How to Make Money
Online When You Shop
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.
Let’s be real—who wouldn’t love to get paid for shopping? If you’re on a mission to save money, hit your savings goals, or simply find smart financial life hacks, you’ll love what I’m about to share. Meet Rakuten, a cashback platform that rewards you for purchases you were already planning to make. It’s not a gimmick—it’s a legit way to make money at home and stretch your budget without extra effort.
I have personally use Rakuten for years. A friend recommended it to me in 2018, but I didn’t start using it on a regular basis until 2020 and since then I have made over $2000 in cash back.
I love checks showing up in my mailbox, especially when I’ve totally forgotten about it. You can choose to receive a check in the mail or get a direct deposit to PayPal. If you’re new to Rakuten and want to start getting cash back too, use this referral link to sign up and you’ll get a $30 bonus when you spend at least $30 within 90 days of signing up.
Now, let me fill you in on all the wonderful details of Rakuten.
What is Rakuten and How Does It Work?
Rakuten (formerly Ebates) is a cash back program that partners with over 150,000 brands to reward you with cash when you shop through their links. It’s completely free to use, and the cash back percentages vary by store, ranging from 1% to as high as 40%. Brands also frequently have increased cash back offers around holidays or at various times during the year. If you have email notifications on then you’ll always get a heads up when this happens.
Using Rakuten is simple:
- Sign up here for free—and get a $30 sign-up bonus!
- Shop through their website or app—or install the Rakuten browser extension to get notified of cashback opportunities.
- Get paid—either via check or PayPal, every quarter.
If you’re buying something anyway, why not get some extra cash back? That’s an easy win for your financial goals!
Who Should Use Rakuten? (Hint: Probably You!)
The beauty of Rakuten is that it works for almost anyone—whether you’re a frequent online shopper, a budget-conscious mom, or someone looking for creative ways to make money at home.
Here’s why it’s a smart move:
- Budgeters and savers: If saving money is your thing, Rakuten is an effortless way to shave dollars off your expenses.
- Frequent shoppers: If you already shop online, getting cash back on purchases you were planning to make anyway is a no-brainer.
- Side hustlers: Combine Rakuten with other financial life hacks, like credit card rewards or store discounts, for even bigger savings.
- Travel lovers: Yep, Rakuten even offers cash back on hotels, flights, and rental cars.
Bottom line – If you spend money, you might as well be making money in return!
Related: Change Your Money Mindset With These 7 Books
How to Maximize Your Earnings with Rakuten
If you want to get the most out of Rakuten, here are some pro tips to boost your cash back potential:
1. Install the Browser Extension
One of the easiest ways to ensure you never miss a cash back opportunity is by adding the Rakuten extension to your browser. This handy tool will pop up when you visit a participating store, reminding you to activate your cash back offer with a single click.
2. Take Advantage of Bonus Cashback Days
Rakuten frequently runs special promotions where certain stores offer double or even triple cash back. Keep an eye on these deals and time your purchases accordingly.
3. Use Rakuten for Travel Bookings
Many people don’t realize that Rakuten isn’t just for retail shopping—it also works for travel! You can earn cash back when booking flights, hotels, and car rentals, making your vacation planning a little more budget-friendly.
4. Stack Coupons and Other Discounts
Here’s a great financial life hack—Rakuten lets you stack cash back with coupons, credit card rewards, and store sales. That means you can maximize your savings by using multiple discounts at once.
5. Refer Friends for Extra Cash
Once you’re signed up with Rakuten, you can refer friends and family and make money through their generous referral program. When someone uses your unique link, both you and your friend get a bonus once they make their first purchase. This is an easy way to make money without any hard labor.
Related: Checkout This Other Way To Make Online Fast
How and When Do You Get Paid?
One of the best things about Rakuten is the reliable payment schedule. Here’s how it works:
- Payments go out every quarter on February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15.
- You need at least $5 in cash back to get paid. If you don’t hit that amount, your earnings will roll over to the next cycle.
- Payments can be sent via PayPal or a mailed check, your choice.
FAQs: Everything You Need to
Know About Rakuten
Can I Use Rakuten for In-Store Shopping?
Yes! Rakuten isn’t just for online purchases. Simply link your credit or debit card in the Rakuten app, activate an in-store offer, and use the linked card to make your purchase. Your cash back will automatically be credited to your account.
Can I Use Rakuten After I’ve Already Made a Purchase?
No, you cannot, sorry. Cash back offers must be activated before you check out. That’s why using the browser extension is such a smart move—it ensures you never forget.
How Long Does It Take to See Cashback in My Account?
For online purchases, cashback typically appears in your Rakuten account within a few hours or days, depending on the retailer. In-store purchases may take a bit longer, but you should see your earnings within a few days.
What If I Didn’t Receive My Cashback
To make sure that you’re receiving cash back, click on the brand offer within Rakuten or when it pops up on your screen while shopping, if you have the browser extension enabled. You can also check your shopping trips in your account on the Rakuten website to make sure that your click registered. Do Not use any other cash back offers otherwise you will not receive cash back. For instance, if you first click on a Rakuten offer, then afterward click on a Klarna cashback offer, the Klarna offer will cancel out the Rakuten offer.
Are There Any Downsides to Using Rakuten?
The biggest potential downside is the temptation to spend more, just to earn cash back. To avoid this, it’s important to stay focused on buying only what you actually need. Rakuten is great for earning cash back on purchases that you were already going to make.
How to Contact Rakuten if I Have Questions?
If your shopping trip shows up on Rakuten but you still did not receive cash back, go to the website, click on Help in the menu then fill out the Missing Cash Back section. Have other questions, click on Contact Us.
Is Rakuten Legit or a Scam?
Rakuten is 100% legit. It’s been around since 1997 and has paid out over $3.2 billion in cash back to its users. It’s free, safe, and totally worth it to make extra money on everyday purchases.
Final Thoughts: Is Rakuten Worth It?
If you’re looking for an easy way to save money, reach your savings goals, and even make money at home, Rakuten is a fantastic option. It’s free money, simple to use, and helps you get cash back on things you were planning to buy anyway. Give it a shot! Sign up today using this referral link and grab your $30 welcome bonus after you spend at least $30 within 90 days.
