How the Rakuten: Cash Back & Deals App Works – A Comprehensive Guide
The Rakuten: Cash Back & Deals app (formerly known as Ebates) is a popular cash-back and shopping rewards platform that allows users to earn money back on their online and in-store purchases. By partnering with thousands of retailers, Rakuten offers discounts, coupons, and cash-back incentives to its members.
This guide will provide a detailed breakdown of how the Rakuten app works, covering:
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Rakuten is a Japanese e-commerce and fintech company that operates one of the largest cash-back platforms in the world. The Rakuten Cash Back & Deals app works as an affiliate marketing tool—when users shop through Rakuten’s links, the company earns a commission from retailers and shares a portion of it with shoppers in the form of cash back.
Why Do Retailers Partner with Rakuten?
Increased Traffic: Retailers pay Rakuten for driving customers to their websites.
Customer Loyalty: Shoppers are incentivized to return to Rakuten for deals.
Competitive Advantage: Stores compete by offering higher cash-back rates.
2. How to Sign Up and Get Started
Step 1: Download the App or Visit the Website
Available on iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play).
Alternatively, sign up via the Rakuten website.
Step 2: Create an Account
Provide an email address and password.
Optional: Link a Facebook or Google account for faster login.
Step 3: Get a Welcome Bonus
New users often receive $10–$30 after their first qualifying purchase (varies by promotion).
3. How Cash Back Works
How Does Rakuten Earn Money?
When you click a Rakuten link, a tracking cookie is placed in your browser.
If you make a purchase within 24–48 hours, Rakuten earns a commission.
A percentage (typically 1%–40%) is given back to you as cash back.
Cash Back Rates Vary By Retailer
High Cash Back (10%+): Often seen during holidays (e.g., Macy’s, Sephora).
Standard Cash Back (1–5%): Most stores like Walmart, Amazon (via gift cards).
Special Promotions: Double cash-back events or sitewide deals.
4. Shopping Online with Rakuten
Method 1: Browse the Rakuten App or Website
Open the app and search for a store (e.g., Nike, Best Buy).
Click "Shop Now" to be redirected to the retailer’s site.
Complete your purchase as usual—cash back is tracked automatically.
Method 2: Use the Rakuten Browser Extension
Automatically activates cash back when visiting partner stores.
Alerts you if a better deal is available.
Important Notes:
Disable ad blockers (they can interfere with tracking).
Do not use other coupon sites simultaneously (may override Rakuten’s tracking).
5. In-Store Cash Back and Linking Payment Methods
Option 1: Link a Credit/Debit Card
Go to "In-Store Cash Back" in the app.
Add a Visa, Mastercard, or Amex (some restrictions apply).
Activate an offer before shopping in-store.
Pay with the linked card—cash back posts in 1–3 days.
Option 2: Scan Receipts (For Non-Linked Stores)
Some stores allow receipt uploads for cash back.
Take a photo of your receipt within 7 days of purchase.
6. Rakuten’s Browser Extension
Key Features:
✅ Automatic Cash Back Activation – No need to visit Rakuten first.
✅ Coupon Code Finder – Applies the best available promo codes.
✅ Price Comparison – Shows if another retailer offers better cash back.
How to Install:
Visit Rakuten.com and download the extension (Chrome, Firefox, Safari).
Log in to your account.
A notification will pop up when cash back is available.
7. Referral Bonuses and Promotions
Earn Extra Through Referrals
Invite friends via email or social media.
Typically $25–$30 per referral (both you and your friend get a bonus).
Seasonal & Limited-Time Promotions
Black Friday / Cyber Monday: Higher cash-back rates.
Double Cash Back Days: Some stores offer 2x rewards.
8. Rakuten’s Travel and Other Services
Rakuten Travel
Earn cash back on hotels, flights, and vacation packages.
Often higher rates (4–10%) than standard shopping.
Rakuten Dining
Get cash back at participating restaurants.
Rakuten Rewards Visa Card
Extra 3% cash back on all Rakuten purchases.
9. How and When You Get Paid
Payment Schedule:
Quarterly payouts (February, May, August, November).
Minimum $5 required for payout.
Payment Methods:
PayPal (instant transfer).
Check (mailed to your address).
American Express Membership Rewards (for Amex users).
Tracking Your Earnings:
Check "Cash Back Balance" in the app.
Disputes can be filed if cash back doesn’t track.
10. Pros and Cons of Using Rakuten
Pros:
✔ Free to use – No membership fees.
✔ Works with most major retailers.
✔ Additional coupons & promo codes.
✔ Multiple payout options.
Cons:
❌ Cash back is not instant (paid quarterly).
❌ Some exclusions apply (gift cards, certain categories).
❌ Tracking issues occasionally occur.
11. Tips to Maximize Earnings
💰 Stack with Credit Card Rewards – Use a cash-back credit card on top of Rakuten.
💰 Check for Double Cash Back – Some stores offer extra during promotions.
💰 Use the Extension – Ensures you never miss cash back.
💰 Shop During Holidays – Higher cash-back rates.
Final Thoughts
The Rakuten: Cash Back & Deals app is a powerful tool for saving money on everyday purchases. By shopping through Rakuten’s links, users earn free cash back with minimal effort. While payouts are not instant, the potential savings make it worthwhile for frequent shoppers.
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.
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)
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)
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
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)
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
