Savvy shoppers and cash back fans, rejoice! Rakuten (a shopping portal that offers varying amounts of cash back at tons of retailers, both online and in-person) is currently packed with amazing deals.
If you are new to Rakuten, use this referral link to sign up: You’ll get a $40 bonus when you spend $40, which is a solid offer considering Rakuten’s regular referral bonus gives you $30 instead of $40.
Once you’ve created your account, you can refer friends and family and earn unlimited referral bonuses for each person who signs up.
Recent deals we’ve seen at Rakuten
Typically, you’ll find cash back rates ranging from 2% to 8%; While these rewards rates are solid, what you really need to watch out for are double-digit cash back rates (especially when they reach 20% or more).
Recently, Rakuten has offered great deals, including:
- 20% cash back on Ulta purchases (valid on Mondays only)
- 20% cash back on PetSmart purchases (valid on Tuesdays only)
- 20% cash back on LG products (valid on Wednesdays only)
Check back frequently as deals vary from hour to hour and day to day. Right now, there are 10% cash back offers from a variety of retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Disney, and Expedia.
I have two puppies at home, so I’m always looking for cash back rates for pet retailers like PetSmart and Chewy. In fact, I previously earned over $30 in cash back with a single PetSmart transaction when Rakuten offered a whopping 25% cash back rate.
My current earnings from Rakuten with lifetime cash back are just shy of $300, and that’s in just one year of membership. If you don’t use this portal while shopping online, you are leaving money on the table.
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Plus, the rewards don’t end there. Depending on the payment method you choose, you may also be able to earn credit card points, miles, or cash back. above the Rakuten cash back you get with every purchase.
And if you’re looking for ways to complete your American Express Membership Rewards points balance, Rakuten allows you to earn this reward currency instead of cash back if that suits your needs better. So instead of earning 15% cash back, you could earn 15 Membership Rewards points for every dollar spent. That can lead to significantly more overall value if you maximize points with travel partners.
That’s one of the TPG staff members, Summer Hull. favorite shapes to use Rakuten.
The best credit cards for purchases at Rakuten
Rakuten users will earn cash back on top of the earnings earned on the credit card they use. At most merchants participating in these promotions, we recommend paying with a credit card that earns bonus points or miles on everyday purchases, such as:
- Chase Freedom Flex®: Earn 5% back on up to $1,500 in quarterly rotating categories (which you must activate to benefit)
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Earn 3% cash back on online purchases from US retailers (on the first $6,000 spent during a calendar year, then 1% cash back until the following year). Cash back is received as reward dollars that can be redeemed for statement credits or at checkout on amazon.com.
- Citi Double Cash® Card: Earn 2% cash back on all purchases: 1% cash back when you shop, plus an extra 1% when you pay for those purchases (see rates and fees).
One caveat is that you can’t make purchases on Amazon through Rakuten, although you can optimize your Amazon purchases when using your Main visa at checkout.
For additional options, see our favorite cards for online shopping.
In a nutshell
Rakuten is truly the gift that keeps on giving: In addition to a great sign-up reward, members also get access to tons of cash back offers from various retailers, including travel booking sites, restaurants, and stores like Nordstrom Rack, Lowe’s, Macy’s. and The North Face.
Whether you’re looking for your next evening wear, camping gear, skin care, pet treats, cleaning supplies, electronics, flower or toy delivery services, chances are Rakuten is partnered with a retailer that has exactly what you need.
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