

    9. Rakuten Membership Tiers (Gold & Platinum)

    Gold Status

    • Earn $5–$10 extra per quarter if you refer friends.

    Platinum Status

    • Requires $500+ in cash back per year.
    • Benefits include higher referral bonuses and exclusive deals.

    10. Tips to Maximize Earnings

    ✅ Stack with Credit Card Rewards – Use a cash-back credit card for extra savings.
    ✅ Check for Seasonal Promotions – Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and holidays offer higher rates.
    ✅ Combine with Coupons – Rakuten allows coupon stacking.
    ✅ Use In-Store Offers – Activate deals before shopping.


    11. Common Issues and Troubleshooting

    Missing Cash Back?

    • Submit a Missing Cash Back Request in the app (requires order confirmation).
    • Ensure you clicked through Rakuten before purchasing.

    Delayed Payouts?

    • Some stores take up to 45 days to confirm purchases.

    12. Security and Privacy Considerations

    • Rakuten uses encryption to protect user data.
    • The browser extension does not track sensitive payment details.

    Final Thoughts

    The Rakuten app is a powerful tool for earning cash back on everyday purchases. By shopping through Rakuten, activating in-store offers, and leveraging referral bonuses, users can save hundreds of dollars annually.

    Would you like a step-by-step video tutorial on setting up Rakuten for maximum cash back? Let me know in the comments!

    Pricing · 5 tiers

    App Development Costs & Features

    We have prepared an approximate time and cost budget for you,<br/>enabling you to quickly launch the app to market and generate revenue within your budget.

    1. Tier 01

      20K - 40K

      Simple Starter App (MVP)

      ~ 1 - 3 weeks

      • Displays information only (e.g., company information)
      • Simple, ready-to-use design
      • Only for Android
      • In one language (English or Chinese)
    2. Tier 02

      40K - 80K

      Basic App with Key Features

      ~ 1 - 2 months

      • Payment Integration (e.g., Stripe)
      • Secure authentication (e.g., register, login)
      • Sends email updates (e.g., order confirmation)
      • Simple control panel for you to manage content (e.g., add products)
    3. Tier 03Popular

      80K - 140K

      Enhanced App with More Features

      ~ 2 - 3 months

      • Customised design
      • Sends in-app notifications (e.g., order updates or promotions)
      • Supports up to 3 languages (e.g., English, Cantonese, Mandarin)
      • Advanced control panel to manage content and track activity
    4. Tier 04

      140K - 240K

      Powerful Custom App

      ~ 3 - 4 months

      • Custom features for your needs
      • Tracks how users use the app and creates reports
      • Analyzes data to help you make smart decisions
      • Connects with other tools (e.g., marketing or delivery services)
    5. Tier 05

      240K or Above

      Enterprise Custom App

      ~ 4 - 6 months

      • Smart AI features (e.g., personalized suggestions or chatbots)
      • Real-time updates (e.g., live inventory, instant user actions)
      • Handles thousands of users with lightning-fast performance
      • Seamlessly connects with tools like social media, analytics, or CRM
    Works on both iOS and Android
    Staff accounts with different access levels (e.g., manager vs. staff)
  • Permission settings to control which pages customers can view or use (e.g., restrict certain features to specific users)
  • Detailed control panel for managing everything
    Advanced control panel with powerful reports to boost your business