If you shop online in the United States, you may have heard of Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates). With millions of users and partnerships with over 3,500 stores, Rakuten has become one of the most popular cashback apps. But the big question remains: is Rakuten legit, and how much can you really earn in 2025?
In this detailed Rakuten review, we’ll cover:
* How Rakuten works
* Sign-up bonuses and promotions in 2025
* Earning potential for U.S. shoppers
* Payment methods and payout speed
* Pros, cons, and tips to maximize cashback
What is Rakuten?
Rakuten is a cashback and rewards app that pays you for shopping at partnered retailers. Instead of earning points with complicated conversion rates, Rakuten gives you real cashback (PayPal or check) on purchases you’d make anyway.
Founded in 1999 as Ebates, the company rebranded to Rakuten in 2019. Since then, it has grown into one of the most trusted cashback platforms in the U.S., often featured on TV, in ads, and endorsed by major retailers like Macy’s, Walmart, and Best Buy.
How Does Rakuten Work?
Rakuten is simple to use:
1. Sign up for free (via website or app).
2. Search for a store in the app before shopping (e.g., Nike, Target, Sephora).
3. Click through Rakuten’s link to shop as usual.
4. Earn cashback that accumulates in your Rakuten account.
Example:
* You buy a $100 pair of shoes at Nike through Rakuten.
* Cashback rate is 10%.
* Rakuten credits you $10 to your account.
Rakuten Sign-Up Bonus in 2025
One of Rakuten’s strongest features is its welcome bonus.
Current U.S. offer (2025): Earn a $30 bonus after spending at least $30 through Rakuten within the first 90 days of joining.
👉 This makes it one of the most generous sign-up offers among cashback apps.
DOWNLOAD
How Much Can You Earn With Rakuten?
Your earnings depend on how often you shop and at which stores.
Average Earnings:
* Casual shopper: $10–$50/month
* Frequent online shopper: $100–$300/month
* Holiday shoppers (Black Friday, Cyber Monday): Up to $500+ cashback
Example Cashback Rates (2025):
* Macy’s: Up to 10%
* Walmart: 3%
* Sephora: 5%
* Best Buy: 3–5%
* Nike: Up to 12%
⚡ Pro Tip: Cashback rates fluctuate. Always check the app before buying.
Payment Options & Schedule
Rakuten is known for reliable payments.
* Payment Methods: PayPal or Paper Check
* Schedule:** Quarterly (every 3 months)
* Minimum Payout: $5.01
💡 Unlike some apps, Rakuten sends real cash, not just gift cards.
Is Rakuten Legit or a Scam?
Rakuten is 100% legit. It has:
* Over 15M active users in the U.S.
* A+ rating on Better Business Bureau
* Partnerships with thousands of trusted retailers
The app earns money by taking a commission from stores for sending them shoppers, then splitting that with you.
Pros and Cons of Rakuten
✅ Pros:
* Free to use
* $30 sign-up bonus (one of the best in 2025)
* Over 3,500 partnered stores
* Real cash payouts (PayPal or check)
* Chrome browser extension for automatic cashback
❌ Cons:
* Quarterly payout schedule (slow compared to instant apps like Dosh)
* Doesn’t cover every online store
* Must shop through Rakuten links to earn cashback
Rakuten Browser Extension
Rakuten’s browser extension makes earning even easier. When you visit a store that offers cashback, a popup alerts you to activate it. This eliminates the step of going into the app first.
👉 Example: You go to Macy’s.com directly → Rakuten reminds you to activate cashback → You earn without extra clicks.
DOWNLOAD
Tips to Maximize Rakuten Earnings
1. Stack with Coupons: Combine Rakuten cashback with coupon codes for double savings.
2. Use During Holidays: Black Friday & Cyber Monday bring boosted cashback rates.
3. Link Credit Cards: For in-store cashback deals, link your credit/debit card to Rakuten.
4. Refer Friends: Earn $30 for every friend you refer in 2025 (when they join and spend $30).
Alternatives to Rakuten
* Ibotta – Best for groceries
* Dosh – Instant cashback, paid faster
* Honey – Coupons + Honey Gold rewards
👉 But Rakuten remains the best all-around cashback app for U.S. online shopping.
Final Verdict: Is Rakuten Worth It in 2025?
Absolutely. If you shop online even once a month, Rakuten is a must-have app. It’s free, legit, and offers some of the highest cashback rates in the industry.
While quarterly payouts may feel slow, the sign-up bonus, consistent earnings, and wide store coverage make Rakuten one of the top 5 apps to pay you real money in 2025.
✅ Best For: U.S. shoppers who buy online regularly
💰 Earning Potential: $50–$300/month depending on spending
📲 Platforms: iOS, Android, Chrome Extension
👉 Ready to start? Sign up for Rakuten and grab your $30 welcome bonus from below link.
No comments: