Reasons to Use Rakuten for Cash Back and Travel Points

Rakuten is a free U.S. shopping portal that rewards eligible purchases. Start a shopping trip at Rakuten or activate an offer through its browser extension, then buy from the retailer. You can take cash back or, if eligible, choose American Express Membership Rewards or Bilt Points.

1. Earn cash back on purchases you already planned

Stores pay Rakuten for sending them shoppers. Rakuten shares part of that payment with you. Rakuten often has great cash back promotions including 1-2% daily but there are always promotions for 10%, 20%, and higher!

2. Turn shopping rewards into Amex or Bilt points

Cash Back is nice, but the real winner with Raukuten is switching to earning points! Those points can yield HUGE savings when you book premium airfare or hotels. Rakuten gives you the option to transfer your points to AMEX Membership Rewards or Bilt. Earn points on your credit card and double dip and earn additional Amex or Bilt Points !

American Express Membership Rewards

In Rakuten Account Settings, select Membership Rewards as your payment method and link an eligible U.S. Amex account. You do not need the Platinum Card specifically to earn AMEX points. A 10% Cash Back becomes 10X Points! If you spend $100 on shoes at Nike with a 10X bonus, you just earned 100 AMEX points for shopping (1 points / $) plus another 1000 AMEX points through Rakuten!

Bilt Points (the even better option)

Link your accounts through Bilt and select Bilt Points as your Rakuten payout. Bilt points are earned just like Amex but you can use ANY credit card. This is a great way to earn Bilt points.

3. Use the browser extension to remember to activate

You can shop from Rakuten’s website, app, or browser extension. The extension is useful if you tend to go straight to a store. When a prompt appears, check the terms and activate the offer before adding items to your cart.

This older screenshot illustrates how the activation prompt works. The rate shown is not a current offer.

• Sign in to Rakuten and find the retailer’s offer.

• Read the terms for excluded brands, product categories, gift cards, and coupons.

• Activate the offer and finish checkout in the same browser tab or shopping session. Avoid clicking another rewards portal during checkout.

• Keep the order confirmation and check your Rakuten activity for the purchase.

4. Watch for higher rates on bigger purchases

If you look at Rakuten you can quickly see the trends. The rates are always changing so if you are flexible you can earn lots of extra points when the promotion value increases.

November 1-10 they run a Holiday Big Reveal where you can see rates that are 10x, 15x, 20x, 30x, and even 90x! These events are a huge way to earn a ton of free points.

They also run another Holiday Reveal in early December, a Bid Stack Event in October, and additioanl bonus days throughout the year.

When does Rakuten pay?

Rakuten’s scheduled payout dates are February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15. Orders must be confirmed before the payout cutoff. Standard cash payouts require at least $5.01 in confirmed cash back; Amex payouts require at least 501 confirmed points. Smaller balances carry forward. Check the official payment schedule before relying on a payout for a trip.

Rakuten FAQ

What if my Rakuten cash back is missing?

Check your Cash Back Activity and shopping trip history. A pending order may just need more time. If the purchase is missing and you met the terms, follow Rakuten’s troubleshooting guide and have your order confirmation ready.

Do I need an Amex card to use Rakuten?

No. You can earn cash back without an Amex card. You only need an eligible card enrolled in U.S. Membership Rewards if you want Amex points as your Rakuten payout.

Can you earn Rakuten rewards on hotels?

Yes, if the hotel or booking site lists an eligible offer for your rate. Compare the total cost and any hotel points or elite benefits you might give up by booking through a third party. Travel rewards typically confirm after you complete the trip.

Is there a Rakuten bonus just for signing up?

A referral bonus is not automatic. Eligible new members may earn one after meeting the qualifying purchase requirement within the offer window. Check the offer shown at signup and Rakuten’s referral terms for the amount, minimum spend, and deadline.

Try Rakuten on your next planned purchase

Pick a store you already shop at, compare the price, and activate the offer before checkout. If you’re new, you can sign up through my Rakuten referral link to earn additional $50 or $5000 points for first time users!

Rakuten Purchases are an amazing way to earn extra points to help you book your next points trip!