Rakuten works by earning a commission from stores when you click through to them from Rakuten, then sharing part of that commission with you as cash back on the order total. The catch is that every purchase needs a fresh Rakuten Shopping Trip started before you add items to your cart, and the cash back takes 3-14 weeks to be confirmed.
Rakuten is the old Ebates. The company changed its name, and it's been part of Rakuten since 2014, but the model hasn't changed: stores pay to be sent shoppers, and you get a slice. It's simple, and when cash back goes missing, Rakuten's own troubleshooting points almost entirely at tracking. Here's how it works, using Rakuten's own help centre.
Where Rakuten's cash back comes from
Rakuten says that when you shop through it, the store pays Rakuten a commission for sending you, and Rakuten passes part of that to you as cash back. You earn a percentage of the order total, and Rakuten lists cash back at 3,500+ stores. It's free to join.
Three ways to shop with Rakuten
| Method | How it tracks your purchase |
|---|---|
| Rakuten.com | Pick a store on the site to activate cash back, then shop on the store's own site |
| Rakuten app (iOS and Android) | App-only deals, plus in-store and dining cash back |
| Browser extension | A button that activates cash back on store sites as you browse |
| In-store | Link an eligible card, add the offer in the app or on the site, then pay with that card |
The Shopping Trip rule
Everything depends on what Rakuten calls a Shopping Trip. Clicking a Rakuten link creates one, with a unique number that Rakuten uses to prove to the store that you came from Rakuten. No Shopping Trip, no cash back.
The part people miss: you have to start a new Shopping Trip every time you shop, even at a store you bought from an hour ago. Rakuten keeps a record of your Shopping Trips for up to three months, which is useful evidence if you ever need to chase a missing payment.
Why Rakuten cash back goes missing
Rakuten's own troubleshooting checklist explains most problems. Before you complain, run through these:
- Did you activate cash back through Rakuten before adding items to your cart?
- Did you check out in the same browser tab that Rakuten opened?
- Did you use only promo codes listed on Rakuten? Other codes can void the cash back.
- Did you accept the store's cookies?
- Were ad blockers, VPNs and cookie blockers switched off?
- Was the item eligible, rather than in an excluded category?
- Did you keep the order, without cancelling or returning it?
Two settings cause a lot of grief. Rakuten says private or incognito mode stops it activating cash back, and other shopping rewards or discount extensions can redirect your Shopping Trip and take the credit for your order. If you run several, switch the others off while you shop through Rakuten.
In-store cash back has its own trio of mistakes. Rakuten says the usual reasons it fails are that the offer wasn't added before you paid, you used a card that isn't linked to your account, or your debit card wasn't run as credit at the till.
How long Rakuten cash back takes
| Type of purchase | Typical time to be confirmed |
|---|---|
| Online and in-store | 3-14 weeks |
| Dining | 3-5 days after you dine |
| Travel | 6-17 weeks after the trip is complete |
| Expedia travel | Within one week after the trip |
| Refer-a-friend bonus | Once your friend's cash back is confirmed |
That waiting period exists because of returns and exchanges. Rakuten says returned or cancelled orders may void cash back and be deducted from your balance, and an exchange processed as a cancellation may count as a cancelled order. Its advice is to return the item and place a new order through Rakuten instead.
How Rakuten pays you
Rakuten sends payments every three months, by PayPal, Bilt Points or cheque, and eligible American Express Card Members can take Membership Rewards points instead. To be paid by cheque or PayPal you need an address on your account, which Rakuten uses to verify your identity, and your confirmed cash back has to reach Rakuten's minimum before the payment date. Anything below it simply carries over.
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Store exceptions worth knowing
- Amazon: Rakuten says cash back is no longer available there.
- eBay: cash back depends on the category, only applies to completed Winning Bid or Buy It Now transactions, and is capped per order.
- Canada: Rakuten encourages Canadian residents to use Rakuten.ca, which pays in Canadian dollars; Rakuten.com balances and cheques are in US dollars.
My verdict on how Rakuten works
Rakuten is one of the simplest cash back services to use, as long as you treat the Shopping Trip as non-negotiable: start from Rakuten every time, stay in that tab, drop the outside promo codes and turn off ad blockers. Then be patient, because three to fourteen weeks is normal. It's a saving on shopping you'd do anyway, not an income. For other everyday earners, see my guide to apps that pay you to drive and my list of money-saving sites for tech products.
Frequently asked questions
How does Rakuten make money?
Stores pay Rakuten a commission for sending shoppers, and Rakuten shares part of that commission with you as cash back.
Why didn't I get cash back from Rakuten?
The usual reasons are not starting a Shopping Trip before adding items to your cart, checking out in another tab, using a promo code not listed on Rakuten, or an ad blocker or VPN.
How long does Rakuten take to confirm cash back?
Rakuten says online and in-store cash back typically takes 3-14 weeks, dining 3-5 days, and travel 6-17 weeks after the trip.
How often does Rakuten pay?
Every three months, by PayPal, Bilt Points or cheque, once your confirmed cash back reaches the minimum. You can also redeem for a gift card within minutes.
Does Rakuten give cash back at Amazon?
No. Rakuten says cash back is no longer available at Amazon.
