Rakuten Review 2025: Is This Cash-Back Site Still Worth Using?

Online shopping has become a part of daily life, but most shoppers don’t realize they could be earning money back on almost every purchase. That’s where Rakuten comes in. Formerly known as Ebates, Rakuten is one of the most popular cash-back and shopping rewards platforms, helping millions of users save money without changing their spending habits.

In this in-depth Rakuten Review 2025, we’ll cover how it works, the benefits and drawbacks, how it compares to competitors, and strategies to maximize your earnings. If you shop online regularly, this guide will help you decide if Rakuten is worth your time.

What is Rakuten?

Rakuten is a free cash-back and shopping rewards program that partners with over 3,500 major retailers across categories like electronics, groceries, clothing, travel, and beauty. Brands include Amazon, Walmart, Target, Macy’s, Nike, Sephora, Best Buy, and Expedia.

Here’s how it works: retailers pay Rakuten a commission for sending shoppers their way, and Rakuten shares part of that commission back with the shopper in the form of cash back.

This means you earn rewards for purchases you were already planning to make. It’s essentially “free money” for shopping smarter.

Try Rakuten for Free

How Does Rakuten Work?

Rakuten’s system is straightforward and designed for convenience.

Sign Up for Free
Create an account on Rakuten’s website or app. New users typically qualify for a welcome bonus—usually around $30 when making a first qualifying purchase.
Start Shopping Through Rakuten
Search for the retailer on Rakuten, then click through the link provided. This ensures your purchase is tracked.
Activate Cash Back
If you install the Rakuten browser extension, you’ll be prompted automatically to activate cash back whenever you visit a partner store’s site.
Shop as Normal
Complete your purchase on the retailer’s website. Rakuten tracks the transaction and applies the eligible cash back to your account.
Receive Your Rewards
Rakuten pays out quarterly—either via PayPal or by mailing a paper check (nicknamed the “Big Fat Check”).

The entire process requires little effort after setup, making it one of the easiest ways to save money online.

Key Benefits of Using Rakuten

Rakuten continues to dominate the cash-back space for several reasons:

Completely Free to Use – No subscription fees or hidden charges.
Huge Retailer Network – With 3,500+ stores, most online purchases qualify.
Stackable Savings – Use Rakuten in combination with coupons, promo codes, and credit card rewards.
Browser Extension – Helps you avoid missing out on potential savings.
Regular Payouts – Quarterly payments are reliable and consistent.
Exclusive Promotions – Includes double cash-back events, seasonal boosts, and referral bonuses.

For frequent online shoppers, these benefits add up quickly.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

While Rakuten is a strong platform, it isn’t perfect. Here are a few downsides to keep in mind:

Cash Back Rates Vary – Some stores offer only 1–2%, while others may go as high as 10–15%.
Quarterly Payments – Rewards are only paid every three months, so you won’t get instant access.
Amazon Limitations – Amazon cash back is limited to certain categories and changes frequently.
Not Ideal for Rare Shoppers – If you don’t shop online often, the savings may not justify signing up.

Even with these drawbacks, most regular shoppers find the pros outweigh the cons.

Who Should Use Rakuten?

Rakuten is best suited for:

Frequent online shoppers buying clothing, home goods, groceries, or electronics.
Travelers booking hotels, flights, and rental cars through Rakuten’s travel partners.
Bargain hunters who enjoy stacking discounts and rewards.
Families who make large recurring purchases online (groceries, household items, school supplies).
Students and young professionals looking to stretch their budgets.

If you shop online only once or twice a year, Rakuten may not make a noticeable impact. But for the average online consumer, it can result in meaningful savings.

Rakuten vs. Competitors

There are several other cash-back and coupon platforms available. Here’s how Rakuten compares:

Rakuten vs. Honey

Honey automatically finds and applies coupon codes at checkout.
Rakuten offers higher cash-back rates in many cases.
Best strategy: Use both—Rakuten for cash back, Honey for coupons.

Rakuten vs. TopCashback

TopCashback often advertises slightly higher rates.
Rakuten is praised for its user-friendly interface, reliable tracking, and on-time payouts.
Best for: Shoppers who value a smoother experience over slightly higher rates.

Rakuten vs. Ibotta

Ibotta specializes in grocery and in-store savings.
Rakuten excels in online shopping and travel.
Best for: Shoppers who want to save both online and in stores should consider using both.

Tips to Maximize Your Rakuten Earnings

Install the Browser Extension – It automatically reminds you when cash back is available.
Shop Double Cash Back Events – Look out for seasonal promotions where rates increase significantly.
Stack Discounts – Combine Rakuten with retailer coupons and credit card rewards for bigger savings.
Use Rakuten for Travel – Hotel bookings, car rentals, and flights often come with higher cash-back percentages.
Refer Friends – Referral bonuses are often $30 or more per friend who signs up and makes a qualifying purchase.
Check Daily Hot Deals – Rakuten highlights featured promotions where you can save even more.
Link Your Card for In-Store Offers – Activate in-store cash back for restaurants, clothing retailers, and more.

By combining these strategies, frequent shoppers can realistically earn hundreds of dollars in cash back every year.

Is Rakuten Safe and Legit?

Yes—Rakuten is completely legitimate. Founded in 1999 as Ebates and later acquired by Japanese tech giant Rakuten, the platform has been around for over two decades and has millions of active users. To date, Rakuten has paid out billions of dollars in cash-back rewards.

Your personal information is secure, and the platform does not charge users for membership. Payments are delivered reliably every quarter via PayPal or mailed checks.

Rakuten FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Is Rakuten free to use?
Yes, Rakuten is 100% free.

2. How do I get paid?
You’ll receive quarterly payments either through PayPal or by check.

3. Does Rakuten really work with Amazon?
Yes, but only certain product categories are eligible, and they change regularly.

4. Can Rakuten be used in physical stores?
Yes, by linking your credit or debit card, you can activate in-store cash back at participating retailers.

5. How much can the average person earn?
Casual shoppers might earn $50–$100 annually, while frequent online shoppers and travelers can earn several hundred dollars or more.

6. Does Rakuten have a mobile app?
Yes, available on both iOS and Android, making it easy to activate offers on the go.

Final Verdict: Is Rakuten Worth It in 2025?

Rakuten remains one of the best cash-back platforms available in 2025. It’s free, easy to use, and widely trusted. With thousands of partner stores, frequent promotions, and the ability to stack with other savings tools, Rakuten makes it simple to earn money back on everyday purchases.

If you shop online regularly, Rakuten is absolutely worth using. The potential savings—especially when combined with coupons and rewards credit cards—can add up to hundreds of dollars per year.

Don’t leave money on the table. Sign up, claim the welcome bonus, and start earning cash back today.