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Rakuten

Rakuten (formerly Ebates) is a leading cashback and rewards program that allows users to earn money back on purchases made at thousands of online and select in-store retailers.

Our take: Rakuten (formerly Ebates) is a legitimate, widely used cashback platform.

Best forRakuten is designed for frequent online shoppers and consumers seeking to maximize savings and earn rewards on their everyday purchases without requiring significant effort
ReviewedPricing: Free
7.8 out of 105 criteria · see breakdown
Try RakutenFree — no paid tiers
The bottom line

The easiest passive savings tool for regular online shoppers — install the extension and cashback finds you.

Our score

Reviewed by the Conversion Gems editorial team. Hover a facet to focus it; click to pin.Tap a facet to focus it.

Community ratings

Shown for context only. Our score is independent.

G2
4.3 out of 5
90+ reviews

4.3 / 5 aggregate · across 1 source

Third-party ratings shown verbatim; aggregate weighted by review volume.

What it is, and why we rate it

One line each. Open a row for detail.

What it really isRakuten — free cashback and rewards portal for online and in-store shopping.
Our takeRakuten (formerly Ebates) is a legitimate, widely used cashback platform.
Members earn cashback at 3,500+ partner stores by shopping through Rakuten's website, mobile app, or browser extension; the portal shares affiliate commissions back with shoppers. Rakuten is free, with no paid tiers whatsoever.
Why we rate itRakuten has paid out over $4.6 billion in cashback to 17+ million members.
The install-and-forget browser extension means savings happen automatically — no manual coupon hunting required. The addition of Amex and Bilt point redemption options adds genuine value for travel rewards enthusiasts beyond raw cash.
The catchQuarterly-only payouts mean you wait up to three months for your money; some retailers have category exclusions or lower-than-advertised rates, and TopCashback frequently beats Rakuten's rates on the same merchants.

Best / not good for

Best for
  • Frequent online shoppers seeking passive, zero-effort cashback
  • Travel rewards collectors who want Amex or Bilt point redemptions
  • Shoppers at major retailers (Macy's, Sephora, Nike, etc.) in Rakuten's 3,500+ store network
Not good for
  • Grocery or receipt-scanning cashback (Ibotta is far stronger here)
  • Shoppers who want on-demand, instant payouts rather than quarterly disbursements
  • Power users chasing maximum rates — TopCashback consistently offers higher percentages
Trade-offs

Friction report

Trade-offs to know before signing up.

  1. Time to value
    Fast: install the browser extension in under 2 minutes, create a free account, and the extension auto-activates cashback on your next eligible purchase.
  2. Scale breakpoint
    No meaningful scale breakpoint — Rakuten is rate-limited by retailer participation and category exclusions, not by user volume or tier.
  3. Walled garden
    Low: cashback pays out as real cash (check or PayPal) with no lock-in. Amex/Bilt redemptions require those card programs, but cash options are always available.
Still a fit?
If none of these block you, start on the free plan.
Try Rakuten

A look inside

Rakuten product screenshot

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rakuten and what is it used for?

Rakuten is a global eCommerce and affiliate marketing platform that connects consumers, brands, and affiliates. It allows users to earn cashback, promote products, and increase sales through a trusted network.

How does Rakuten benefit shoppers?

Rakuten provides shoppers with cashback rewards, exclusive deals, and discounts when they purchase products through the platform. This encourages savings and loyalty while shopping online.

How does Rakuten work for affiliates and marketers?

Affiliates can join Rakuten’s network to promote products from various brands and earn commissions on sales. The platform provides tracking, reporting, and marketing tools to optimize campaigns effectively.

Is Rakuten beginner-friendly?

Yes, Rakuten is beginner-friendly for both shoppers and affiliates. Shoppers can easily access deals through the website or browser extension, and new affiliates can register and start promoting products without technical hurdles.

Who should use Rakuten and what benefits does it offer?

Rakuten is ideal for online shoppers, affiliates, marketers, and eCommerce businesses. It helps users save money, monetize content, expand brand reach, and leverage a trusted platform for commerce and marketing activities.

Alternatives

  • Step up

    TopCashback for consistently higher cashback rates at the same retailers.

  • Lighter alternative

    Capital One Shopping browser extension for a simpler, coupon-focused alternative with no payout threshold.

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Tags

#Rakuten

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