Rakuten Review 2021 (Formerly Ebates) 

This Rakuten review 2021 will help you decide if Rakuten is right for you and if Rakuten is a safe, legit company. To find out more, keep reading.

Rakuten Review 2021 - Is the Cash back app legit? Find out here and learn how to earn money back on your online shopping. #cashbackapp #ebates #makemoney

 

 

Back before online shopping, rebates were SO annoying. You had to save your receipt, mail it in to the company and wait for snail mail to mail you a check. It was a long process that deterred many away from even trying for a rebate.

Yet, in today’s “online shopping” world, rebates are just a click away. Yet, it is wise to be on the lookout for scams and do your research before signing up for any company, including Rakuten. This review will help you decide if Rakuten is the right rebate app for you.

Related:

Ibotta vs. Rakuten: Which is Best?

What cashback apps are you all using in 2021? I’m using Rakuten (formerly Ebates) and Ibotta. They are my favorite choices that consistently bring in money each month.

Have you heard of Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates)?

Rakuten is a popular cashback app or website (whatever you prefer) that earns you money back each time you shop online. Rakuten offers cash back at thousands of popular stores and is a great way to save money.

Don’t have time to read the review? Sing up for Rakuten here: –

This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click a link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you, so thank you. This site uses cookies for a better user experience. For more information read our disclosure policy here.

What is Rakuten?

Rakuten is a company that uses affiliate marketing to help its users. Affiliate marketing means recommending stores, brands, and/or companies. When a buyer clicks through your link, you are credited for helping make a sale. Rakuten is doing the same, yet sharing the profit with you by giving you a certain percent back, depending on the offering at any given time.

Could you do this yourself and earn more?

Technically yes, but you would have to grow a social media following or create a website, find followers and readers, apply to affiliate companies and all of this takes time. The average person is just looking to do some online shopping and when using Rakuten can earn a few bucks back on the purchase, which especially comes in handy during the holiday seasons when many are more likely to shop more.

In today’s world, who doesn’t shop online?

According to a UPS survey, 51% of all shopping is done online. It is super easy to browse and shop from the comfort of your own home. Yet, this makes it more difficult to coupon and save like you would at a brick and motor store. However, Rakuten helps ease this financial burden because you earn money back with your online purchase.

Rakuten is a wonderful way to start making money on everyday items you buy online or use it during the Holidays or when buying birthday gifts to earn some cashback.

Rakuten is free to join and you can earn $10 just for signing up. You have nothing to lose!

Are Ebates and Rakuten the Same?

When I wrote this review, Rakuten was called Ebates. However, the name has changed to its parent company Rakuten. So yes, they are the same thing and if you trusted the Ebates name, you can also trust the Rakuten name.

How Does Rakuten Work?

Rakuten is a site that gives a percentage back of your total when purchasing something from one of their thousands of online retailers.

Shop online as usual but go to your Rakuten account first, and yes, they do have an app for that.

You can also install Rakuten on your browser and it will pop up to click and track your purchase. This saves you a step and you are now close to earning and won’t forget to use it.

Moreover, you can choose among literally thousands of online stores and Rakuten will tell you how much of a percent you will make. This will vary from store to store. (Usually between 2-9%) Some of my favorites are Target, Priceline, Macy’s, Groupon, and Amazon. Check out the Black Friday deals this year. Last year, some stores were offering over 10% on purchases.

When you sign up for the Rakuten app or go to the website you will see a screen like the one below. As you can see, Rakuten will recommend stores you shop at once you start using it more.

Ebates Review

All you have to do is click your store through their site before you check out. Next, the site will direct you to the shopping site and it will track your purchase.

For example, if I wanted to buy something from Groupon, I would first go to my Rakuten account. I would find Groupon (on my account it is at the top because I saved it as one of my preferred stores so I do not have to search for it). Then I click on Groupon or one of the coupons the site is offering for Groupon and it redirects me to the Groupon site where I finally make my purchase. Super easy!

It still works even if you have already added items to your shopping back. Just go back and click through Rakuten to make sure you get your extra cash.

The best part is it is totally legit! Over seven years ago I started using Rakuten. Every quarter, I anxiously await my Ebates check and I have never been let down.

Related Money-Making Posts:

How Do I Make Money?

First, sign up for a Rakuten account here. After you make your first purchase,  you will earn $10 as a signup bonus.

