What Is Rakuten Cash Back And How Does It Work

If you’ve ever shopped online and wondered if you could get paid for it, you’re in for a treat. One of the most talked-about reward platforms right now is Rakuten Cash Back. Formerly known as Ebates, Rakuten has transformed how people shop and save money. But exactly what is Rakuten Cash Back and how does it work?

This article covers everything you need to know—from how Rakuten earns money, how you can get a piece of the pie, and how to make the most of every purchase. Whether you’re new to cash back rewards or a savvy online shopper, understanding how Rakuten Cash Back works can help you put real dollars back into your wallet.

Table of Contents

1. What Is Rakuten Cash Back?
2. How Does Rakuten Cash Back Work?
3. How Does Rakuten Make Money?
4. How to Get Started With Rakuten
5. Top Stores That Offer Rakuten Cash Back
6. How To Maximize Rakuten Cash Back
7. How and When You Get Paid
8. Is Rakuten Legit and Safe?
9. Rakuten Mobile App and Browser Extension
10. Rakuten Vs. Competitors: Is It the Best?
11. Final Thoughts
12. Related Resources from Orkuv.com

What Is Rakuten Cash Back?

Rakuten Cash Back is a rewards program that allows shoppers to earn a percentage of money back when they make purchases through the Rakuten website, app, or browser extension.

The platform partners with over 3,500 stores, including giants like Walmart, Target, Macy’s, and Amazon. When you shop at any of these partner stores through Rakuten, you earn cash back on qualifying purchases.

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How Does Rakuten Cash Back Work?

When you make a purchase through Rakuten, the store pays Rakuten a commission for sending you their way. Rakuten, in turn, shares a portion of that commission with you in the form of cash back.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how Rakuten Cash Back works:

1. Sign up for a free Rakuten account.
2. Log in to Rakuten before shopping.
3. Click through to a partner store from Rakuten.
4. Shop like normal and check out.
5. Receive a cash back percentage into your Rakuten account.
6. Get paid every quarter.

How Does Rakuten Make Money?

This is a question that many skeptics ask: “Is Rakuten too good to be true?” Absolutely not. Rakuten uses an affiliate marketing model to generate revenue.

When you buy something through their link, the merchant pays Rakuten a commission (typically 1%–15%). Rakuten then gives you a portion of that commission—hence the Rakuten Cash Back you receive.

According to Rakuten’s investor relations, their model is sustainable and has been operating profitably for years.

How to Get Started With Rakuten

Ready to start earning? Here’s how to join Rakuten and start enjoying cash back benefits:

1. Visit Rakuten.com.
2. Click “Join Now” or sign up with your Google or Facebook account.
3. Install the Rakuten browser extension for Chrome or Firefox.
4. Download the Rakuten mobile app for iOS or Android.
5. Refer friends and earn bonuses up to $30 per referral.

💡 Pro Tip: Use Rakuten during big sales like Black Friday, Prime Day, and Back-to-School to get higher cash back percentages.

Top Stores That Offer Rakuten Cash Back

Thousands of retailers work with Rakuten, but here are some of the most popular:

• Walmart – Up to 5% cash back
• Target – Up to 2% cash back
• Macy’s – Up to 10% cash back
• Sephora – Up to 8% cash back
• Best Buy – Seasonal deals
• Nike, Adidas, Old Navy, and many more!

For a full list, visit the Rakuten stores directory.

How To Maximize Rakuten Cash Back

If you want to supercharge your savings, follow these hacks:

1. Use the Browser Extension

Never miss a deal. The Rakuten browser extension alerts you when cash back is available.

2. Combine With Coupons

Rakuten automatically applies coupon codes during checkout.

3. Stack With Credit Card Rewards

Earn credit card points AND Rakuten Cash Back—double the reward!

4. Shop During Promotions

Rakuten frequently offers double or even triple cash back days.

5. Refer Friends

Each friend you refer earns you bonus cash—often $30 or more!

How and When You Get Paid

Rakuten pays members via:

• PayPal
• Physical check (“Big Fat Check”)

Payments are issued every three months (quarterly), and you need to have earned at least $5.01 in cash back.

You can track your balance in the “Cash Back Balance” section of your account.

Is Rakuten Legit and Safe?

Yes, Rakuten is 100% legitimate and safe. It has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has paid out over $2 billion to its members since inception.

Major media like Forbes and CNBC also vouch for Rakuten’s credibility.

Rakuten Mobile App and Browser Extension

1. Rakuten Mobile App

Available for iOS and Android, the app allows:

• Easy access to deals
• In-store cash back
• Push notifications for hot offers

2. Rakuten Browser Extension

Once installed, it notifies you when you’re visiting a store that offers cash back and even applies coupons at checkout. Visit Rakuten Extension to install it.

Rakuten Vs. Competitors: Is It the Best?

There are several other platforms similar to Rakuten, including:

Platform	Cash Back	Payout Method	Notable Feature
Rakuten	1%–20%	PayPal, Check	3,500+ stores, auto-coupons
TopCashback	1%–15%	PayPal, Gift Cards	Often higher rates
Honey Gold	Variable	Gift Cards	Integrated with Honey coupons
Swagbucks	Variable	PayPal, Gift Cards	Surveys, videos, and shopping

Despite competition, Rakuten Cash Back stands out for its ease of use, large partner network, and reliable payouts.

Final Thoughts

So, what is Rakuten Cash Back and how does it work?

It’s a simple, no-risk way to earn real money back on purchases you’re already making. With thousands of store partnerships, a user-friendly app, and trustworthy payment processes, Rakuten is a must-have tool for anyone who shops online or in-store.

The question isn’t “Why should I use Rakuten?” It’s “Why haven’t I started already?”

💸 Start earning now: Join Rakuten for free

Conclusion

Rakuten isn’t just another shopping app—it’s a tool for financial empowerment. Now that you know exactly what Rakuten Cash Back is and how it works, you can start earning money on everyday purchases. From groceries to tech to fashion, Rakuten helps you save without changing your shopping habits.