Why Rakuten Is a Cashback Website — And Why That’s a Win for You

Let’s be real: we all love a good deal. Whether it’s stacking coupons, catching a sale, or just saving a few bucks on a regular purchase, that little thrill of “I got this cheaper” never gets old. That’s exactly where Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates) comes in—and why it’s become such a go-to site for cashback.

So, What Is Rakuten?

At its core, Rakuten is a cashback website. That means it gives you a percentage of your money back when you shop at certain online stores through its platform. But here's the cool part: it doesn't cost you anything to use it.

Imagine you were going to shop at Nike, Best Buy, or Sephora online anyway. If you go through Rakuten’s site or app first and then make your purchase, Rakuten gives you cash back. Simple as that.

Why Does Rakuten Give You Money?

That’s usually the part where people go, "Wait, how is this even possible?"

Rakuten works on a model called affiliate marketing. Brands want people to shop on their websites, so they pay companies like Rakuten a commission for sending customers their way. That’s right—the store pays Rakuten for the referral. And then Rakuten shares a slice of that commission with you. It’s basically a “thank you” for using their link.

So technically, you’re getting a cut of the ad money—and that’s a rare thing in today’s internet.

What Makes Rakuten Stand Out?

There are a few reasons Rakuten stands out in the cashback world:

• Huge variety of stores: From big names like Walmart and Macy’s to travel sites like Expedia and even subscription boxes—you can earn cash back in way more places than you'd think.

• Browser extension = game changer: If you're like me and forget to go to Rakuten before shopping, the browser extension pops up and reminds you when you're on a site that offers cashback.

• Cash payments, not points: Some cashback platforms give you points or gift cards. Rakuten just sends you real cash, usually via PayPal or check every quarter.

Is There a Catch?

Not really. The only “catch” is that you have to start your shopping trip from Rakuten (or use their extension) to get the cashback. If you forget and go straight to the store’s site, you miss out.

Also, some cashback offers only work on specific categories or items, so it’s worth reading the details on each offer. But overall? It’s super straightforward.

Final Thoughts

Rakuten is a cashback site because it found a smart way to take part in the online shopping ecosystem and bring value to both brands and buyers. You shop like you normally would, but with an extra step that puts money back in your pocket.

If you’re shopping online and not using Rakuten (or something like it), you’re literally leaving free money on the table.

Let me know if you want a shorter version, or if you want it reworded for a specific audience—like business-minded readers, TikTok followers, or email subscribers!