Rakuten is an online shopping and cashback rewards program that gives members cash back on purchases made through Rakuten. Once you make a purchase through Rakuten, there are a few steps you need to take to get your cashback rewards.
Check Your Rakuten Account for Pending Cash Back
After you make a purchase through Rakuten, it can take up to 90 days for the cashback to show up in your Rakuten account. The cashback starts out as “pending” until the retailer confirms your order and purchase. To check on pending cashback rewards:
- Log into your Rakuten account
- Go to “My Account”
- Click on “Cash Back” in the top menu
- Review the “Pending Cash Back” section – this is where newly earned cashback will show up after a purchase
Be patient as it can take up to 90 days for a purchase to track and show up as pending. Make sure you followed all the steps properly during checkout to ensure your purchase is tracked correctly.
Confirm Your Order Has Tracked
In addition to checking for pending cashback, you also want to confirm your order actually tracked properly with Rakuten. To do this:
- Go to “My Account”
- Click on “Order Status”
- Find your order and view the status – it should say “Confirmed” if it tracked successfully
If your order status does not say “Confirmed”, you may need to reach out to Rakuten to investigate why it did not track properly. This is important to get your cashback.
Reach the Payment Threshold
Rakuten pays out cashback once you reach a certain payment threshold. Here are the current Rakuten cashback payment thresholds:
- $5 minimum for a Big Fat Check payment by mail OR PayPal deposit
- $10 minimum for an ACH direct deposit to a U.S. checking account
You can receive your cashback as a Big Fat Check in the mail, via PayPal deposit, or by ACH direct deposit to your bank account. Make sure your account has enough pending cashback to reach the threshold for your desired payout method.
Request Your Cashback Payout
Once your pending cashback rewards reach the minimum payout threshold, you can request a payout. To do so:
- Go to “My Account”
- Click on “Cash Back”
- Click “Payment Settings”
- Choose your desired payment method
- Click “Request Payment”
Rakuten will process your request and send your cashback payout via your chosen payment method within a few weeks typically. You must manually request payment in order to receive your cashback.
Use Your Rakuten Cash Back
Once you receive your Rakuten cashback payment, you can use it however you like! Here are some ideas for using Rakuten cashback rewards:
- Transfer to your bank account – great if you just want the cash
- Use your Big Fat Check like any other check
- Save up rewards for a big purchase
- Pay down bills or debt
- Donate to charity
- Treat yourself to something fun
Be sure to keep shopping through Rakuten to rack up more cashback rewards. You can even use your cashback earnings towards a future purchase and earn cashback on that transaction too.
Maximize Your Rakuten Cash Back
Here are some tips to maximize how much cashback you can earn with Rakuten:
- Always activate cashback by clicking through Rakuten before purchasing
- Use Rakuten consistently for all your online shopping
- Take advantage of promos and boosted cashback rates
- Shop through Rakuten on mobile app for bonus cashback
- Participate in special store bonuses and member-only deals
- Refer friends and earn $25 for each one who signs up
- Link all your credit cards and let Rakuten track automatically
The more you shop through Rakuten, the faster your cashback earnings will grow. Be diligent about starting at Rakuten every time you shop online.
Troubleshooting Rakuten Cash Back
If you run into any issues with pending cashback or your Rakuten account, here is how to get help:
- Check the Rakuten FAQ page for answers to common questions
- Use the live chat feature to chat with a Rakuten representative
- Email Rakuten customer support for help: [email protected]
- Call Rakuten support at 1-800-800-7908
Rakuten’s customer service team is available to look into any missing cashback, account issues, or other problems. Be ready with your Rakuten account information and order details when you reach out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my cash back from Rakuten?
It typically takes up to 90 days after you make a purchase for the cashback to show up as pending in your Rakuten account. You must then request a payout after you reach the minimum threshold. Payouts are processed within a few weeks after requested.
Does Rakuten work on any website?
No, Rakuten cashback is only available at select online retailers that partner with them. Make sure the store you are shopping at is listed as one of the cashback eligible sites.
Can I use Rakuten in stores?
No, Rakuten can only be used for online shopping purchases. You must access the retailer’s website through the Rakuten portal or app in order to earn cashback rewards.
Is my Rakuten cash back taxable?
Yes, any cashback rewards you earn from Rakuten are considered taxable income. You will receive a 1099 form reporting your earnings if you earn over $600 in a year.
Does Rakuten work with promo codes?
Yes, you can use promo codes and coupons from retailers in conjunction with Rakuten cashback rewards to maximize savings.
Can I use Rakuten internationally?
Unfortunately Rakuten currently only offers cashback for purchases made in the United States. International shipping addresses are not eligible.
Is it safe to use my credit card on Rakuten?
Yes, Rakuten uses secure encryption technology to protect your financial information. They do not store full credit card numbers or account details.
How do I know if my order tracked correctly?
Log into your Rakuten account and check your order status. It should show as “Confirmed” if it tracked successfully. Contact Rakuten if you see any issues.
Why didn’t I get cashback for my purchase?
Make sure you activated cashback properly before purchasing. If you already confirmed the order tracked, contact Rakuten support to investigate why it didn’t earn cashback.
Can I use Rakuten on multiple devices?
Yes, you can access your Rakuten account and earn cashback on any device – desktop, laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc. Just make sure to activate cashback before each new purchase.
How many times can I request a Rakuten payout?
You can request a payout as many times as you want once you reach the minimum threshold. Rakuten will process each request within a few weeks after you make it.
Does Rakuten have an app I can use?
Yes, Rakuten has free mobile apps for iOS and Android. The app allows you to easily access Rakuten and earn cashback on the go.
Conclusion
Rakuten makes it easy to earn cashback on your online purchases. Just remember to always start at Rakuten, check for pending earnings, request payouts promptly, and troubleshoot any issues. With a little diligence, you can earn a nice cashback bonus on your regular shopping. Rakuten provides an effortless way to get some extra savings in your pocket!