Why Rakuten is a Must-Have Tool for Online Shopping

Let’s face it, shopping online is one of the best things to ever happen to us. It’s convenient, there are endless choices, and you can do it from the comfort of your couch (or bed, no judgment). But if you’re like me, you’ve probably wondered if there’s a way to get more out of those online purchases—especially when it comes to saving money. That’s where Rakuten comes in. If you haven’t heard of it yet, let me tell you why Rakuten is a total game-changer for online shopping.

What Exactly is Rakuten?

Rakuten is a cashback service that gives you money back on purchases you were already planning to make. It works with hundreds of popular retailers—think Amazon, Macy's, Walmart, and Best Buy—and lets you earn a percentage of your purchase price back when you shop through their platform. You can get your cashback through PayPal or check, so you’re not just saving money, you’re getting paid to shop.

How Does Rakuten Work?

The best part? Rakuten makes it super easy to start earning cashback. Here’s how it works:

  1. Sign Up: First, create a free account with Rakuten.
  2. Install the Browser Extension: Once you’re signed up, you can install the Rakuten browser extension. It’s a little button that lives in your browser and automatically alerts you when there’s cashback available at the store you're shopping at.
  3. Shop as Usual: When you want to shop, just click on the Rakuten link for your favorite retailer (either through the website or extension), and make your purchase as you normally would.
  4. Get Cashback: Rakuten tracks your purchase and deposits cashback into your Rakuten account. Once your balance reaches a certain amount, you can cash it out via PayPal or request a check. It’s like getting a little bonus for spending money.

So, Why Should You Use Rakuten?

  1. It’s Easy to Use
    The whole process is painless. You don’t need to enter promo codes or jump through hoops. Once you’ve installed the extension, Rakuten automatically pops up when cashback is available. You just click and shop like normal. Simple, right?

  2. You Get Money Back for Shopping You’re Already Doing
    Who doesn’t love free money? If you’re already planning to shop online, why not get a little something back? You can earn cashback on everything from clothing to electronics, groceries, travel bookings, and more. Plus, they have tons of stores you already know and love, so you’re bound to find deals at places you shop regularly.

  3. Cashback is Paid Out to You
    Unlike reward points or store-specific discounts, Rakuten’s cashback is actual money you can use however you want. Once you’ve accumulated enough, you can have it sent to your PayPal or get a check in the mail. It's a much more flexible option than store credits or gift cards.

  4. It’s Free to Use
    You don’t have to pay anything to sign up, use the extension, or earn cashback. Rakuten is free, and there’s no catch. In fact, when you first sign up here, you can earn a welcome bonus of $40 after making your first purchase through their site! 

  5. Special Deals and Promotions
    Rakuten often offers bonus cashback during major shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and back-to-school sales. So if you're planning to make big purchases during these times, Rakuten can help you earn even more. It's a great way to make those seasonal shopping sprees more rewarding.

  6. It’s Not Just for Big Purchases
    Sure, Rakuten gives you cashback on big-ticket items, but it also works for smaller purchases too. Whether you're picking up a new phone case or grabbing groceries online, you can still get cashback for everyday shopping. Over time, these small savings can really add up!

Is Rakuten Right for Everyone?

While Rakuten is an awesome tool, it's not necessarily for every shopper. If you’re the type of person who just wants to buy something quickly and doesn’t care about getting money back, then Rakuten might feel like an extra step. But if you love saving money (and who doesn’t?), Rakuten is a no-brainer. It’s perfect for anyone who shops online regularly and wants to earn cashback without doing any extra work.

Final Thoughts

Rakuten is hands down one of the best tools to have if you’re a frequent online shopper. It makes saving money almost effortless—just shop, click, and earn cashback. It’s free, easy to use, and offers real rewards. Plus, who doesn’t love the feeling of getting paid to shop? If you haven’t installed it yet, what are you waiting for? Your wallet will thank you later.

Back to blog