Unlocking Savings in 2024: How to Use Rakuten to Save Money Online!!
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Hey there, savvy shoppers! 👋 If you’re like me, you love finding ways to save a little extra cash while shopping online. With inflation and prices going up, every penny counts, right? That’s where Rakuten comes into play. You might have heard of it, but if you haven’t really explored its potential, you’re in for a treat. Let’s dive into how you can use Rakuten to score some awesome savings in 2024.
2. Install the Browser Extension: This is a game-changer. The Rakuten browser extension automatically alerts you to cash back opportunities when you’re shopping online. It’s available for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Just add it to your browser, and you’ll be all set!
2. Check Cash back Rates: Each store offers a different cash back rate, and these can sometimes vary between stores. Make sure to check the rate before you click through to the store’s website.
3. Click Through Rakuten: Once you find the store with a good cash back rate, click on the “Shop Now” button. This will redirect you to the store’s website with Rakuten’s tracking link embedded, so they know to credit your account with cash back.
4. Complete Your Purchase: Shop as you normally would. Make sure not to close your browser or navigate away from the store’s site before completing your purchase. This ensures that Rakuten can track your order and apply the cash back.
2. Combine with Coupons: Before you finalize your purchase, check if there are any Rakuten-linked coupons or promo codes. Rakuten sometimes offers additional discounts on top of cash back.
3. Stack Up with Other Rewards: If you’re using a store credit card that offers rewards or points, you can still earn those alongside Rakuten cash back. It’s like double-dipping in savings!
2. Referral Bonuses: Rakuten has a referral program where you can earn bonuses for referring friends. Share your referral link with friends and family, and you can earn extra cash when they sign up and make their first purchase.
2. Reach the Minimum Threshold: Rakuten has a minimum payout threshold (usually around $5). Once your cash back balance hits this amount, you can request a payout.
3. Regular Payments: Rakuten sends out cash back payments quarterly, so you’ll get your money in a lump sum. Keep an eye out for their payment emails!
- Check for Store-Specific Promotions: Some stores run their own promotions that can be stacked with Rakuten’s cash back. Keep an eye out for these opportunities.
- Use Rakuten for Booking Travel: Rakuten offers cash back on travel bookings too! Whether you’re booking flights, hotels, or car rentals, you can earn cash back on travel expenses.
There you have it—a comprehensive guide to using Rakuten to save money online in 2024. With a little bit of planning and strategic shopping, you can make those online purchases work harder for you. So next time you’re ready to hit the “checkout” button, remember to start at Rakuten and watch those savings add up. Happy shopping! 🛒💸
What Is Rakuten?
First things first—Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, is a cash back and rewards platform. The concept is pretty straightforward: you shop at your favorite online stores through Rakuten’s portal, and you get a percentage of your purchase back in the form of cash back. It’s like a reward for doing what you already do—shop!Getting Started: The Basics
1. Sign Up: Head over to the Rakuten website or download their app from the App Store or Google Play. You can also use this link to get a $30 Bonus after you sign up. Creating an account is super easy; you just need to enter your email and set a password. Don’t forget to check your email for a confirmation link.2. Install the Browser Extension: This is a game-changer. The Rakuten browser extension automatically alerts you to cash back opportunities when you’re shopping online. It’s available for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Just add it to your browser, and you’ll be all set!
Shopping Through Rakuten
1. Search for Your Store: On the Rakuten website or app, search for the store you want to shop at. Rakuten partners with thousands of retailers, from big names like Amazon and Macy’s to smaller, niche shops.2. Check Cash back Rates: Each store offers a different cash back rate, and these can sometimes vary between stores. Make sure to check the rate before you click through to the store’s website.
3. Click Through Rakuten: Once you find the store with a good cash back rate, click on the “Shop Now” button. This will redirect you to the store’s website with Rakuten’s tracking link embedded, so they know to credit your account with cash back.
4. Complete Your Purchase: Shop as you normally would. Make sure not to close your browser or navigate away from the store’s site before completing your purchase. This ensures that Rakuten can track your order and apply the cash back.
Maximizing Your Cash back
1. Look for Special Offers: Rakuten often features special promotions or increased cashback rates for certain stores. Keep an eye on these to boost your savings.2. Combine with Coupons: Before you finalize your purchase, check if there are any Rakuten-linked coupons or promo codes. Rakuten sometimes offers additional discounts on top of cash back.
3. Stack Up with Other Rewards: If you’re using a store credit card that offers rewards or points, you can still earn those alongside Rakuten cash back. It’s like double-dipping in savings!
Tracking Your Cashback
1. Check Your Rakuten Dashboard: After your purchase, you can track your cash back in the “My Account” section. Cash back typically takes a few days to be confirmed and may take a few weeks to show up in your account.2. Referral Bonuses: Rakuten has a referral program where you can earn bonuses for referring friends. Share your referral link with friends and family, and you can earn extra cash when they sign up and make their first purchase.
Cashing Out
1. Choose Your Payout Method: Rakuten offers two main ways to receive your cashback—via PayPal or by check. You can set your preference in your account settings.2. Reach the Minimum Threshold: Rakuten has a minimum payout threshold (usually around $5). Once your cash back balance hits this amount, you can request a payout.
3. Regular Payments: Rakuten sends out cash back payments quarterly, so you’ll get your money in a lump sum. Keep an eye out for their payment emails!
Pro Tips for 2024
- Stay Updated: Rakuten’s cash back rates and promotions can change, so it’s a good idea to check regularly or sign up for their email alerts.- Check for Store-Specific Promotions: Some stores run their own promotions that can be stacked with Rakuten’s cash back. Keep an eye out for these opportunities.
- Use Rakuten for Booking Travel: Rakuten offers cash back on travel bookings too! Whether you’re booking flights, hotels, or car rentals, you can earn cash back on travel expenses.
There you have it—a comprehensive guide to using Rakuten to save money online in 2024. With a little bit of planning and strategic shopping, you can make those online purchases work harder for you. So next time you’re ready to hit the “checkout” button, remember to start at Rakuten and watch those savings add up. Happy shopping! 🛒💸