How to Use Rakuten to Get Cash Back While You Shop (Yes, It's Legit)
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Let’s be real — who *doesn’t* love saving money? And what if I told you that you could literally get **cash back** for buying the stuff you were already going to buy anyway?
Sounds too good to be true, right? But that’s exactly what **Rakuten** (formerly known as Ebates) does. It’s super easy to use, totally free, and yes — **you actually get paid.** I’ve been using it for a while now, and I’m gonna show you exactly how to get started step by step.
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🛒 Wait, What *Is*Rakuten?
Rakuten is a cash back site (and app) that partners with over 3,500 stores — think Target, Nike, Sephora, Best Buy, Walmart, Ulta, and tons more. When you shop through Rakuten’s links, the store gives them a small commission for sending you there. Then Rakuten splits that with you in the form of cash back. That’s it.
You buy what you normally would, and every quarter, you get a **“Big Fat Check”** or PayPal deposit. Literally free money for clicking one extra button.
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✅ Step-by-Step: How to Use Rakuten and Get Cash Back
Step 1: Sign Up (It’s Free)
Go to Rakuten and click **“Join Now”**. You can sign up with email or use Google/Apple/Facebook — whatever’s easiest for you.
💸 Bonus Tip: They usually offer a sign-up bonus (like $30!) after your first purchase. So yeah, definitely grab that.
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Step 2: Install the Browser Extension (Highly Recommend)
This is the secret weapon. The Rakuten extension sits in your browser and automatically tells you when a site you’re on has cash back available. No need to go to the Rakuten website first.
To install:
- If you’re on Chrome, just search for “Rakuten Cash Back Button” in the Chrome Web Store and hit **Add to Chrome**
- It works on Firefox and Safari too
Once it’s installed, it’ll light up when you’re on a site that offers cash back. Just click “Activate” and keep shopping like normal.
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Step 3: Start Shopping (Through Rakuten or With the Extension)
You’ve got two ways to shop and earn:
1. Go to Rakuten.com or the app, search for a store (like Nike), and click through their link
2. **Or just use the browser extension** and activate the cash back when it pops up
Example:
You want to buy sneakers from Adidas. Go to Rakuten, search “Adidas,” see that they’re offering like 8% cash back, and click through to Adidas’ site. Shop as usual. Boom — cash back added to your account.
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Step 4:
Rakuten keeps track of your purchases and adds your cash back to your account. Every 3 months, they send you your money via:
- PayPal (fastest and easiest)
- Check in the mail (if you’re old school)
Minimum payout is $5.01, so once you hit that, you’re golden.
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🧠 Pro Tips to Maximize Your Cash Back
- Use Rakuten + promo codes – You can still use discount codes, store promos, and coupons on top of the cash back.
- Shop during major sales – Black Friday, Back to School, or Cyber Monday = huge cash back offers.
- Refer friends – Rakuten gives you referral bonuses when your friends sign up and make a purchase.
- Use the app for in-store offers – Some stores let you link your card and earn cash back when you shop in person too.
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🎉 Final Thoughts
Rakuten is seriously one of the easiest ways to save money without doing *anything extra*. Just sign up, click through, and let the cash roll in. Whether you're shopping for clothes, electronics, beauty products, or even booking a hotel — there’s a good chance you can earn cash back.
It’s free money. No strings attached. And once that first Big Fat Check hits your account, you’ll be hooked.
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