Rakuten

Description

Rakuten (formerly Ebates) is a leading cashback and rewards program that allows users to earn money back on purchases made at thousands of online and select in-store retailers.

Rakuten operates as an affiliate marketing platform, partnering with over 3,500 stores to offer cashback to its members. When a user shops through Rakuten's website, mobile app, or browser extension, Rakuten earns a commission from the retailer, a portion of which is then shared with the user as cashback. This system enables users to save on a wide range of products and services, from clothing and electronics to travel and home goods. Payments are issued quarterly via PayPal or physical check, making it a straightforward way to accumulate savings from routine online shopping.

Key Applications

Online Shopping Savings: Earn a percentage back on purchases made at a vast network of online retailers.
Deal Aggregation: Discover and apply coupons, promo codes, and special discounts for enhanced savings.
In-Store Cashback: Link credit cards to earn cashback on qualifying purchases at participating physical stores.

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Who It’s For

Rakuten is designed for frequent online shoppers and consumers seeking to maximize savings and earn rewards on their everyday purchases without requiring significant effort. It appeals to individuals looking for a simple, passive method to reduce spending across a broad spectrum of retailers.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
✔️ Extensive network of popular online and in-store retailers.	✖️ Cashback payments are only issued quarterly, not on demand.
✔️ Generous cashback rates, often boosted during special promotions.	✖️ Minimum payout threshold ($5.01) must be met to receive payment.
✔️ User-friendly browser extension makes earning cashback effortless.	✖️ Some cashback exclusions or varying rates depending on product categories.
✔️ Strong referral program provides significant bonus earnings.	✖️ Requires active engagement (clicking links, using extension) to ensure cashback tracking.

Pros	Cons
✔ Very beginner-friendly	✖ Limited features compared to Others
✔ Clean interface	✖ Less feature depth than others
✔ Helpful community and resources	✖ Can feel slower at scale

How It Compares

Versus Honey: While Honey primarily focuses on automatically finding and applying coupon codes at checkout, Rakuten's core offering is a direct cashback percentage on purchases. Both offer browser extensions, but Rakuten's direct cash reward system often yields more substantial savings on larger purchases where a fixed percentage is applied.
Versus Ibotta: Ibotta traditionally excels in grocery and in-store offers, often requiring receipt scanning or offer activation. Rakuten, conversely, specializes in online retail cashback, although it has expanded to include some in-store offers. Rakuten's online integration is generally more seamless for web-based purchases.

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Bullet Point Features

Cashback Rewards: Earn a percentage back on purchases from over 3,500 partner stores.
Browser Extension: Automates cashback activation and coupon application for seamless savings.
Mobile App: Shop on-the-go, discover deals, and activate in-store offers.
In-Store Cashback: Link credit cards for cashback at participating physical retail locations.
Refer-a-Friend Program: Earn bonuses for inviting new members who make qualifying purchases.
Seasonal Double Cashback Events: Access enhanced cashback rates during promotional periods.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers about this tool’s features, usage ,Compares, and support to get started with confidence.

What is Rakuten and what is it used for?

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Rakuten is a global eCommerce and affiliate marketing platform that connects consumers, brands, and affiliates. It allows users to earn cashback, promote products, and increase sales through a trusted network.

How does Rakuten benefit shoppers?

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Rakuten provides shoppers with cashback rewards, exclusive deals, and discounts when they purchase products through the platform. This encourages savings and loyalty while shopping online.

How does Rakuten work for affiliates and marketers?

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Affiliates can join Rakuten’s network to promote products from various brands and earn commissions on sales. The platform provides tracking, reporting, and marketing tools to optimize campaigns effectively.

Is Rakuten beginner-friendly?

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Yes, Rakuten is beginner-friendly for both shoppers and affiliates. Shoppers can easily access deals through the website or browser extension, and new affiliates can register and start promoting products without technical hurdles.

Who should use Rakuten and what benefits does it offer?

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Rakuten is ideal for online shoppers, affiliates, marketers, and eCommerce businesses. It helps users save money, monetize content, expand brand reach, and leverage a trusted platform for commerce and marketing activities.

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Rakuten

Free

Chrome Extensions & Browser Tools

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Disclosure

All product names, logos and brands are property of their respective owners. Use is for educational and informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement. Links are to third-party sites not affiliated with Barndoor AI. Please see our Terms & Conditions for additional information.

Reviews from Our Users

8.07.2021

"Overall, I like the core features, but the mobile UI still feels a bit clunky. Hope they fix this in future updates."

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Tom W.

Marketing Manager

06/10/2025

"Their support team actually listens to feedback! I’ve seen new features added within weeks. That’s impressive.''

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Alex Carter

Freelancer

03/09/2025

"Some advanced options take a bit of time to understand, but once you get the hang of it, it’s incredibly powerful."

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Ryan Blake

SaaS Consultant

12/08/2025

"I’ve tried several similar tools, but this one stands out for its clean interface and automation features. Totally worth the subscription."

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Sarah Mitchell

GrowthWave Agency