I shop online a lot. Who doesn’t? And as a mom, I’m always looking for simple ways to save money. Rakuten is the money-saving life hack I use every time I shop online. The service is easy to use, and every 3 months, the money you saved can be deposited into your PayPal!
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I could receive compensation if you click on one of the product links.
What is Rakuten?
Rakuten is a website that gives you cash back when shopping at certain online stores. On their website, they describe themselves as a
“Since our founding in 1997, Rakuten has helped shape the way people shop online, offering Cash Back, deals and shopping rewards on the world’s largest selection of products and services. To date, our 17M members in the U.S. have earned over $3.7B in Cash Back at their favorite stores.”
Cashback is just for shopping. Sign me up! Oh, wait…I already am.
How does Rakuten work?
Once you sign up for Rakuten, search for an online store on their website. Each store listed will offer a different cashback percentage starting at 1%.
I’ve seen cashback offers go as high as 10%—I actually got 10% cashback when I started this website with Bluehost. This cashback service is not just for clothes and home goods!
Once you click Shop Now, all you need to do is the shop, and the store will report your purchase to Rakuten, and they will write you a Big Fat Check (I get mine deposited into my PayPal account every three months). You can also still use coupons and promo codes to get cashback!
CASHBACK!!!
From January 2017 to the end of March 2017, I saved $64.28. It wasn’t instantaneous, but I’m still getting the money back! I used Ebates on Madewell, Etsy, Ulta, Old Navy, etc.
If you don’t already use Rakuten, sign up now using this link: https://www.rakuten.com/r/NICOLE8833?eeid=28187, and you’ll get $$$ after your first purchase!
If you use Chrome as your web browser, download the Cash Back Button to your browser toolbar. Once installed and signed in, browsing a site with a cashback offer will notify you—no extra work for you!
Do you use Rakuten or another cashback site? Share your money-saving hacks in the comments below!
I need to use Ebates! My brother has used it for years and I always forget, even though it seems SO easy! Thanks for reminding me!
Hi Leighann!!
Yes, it really is easy!! Hope you save some money when you shop now!!
We LOVE eBates! I’ve made over $700 over the years :). Your post breaks it down really nicely 🙂
Hi Val!
$700?? That’s amazing! I just started remembering to use it this year! I wish I was serious about using it before this year!! And thank you for the kind words!!
I am signed up with ebates but always forget to use it! I need to start remembering so I can get some money back!
Hi Kristen!
There’s a button that you can install on your internet browser and that really helps me, since the button will put up and there’s no thinking involved!
I’ve never used eBates. Looks like a great app to help save money!
Hi Davi!
Yes, it is a great way to save money! If you start using it, hope it helps you save money too.