Is Rakuten Legit and Safe? Debunking the Myths and Revealing the Truth

Is Rakuten Legit and Safe? Debunking the Myths and Revealing the Truth

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With the rise of online shopping, savvy consumers are constantly looking for ways to save money and earn rewards. Amidst this quest for savings, one name consistently pops up: Rakuten. But is Rakuten legit and safe? A quick search online reveals questions like “is Rakuten legit?”, “can Rakuten be trusted?”, and “Rakuten reviews”. Concerns about “Rakuten security”, “Rakuten problems”, and “Rakuten ethical” practices also surface. This article aims to address these concerns and provide a clear, comprehensive picture of how Rakuten works and its legitimacy.

The short answer is yes, Rakuten is a legitimate and secure cashback and rewards platform. But to fully understand why, let’s explore the platform’s mechanics, its pros and cons, and how to use it effectively.

Table of Contents

What is Rakuten and How Does It Work?

Rakuten is a free platform that partners with thousands of retailers to offer cashback and rewards to shoppers. At its core, Rakuten leverages the power of affiliate marketing.

How it works:

  1. Retailers partner with Rakuten: Retailers agree to pay Rakuten a commission for each customer they refer to their websites.
  2. Rakuten shares the commission with shoppers: Rakuten, in turn, shares a portion of this commission with you, the shopper, in the form of cashback or rewards points.
  3. You shop as usual: You make purchases through Rakuten’s platform, either via their website or browser extension, and earn cashback or points on eligible purchases.

Essentially, Rakuten acts as a middleman, bridging the gap between retailers and shoppers, and rewarding you for using their platform. You’re still shopping at the same stores, paying the same prices, but earning a little something extra for going through Rakuten.

Earning Cash Back and Rewards with Rakuten

Creating a Rakuten Account:

To begin, create a free Rakuten account. You can use your email and password or sign up directly through your Google, Apple, or Facebook account.

Pro Tip: Many users on social media platforms highlight the benefit of using referral links. By using a friend’s referral link, both of you can often earn a sign-up bonus, giving your rewards balance a nice initial boost.

Choosing Your Payout Method:

Rakuten provides three payout methods:

  • Check: While a classic option, receiving a check by mail is considered slow and less convenient in today’s digital age.
  • PayPal: Linking your PayPal account offers faster and more convenient electronic payments.
  • Amex Membership Rewards Points: If you hold an eligible American Express card, you can earn Membership Rewards points through Rakuten. These points are highly versatile and can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, statement credits, and more.

Remember, Amex point payouts are quarterly.

Shopping Through Rakuten:

There are two primary ways to earn rewards with Rakuten:

  • Website: Navigate to the Rakuten website, search for your desired retailer, and click “Shop Now.” This will redirect you to the retailer’s website. Ensure you activate the cashback offer, which often appears as a pop-up or notification.
  • Browser Extension: For even greater convenience, install the Rakuten browser extension. It automatically detects when you’re on a participating retailer’s website and allows you to activate cashback with a single click. The extension can even display cashback rates directly in your search results.

Tracking Your Cash Back/Rewards:

Rakuten will send you an email notification once your cashback or reward points are processed. You can also conveniently monitor your earnings and shopping trips through your Rakuten account dashboard.

Troubleshooting Missing Cash Back

While Rakuten generally has a good track record and reviews on platforms like Trustpilot are largely positive, technical glitches can sometimes lead to missing cashback.

If you encounter this issue:

  1. Wait a few days: In some cases, cashback may take a few days to appear.
  2. Check your “Shopping Trips” page: This section in your account settings shows a history of your Rakuten activity, including instances where cashback was activated.
  3. Report missing cashback: If your cashback is still missing, visit the Rakuten help page and click on “Missing Cashback.” Complete the form with the details of your order, including the confirmation email.

Rakuten’s customer support is generally responsive and strives to resolve these “Rakuten issues” promptly.

Maximizing Your Rewards: Stacking Benefits

Seasoned points and miles enthusiasts often leverage a technique called “stacking” to amplify their rewards.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Use a credit card with bonus categories: Choose a credit card that offers bonus points or miles for purchases at specific retailers or categories (e.g., dining, online shopping, travel).
  2. Combine with Rakuten offers: Activate a cashback or reward point offer for the same retailer through Rakuten.

By making your purchase with the bonus category credit card via Rakuten, you earn rewards from both the credit card and the Rakuten offer.

The Importance of Responsible Spending

Stacking can be an enticing way to maximize rewards, but it’s essential to practice responsible spending.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Avoid impulsive purchases: Only make purchases you would have made regardless of the rewards.
  • Review credit card terms and conditions: Understand the requirements for earning bonus rewards on your credit card.
  • Don’t overspend: Stay within your budget and avoid carrying a credit card balance just to earn points.

Rakuten: A Powerful Tool for Everyday Savings

Even without advanced stacking strategies, Rakuten is a valuable asset for online shoppers. The browser extension passively alerts you to cashback opportunities, ensuring you don’t miss out on potential savings.

Beyond cashback and rewards points, Rakuten offers a dining program, allowing you to earn rewards when you dine at participating restaurants. They also offer travel booking services, where you can earn rewards on hotel and flight bookings.

Conclusion

Despite any “Rakuten problems” you might read about online, Rakuten is undeniably a legitimate and secure platform. It provides a simple and effective way to earn cashback or rewards points on your everyday purchases. By strategically combining Rakuten offers with credit card rewards and practicing responsible spending, you can significantly enhance your savings and make the most of your online shopping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Rakuten on my mobile phone?

Yes, Rakuten offers a mobile app for both iOS and Android devices, allowing you to earn rewards while shopping on your phone.

What happens if a store I want to shop at isn’t listed on Rakuten?

While Rakuten boasts a wide range of retail partners, there may be instances where a specific store isn’t on their platform. However, Rakuten regularly expands its partnerships, so check back periodically to see if your desired retailer has been added.

Are there any fees associated with using Rakuten?

No, Rakuten is entirely free to use. You can sign up, browse offers, and earn rewards without paying any fees.

Does using Rakuten affect my return policy with a retailer?

Typically, using Rakuten doesn’t alter a retailer’s return policy. However, it’s always wise to confirm the specific return policy of the retailer for any potential exceptions.

How long does it take to receive my cashback/rewards?

The processing time for cashback and reward points varies depending on the retailer. It usually takes a few days to a few weeks for your rewards to be credited to your Rakuten account. If you’ve chosen to earn Amex Membership Rewards points, remember that payouts occur every quarter.