All about Rakuten

If you’re someone who loves to shop in the U.S., you’ve probably heard of Rakuten (라쿠텐) by now. Many people might think, “Isn’t that a huge online shopping mall from Japan?” Well, in the U.S., Rakuten is famous for something a bit different—its cashback service! Let’s dive right in.

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1. So, What Exactly Is Rakuten?

A Leading Japanese E-Commerce Company

Rakuten got its start back in 1997 as an online shopping mall called “Rakuten Ichiba” in Japan. Today, it’s evolved into a major IT conglomerate spanning finance, telecom, digital content, and more.

Going Global

Starting in the 2010s, Rakuten began acquiring and investing in various startups and IT companies around the world, expanding to the U.S., Europe, and across Asia.

• In 2014, Rakuten acquired OverDrive, a U.S.-based e-book platform.
• In 2019, Rakuten acquired the popular U.S. cashback site Ebates, then rebranded it as Rakuten Rewards.

By taking over Ebates, Rakuten quickly cemented its identity in the U.S. as a “cashback” service.

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2. Why Is Rakuten So Popular in the U.S.?

1) Rakuten Rewards – Easy and Convenient Cashback

Remember Ebates? That’s now Rakuten Rewards, which offers a straightforward way to earn cashback on your online purchases.

How Do You Use It?

1. Sign up for Rakuten Rewards (it’s free!). If you use the link below, you get a bonus: - 30 dollars

www.rakuten.com/r/7439HE?eeid=28187 

Cash Back at your fave stores

1. Look up the brand or store you want to shop at (Amazon in certain categories, Walmart, Macy’s, etc.) through Rakuten.
2. Check out and pay as usual, and Rakuten automatically credits a percentage of your purchase back to your account.
3. Every quarter, you’ll receive a check or PayPal payment with your accumulated cashback.

Why people love it: It’s straightforward, there are frequent promos with varying cashback rates, and it’s completely free to join.
Bonus: If you click my referral link, you’ll get $30 right away!

 

3. Trying Out Rakuten Rewards for Yourself

 

• Free Membership
  No worries about hidden fees—signing up won’t cost you a thing!
• Wide Variety of Partner Stores
  Everything from clothing and beauty to electronics and travel sites.
• Frequent Promo Changes
  Cashback percentages can change seasonally, so keep an eye out to maximize your earnings.
• Watch Out for Overlapping Discounts
  Sometimes you can’t stack coupons or combine multiple cashback sites. It pays to do a quick check to see which option gives you the best deal.

The only slight drawback is that cashback accumulates and gets paid out quarterly rather than instantly—but waiting for that “free money” can be pretty fun!

The percentages can add up faster than you’d expect, so you’ll see your balance grow nicely in no time.

 

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4. Why You Should Always Take Advantage of Cashback

1. Little by Little, It All Adds Up
   If you’re a frequent online shopper, your annual cashback can really make a difference—think hundreds of dollars back each year!
2. Combine Sales + Coupons + Cashback
   Sometimes discounts can stack, so between sales, coupons, and cashback, you might end up scoring a huge bargain.
3. Discover New Brands and Stores
   Browsing through Rakuten’s partner list exposes you to retailers you might not have known about otherwise.

I’ve personally received a nice chunk of cashback over time. Once you hit a certain threshold, you’ll get a check in the mail—always a pleasant surprise!

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5. How to Use Rakuten

Essentially, there are two main methods:

1. Use the Chrome Extension

   

   
   
   • After installing the Rakuten extension, it’ll pop up whenever you visit a participating store, prompting you to activate your cashback. Super convenient!
2. Go Through the Rakuten Website
   • Simply head over to Rakuten.com, choose your store from their site, and shop as you normally would.

Final Thoughts

 

These days, lots of shoppers are finding that chasing small-but-sure cashback rewards can be really satisfying. This is especially true for Korean residents or students in the U.S., who rave about how easy it is. If you’re going to shop anyway, why not get a little money back?
Whether you’re shopping in the States or even checking out library e-books (Rakuten also acquired OverDrive!), you might find Rakuten super handy. If you’ve already tried it, feel free to share your own tips and experiences in the comments!

That’s it for today. If you found this helpful, I’d appreciate a like or a bookmark. Got more questions? Let me know below. Thanks for reading!