As rideshare drivers, we all have expenses – and they can add up! What if you could get cash back from purchases you already were going to make? We had RSG contributor Paula Gibbins try out and write a Rakuten review (formerly Ebates) to show you how you can save money.
Today I’m going to outline my experience using Rakuten, an online shopping hub where you earn cash back and discounts at stores you probably shop at anyway.
What is Rakuten?
Rakuten is a free service that you sign up for in order to earn discounts and cash back for your online purchases. Deals change daily, so if you see an awesome discount, take it before it’s gone!
To earn without even thinking about it, get the Rakuten extension on your browser and it will let you know what your discount or deal is for the website you’re on without having to go through Rakuten’s list of links.
Adding the Rakuten extension to your browser cuts out a little extra digging if you already have something in mind that you want to purchase from your favorite online store.
Sometimes the deals are limited to certain items or categories; other times it’s an overarching deal for the whole site (though typically a lower percent of cash back is offered on those).
If you want to save even more, you can pair Rakuten coupons and deals with Swagbucks, where you earn gift cards and cash for making purchases online.
Rakuten used to be Ebates, so that’s why you may see Ebates review on other sites. But rest assured: it’s Rakuten now!
Is Rakuten Legit?
Yes, Rakuten is legit – we’ve used it to save money and we’ve got cash back from Rakuten.
How to Sign-Up for Rakuten
Signing up for Rakuten is easy and free
Simply go to the Rakuten website or download the mobile app and create an account.
You’ll be asked to provide your name, an email address, and create a password.
Once you’ve created your account, you’re ready to start shopping and earning cashback rewards.
⭐️ $30 Sign-Up Bonus Included ⭐️
Ways to Use Rakuten
Rakuten’s Browser Extension
Rakuten offers a browser extension that makes it even easier to earn cashback rewards. The extension is available for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari and automatically alerts you when you’re shopping on a website that offers cashback rewards through Rakuten. All you have to do is click on the notification to activate the cashback reward.
Rakuten’s Mobile App
Rakuten’s mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices. The app allows you to shop and earn cashback rewards on the go. You can also use the app to track your cashback rewards and refer friends to Rakuten.
Rakuten’s Online Shopping Portal
Rakuten’s online shopping portal is another way to earn cashback rewards. The portal offers exclusive deals and discounts on a variety
Rakuten for Rideshare Drivers
If you clean your own car or supply your vehicle with bottled water, candy, etc., you can shop for those supplies through Rakuten and earn cash back. You earn points with every purchase through Rakuten.
For every 100 points you earn, you’ve got $1 of cash back and you earn one point for every dollar you spend. For instance, if you spend $345.35, you earn 345 points which equals $3.45 in cash back.
You can even go all out and buy your tires, wiper blades, oil and more for your vehicle. If the deal doesn’t suit you, then continue with whatever you normally do, but it’s always worthwhile, especially if you’re able to get cash back from these necessary purchases.
Then, of course, there’s always that possibility of earning money from referrals.
In your account, you’ll have a referral link that you can send to family and friends to earn even more.
The person you’re referring would need to use your code to sign up and complete a qualified purchase for both of you to receive your referral bonus.
If they don’t do it in time, neither of you earn anything extra.
Does Rakuten Really Give Cash Back?
Yes! Some of our teammates at The Rideshare Guy tried out the app and here is what they earned:
Managing Editor Melissa recently received payment from Rakuten she did while holiday shopping – just effortlessly deposited into her PayPal account. Rakuten is legit, and it’s easy to earn through Rakuten!
Our Chief Operating Officer, Scott, has been using Rakuten for a while now and within only a few months amassed $400 – just on cash back from purchases he was going to make anyway!
Is it Safe to Buy From Rakuten?
Rakuten is not a scam – it really gives you cash back when you shop. And with thousands of stores to choose from, including many stores that rideshare drivers typically use, it’s a no-brainer to sign up for Rakuten, use it yourself, and recommend it to your passengers. There’s a store for everyone on Rakuten, and during the holidays is the perfect time to pitch Rakuten to riders looking to save money!
Using the Rakuten site and app is completely safe and secure. As mentioned above, Managing Editor Melissa bought a pricey appliance using Rakuten and was able to cash out over $100, all because she used the Rakuten browser extension! We tried it out on a big purchase, so you can be assured Rakuten is completely legit.
Before I do any online shopping, I’ll definitely check my Rakuten extension to see if there’s a chance for cash back before buying. If I can make money while spending what I’d already be spending anyway, there’s no downside in my opinion.
Pros and Cons
Like any cashback platform, Rakuten has its pros and cons. Here are a few to consider:
Pros
- Free to join: Rakuten is completely free to use, and there are no membership fees or hidden costs.
- Wide variety of retailers: Rakuten partners with thousands of retailers, so you’re likely to find your favorite stores on their platform.
- Cashback rates: Rakuten offers some of the highest cashback rates in the industry, with some retailers offering up to 10% cashback.
- Multiple payout options: You can choose to receive your Rakuten rewards as a check or a PayPal deposit.
Cons
- Cashback delays: It can take up to 90 days for your Rakuten cashback to become available, which can be frustrating if you’re waiting for a payout.
- Limited in-store options: While Rakuten does offer in-store cashback at select retailers, this feature is not available at as many stores as the online cashback program.
- Minimum payout requirements: Rakuten has a minimum payout threshold of $5, which means you’ll need to earn at least
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rakuten safe to use?
Yes, Rakuten is a legitimate cashback website that has been around for over 20 years.
How do I get paid by Rakuten?
You can get paid by Rakuten through a check or a PayPal deposit.
How long does it take for Rakuten cashback rewards to become available?
Rakuten cashback rewards may take up to 90 days to become available.