Then search your store on Rakuten and click through the store link “Start Shopping.” Once you have clicked through the Rakuten link, you are all set. You will get credit for your purchase.

Rakuten only pays quarterly. Therefore, you get paid four times per year. I don’t mind, because it is a nice surprise to get my check in the mail.

How much Can I Make with Rakuten?

I have personally earned $445 with Rakuten thus far. You can earn as much as you want, depending on your shopping habits. You can also refer others to Rakuten and earn a referral bonus.

Here is a picture of my last “Big Fat Check.:

How to get paid with Rakuten

How Does Rakuten Make Money?

Rakuten is using a form of affiliate marketing. When they refer you to a store, they earn a commission for the referral. It doesn’t cost you anything but Rakuten makes money if you buy something. They are giving you a percent back of the money they make. Pretty cool, right?

What Stores Are On Rakuten?

It is easy to find your favorite stores on Ebates since there are thousands to choose from. Here are some of my favorites, but go to the site and search for your favorites. My guess is, they will be listed.

  • Target (percent is usually low, but better than nothing)
  • Groupon
  • Priceline
  • Walmart
  • Macy’s
  • JC Penny’s
  • Kohl’s
  • Chicos
  • Old Navy
  • Amazon
  • Athleta
  • eBay
  • Petco

These are some of my favorites, but there are SO  many more.

Many are surprised to see Amazon listed and ask “how does Ebates work with Amazon?” However, it is the same as other online stores. Just click through to Amazon or eBay and start your tracking cookie. Then earn cashback on your purchase.

Pro Tip: Pay attention to the percentage of cashback you will earn. Rakuten often has deals where you will earn more money back, so the percentage is subject to change. For example, Rakuten Walmart was once listed at 8% cashback but may drop to 5% at different times.

How Much Does It Cost to use Rakuten?

Rakuten is 100% free to use. In fact, you will receive a sign-up bonus each time you shop so why not give it a try. Not to mention, you can often save money when using Rakuten because they offer updated sales for the companies listed.

Is There a Catch with Rakuten?

Ebates Review - Is It Worth It?

 

Rakuten will direct you to the site and track your purchase.

Although Rakuten is usually pretty fast it can take up to a day for your credit to show up.

If for some reason you do not see your credit, you can copy and paste your receipt to Rakuten support. Unfortunately, this happened to me once and they quickly credited me with no hassle.  I found their customer service to be extremely fast and helpful.

There is a $5 threshold before you will be paid and a $50 cap. So if you are making a big purchase, like a trip on Priceline, the most you will be paid for that shopping trip is $50.

 

Can I Use Rakuten for Travel?

Visiting family this Holiday Season and need a hotel room?  Many of you know exactly what I mean. So don’t forget to go through Rakuten. This is how my husband earned his largest check.  He went through the site to book a Priceline deal and got credited for his travel. Two deals in one! I love that!

Some of the most popular travel sites listed on Ebates:

  • Priceline
  • Expedia
  • Hilton
  • Best Western
  • Booking.com
  • Holiday Inn

Check the site because there are many more companies listed that will earn you cashback using Rakuten.

Why Trust Rakuten & Is Rakuten Secure?

Rakuten is a trusted site with an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau.  Furthermore, you can count on them to pay you your earnings. Also, check this company out on the Better Business Bureau before you sign up if you want to see the rating with your own eyes. Nonetheless, I have used them for years and I am literally mad at myself when I forget to go through Rakuten. I just left money on the table! Don’t let it happen to you.

I have been using Rakuten for over six years and I can vouch for their safety. Also, I have never had any issues after signing up for Rakuten, and using Rakuten has only been a pleasant experience. In fact, I just earned over $6 this weekend shopping. I highly recommend Rakuten. All you need is an active email. You do not need to enter any credit card information to use Rakuten.

The Rakuten App for 2021

Do you usually shop from your phone like me? Then check out the Rakuten app.

Once you download the Ebates App from the App store, you can use it just like you would on your computer. Click on the app and choose your store. Once you click on your store a screen will pop up letting you know your shopping trip is activated and send you to your store. Simple!

Rakuten Company Review 2021 Conclusion:

Why not try it?  You deserve a check this Holiday Season or anytime.

As always, I hope this post was helpful!  Keep your eyes out for more Holiday posts and more ways to save and earn money.  Enjoy this wonderful time with your family! Wishing you the best from I Heart Frugal.

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Rakuten Review 2021

 

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