Making money with Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates) primarily involves earning cash back on purchases made through their platform. Here are the steps to get started and maximize your earnings:
1. Sign Up and Get Started
- Create an Account: Go to Rakuten’s website and sign up for an account. You may get a welcome bonus for signing up.
- Install the Rakuten Browser Extension: This will help you automatically get notifications about cash back opportunities while you shop online.
2. Shop Through Rakuten
- Online Shopping: Access your favorite stores via the Rakuten website or app. Rakuten partners with thousands of retailers across various categories.
- Cash Back Offers: Each retailer offers a different percentage of cash back. This can range from 1% to 40%, depending on the store and any special promotions.
- Browser Extension: The Rakuten browser extension will notify you if a site you’re visiting offers cash back and allow you to activate it with one click.
3. Use Rakuten In-Store
- Link Your Card: Link your credit or debit card to your Rakuten account.
- In-Store Offers: Check the Rakuten app for in-store cash back offers. Add the offer to your linked card and shop at the physical store.
- Cash Back: You’ll automatically receive cash back on your linked card purchases when you meet the offer requirements.
4. Refer Friends and Family
- Referral Program: Rakuten offers a referral program where you can earn bonuses for referring friends and family.
- Referral Bonus: When someone you refer signs up and makes a qualifying purchase, both you and your referral can earn a bonus (e.g., $25 each).
5. Monitor Special Promotions
- Double Cash Back Events: Rakuten frequently has promotions where certain stores offer double or increased cash back.
- Holiday Deals: Look out for special promotions around holidays and major sales events (Black Friday, Cyber Monday).
6. Get Paid
- Payment Schedule: Rakuten pays out cash back every quarter via check or PayPal.
- Minimum Payout: Ensure you meet the minimum cash back balance required to receive a payout.
Tips to Maximize Earnings:
- Combine Discounts: Use Rakuten cash back in conjunction with coupon codes, sales, and store-specific rewards to maximize savings.
- Use Cash Back Credit Cards: If you use a credit card that offers cash back, you can earn cash back from both Rakuten and your credit card.
- Stay Updated: Regularly check the Rakuten website or app for new offers and increased cash back rates.
Example Scenario
- Sign Up: Create an account on Rakuten and install the browser extension.
- Shop at Partner Stores: Visit a store like Macy’s through Rakuten. If Macy’s offers 10% cash back, and you spend $100, you earn $10.
- Refer a Friend: Refer a friend who signs up and makes a $25 purchase. Both you and your friend earn a $25 bonus.
- Payment: At the end of the quarter, you’ve accumulated $50 in cash back, which is sent to your PayPal account or via check.
By following these steps and tips, you can make money and save on your everyday purchases using Rakuten.