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:

1. Introduction to Rakuten and Its Business Model
2. How to Sign Up and Get Started
3. How Cash Back Works
4. Shopping Online with Rakuten
5. In-Store Cash Back and Linking Payment Methods
6. Rakuten’s Browser Extension
7. Referral Bonuses and Promotions
8. Rakuten’s Travel and Other Services
9. How and When You Get Paid
10. Pros and Cons of Using Rakuten
11. Tips to Maximize Earnings

1. Introduction to Rakuten and Its Business Model

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

1. Open the app and search for a store (e.g., Nike, Best Buy).
2. Click "Shop Now" to be redirected to the retailer’s site.
3. 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

1. Go to "In-Store Cash Back" in the app.
2. Add a Visa, Mastercard, or Amex (some restrictions apply).
3. Activate an offer before shopping in-store.
4. 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:

1. Visit Rakuten.com and download the extension (Chrome, Firefox, Safari).
2. Log in to your account.
3. 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.