If you’re the type that searches online for businesses that can help you save or earn money by using their services, you may have come across Rakuten.com- an affiliate marketing company that helps you earn cashback by shopping through their site. Don’t dabble in yet, read our latest Rakuten.com Reviews to know if it’s legit or another scam.
Do you know that understanding the overall marketing model of a business can help you feel better using the service?
As you read through, you’ll learn how Rakuten.com works; If it meets your requirements, you’ll be happier using the site to save money.
What Is Rakuten?
Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, works with a wide variety of stores to provide people with cashback deals and promo codes for shoppers. This company features a browser extension tool that lets you see deals when searching for products on the internet. Its Price Magic feature allows you to see what percentage you’ll receive in cashback rewards.
Rakuten currently has over 2,500 brands on its site. The company offers deals and savings to over 12 million users in the US giving them cashback payments every three months, either through a check in the mail or via PayPal.
How Does Rakuten Work?
Rakuten works with companies like Groupon, Ulta, Nike, and Sephora giving people access to coupons, sales, and cashback rewards all in one place.
By registering with Rakuten, you can shop anywhere you want and earn rewards. You can access can shops directly from its website or mobile app. To get started, you have to add a credit or debit card to your account to use Rakuten’s mobile app features.
The Rakuten cashback Visa card lets you earn up to 3% extra cashback on qualifying purchases and 1% cashback on all other purchases. The cashback Visa has no annual fees and comes with a zero-fraud-liability policy.
Rakuten Reviews- Features
Browser Extension
Rakuten features a browser extension that enables shoppers to navigate to Rakuten to make online purchases.
With the browser extension, Rakuten can track when you’re on a retail partner’s site. You will see a little popup at checkout indicating that you’re eligible for cashback rewards. That makes it as easy as clicking a button to earn cashback on your purchases.
In-Store Shopping
In-Store Shopping is another great feature of Rakuten. It allows for in-store cashback purchases as well. You can easily activate the in-store offer through either the site or the app. You will also need to link your credit card to the system so that it can track your purchase.
Once you make a purchase, the retailer will confirm your purchase and send it to Rakuten. It can take hours or days for the store to confirm your purchase, but you can see the cashback show up in your balance. Any time you plan to make a purchase, you activate your in-store purchase to access offers.
How Does Rakuten Make Money?
Creating an account on Rakuten is free for customers. However, when you make a purchase, the company makes a commission or takes a percentage of the profit from the seller using their company.
Rakuten Pros And Cons
Rakuten offers very wonderful services, but just like other online businesses, the company also has some drawbacks. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of Rakuten.
Pros
- Ease of use: Rakuten has a user-friendly interface. First-time users will find it very self-explanatory.
- Variety of options: Rakuten features many options for you to turn any online shopping purchase into an opportunity to get cashback.
- Cashback: Your extra earnings shopping on Rakuten can help you save up money to pay your bills.
- Referral program: Rakuten offers $5 – $25 on your cashback by making referrals.
Cons
- Only pays cashback accruals quarterly: Rakuten only issues a cashback payment if you have accrued at least $5. If you don’t meet that minimum by the end of the quarter, you’ll have to wait until next quarter’s payout to get your cashback.
- Encourages impulse shopping: The appeal of cashback can lure you into making hasty online purchases. Make sure that you’re shopping intentionally and staying within your budget.
- Nearly all stores have products that are exempt from cashback: Almost every store on Rakuten have items that they do not offer cashback on, and these are likely to be their most sought after products.
- Rakuten can disable your account without giving you notice: You have to keep in mind that Rakuten can permanently disable your account.
Rakuten Reviews- Is It Legit Or Scam?
In this section, we will look at what people say about Rakuten.
“When I remember to check the site first, it’s always good to earn extra money for shopping for items you were buying anyway. Love it! Useful Share” trustpilot.com
“I’ve been using Rakuten.com for years. Getting money back each time I shop online is awesome. The site is easy to use, and if there are any questions, the member services department is right there to help you along the way. I highly recommend checking out Rakuten.com and making it a part of your online shopping routine.” consumeraffairs.com
“I loved this when it was Ebates but for some reason, new name, new problems. Had major issues with getting credit for purchases. Was told to make sure that I do not open any other windows on the computer between the Rakuten site and the store that I am shopping in. I have made many online purchases but only received credit for one transaction. Got tired of calling in so decided to try another website that provides the same service. Too bad, I like ebates a lot!” consumeraffairs.com
“Simply put, it doesn’t get any easier than shop and receive. That is what you get with Rakuten. You can’t go wrong and you have nothing to lose but money if you don’t sign up. Useful Share” trustpilot.com
“I keep getting locked out of my account” trustpilot.com
“Just don’t believe nor trust them. You won’t get your referral bonuses, they will change the rules AFTER your purchase and you won’t get your cash back… And they just send the same answer over and over again. What a shame! Useful 1 Share” trustpilot.com
Rakuten Reviews- Is the company Worth It?
Rakuten is an international company that takes precautions to ensure it complies with the General Data Protection Regulations. Reputable brands and stores trust Rakuten to provide promotions and deals to their customers.
Alternatives To Rakuten
There are many sites that offer cash back or discount codes to online shoppers. If you feel Rakuten is not for you, you can check for similar offers on the following companies:
- Swagbucks
- Capital One Shopping
SwagBucks
Swagbucks is a popular cashback site. This site unlike Rakuten pays in points and can be redeemed for gift cards. You can also earn points by taking surveys and watching videos thereby cutting down on impulse buying and steering you towards other means of earning cashback.
Capital One Shopping
Capital One Shopping is a browser extension that helps you save money by finding retailers with better prices and applying discount codes to your online purchases. It scans the internet for better deals and any active discount codes that can be applied to your purchase. If you already have the best price it can find, it will let you know.
Conclusion
From the above reviews, we can conclude that Rakuten exists, has a working website, and is hence legit. However, before you sign up for the company, ensure that that you agree with their terms of service.
Reference
- https://www.consumeraffairs.com/online/buy.htm
- https://arrestyourdebt.com/rakuten-review/
- https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/5fb3f5e95e693f0acceb46ce
- https://millennialmoney.com/rakuten-review/
- https://arrestyourdebt.com/rakuten-review/
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