Canadian shoppers are always looking for ways to save money, and cashback websites have become increasingly popular tools to do just that. One name that consistently comes up as a top choice for cashback in Canada is Rakuten. But amidst a sea of cashback programs, it’s only natural to wonder, “Is Rakuten Canada legit?” and “How does Rakuten Canada work?” This guide will explore those questions and show you how to leverage Rakuten.ca to earn cash back on everyday purchases.
Table of Contents
- What is Rakuten Canada and How Does it Work?
- Getting Started with Rakuten Canada: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Shopping and Earning Cash Back: A Rakuten Canada Tutorial
- Getting Paid: Rakuten Canada Cash Back Payout Options
- Maximizing Your Cash Back Earnings with Rakuten Canada
- Rakuten Canada FAQs
- Conclusion
1. What is Rakuten Canada and How Does it Work?
Are you wondering, “Is Rakuten available in Canada?” You’re in luck! Rakuten Canada (formerly known as Ebates Canada) is a free cash back website and app that allows Canadian shoppers to earn money back on their online and in-store purchases. You might be thinking, “How can they afford to give you free money?” The answer is simple – partnerships! Rakuten Canada partners with thousands of popular retailers across various categories, from fashion and electronics to travel and groceries.
Essentially, Rakuten Canada acts as a middleman. They connect you, the shopper, with retailers who are willing to offer rakuten cash back canada in exchange for increased traffic to their stores. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Retailer Partnerships: Rakuten Canada establishes partnerships with businesses seeking to attract new customers and boost sales. These retailers agree to pay Rakuten Canada a commission for every purchase made through their platform.
- Traffic Generation: When you use Rakuten Canada to shop, you contribute to driving traffic to these partner retailers. Instead of going directly to a retailer’s website, you begin your shopping trip on Rakuten.ca, search for the store you want, click their link, and make your purchase as usual.
- Commission Sharing: Once you complete a purchase, the retailer pays Rakuten Canada a commission for referring you.
- Cash Back Rewards: This is where you, the shopper, benefit! Rakuten Canada shares a portion of that commission with you in the form of cashback rewards. It’s a win-win situation.
2. Getting Started with Rakuten Canada: A Step-by-Step Guide
Eager to start earning cash back on your purchases? Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to use Rakuten in Canada:
Creating a Free Rakuten Canada Account
- Visit Rakuten.ca: Open your web browser and go to the official Rakuten Canada website.
- Sign-Up Options: You’ll be presented with a few options to sign up. You can either:
- Use your email address and create a password.
- Connect with your Facebook account for quick and easy registration.
- Connect your Google account.
- Provide Information: If signing up with your email, you’ll need to create a strong, unique password and provide a few details, including your name and possibly your postal code (this might be optional).
- Confirmation Email: Keep an eye on your inbox. Rakuten Canada will send a confirmation email to the address you provided. Click the confirmation link within the email to verify your account.
- Start Earning: Once your account is confirmed, you can perform a Rakuten Canada login and start exploring cashback opportunities!
Installing the Rakuten Canada Browser Extension
While not mandatory, installing the Rakuten Canada browser extension is like having a personal shopping assistant reminding you to save. The extension, available for browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari, makes earning cashback incredibly convenient.
To install:
- Find the Extension: Visit your browser’s web store (e.g., the Chrome Web Store) and search for “Rakuten Canada.”
- Install & Activate: Click the “Add to [Your Browser]” button for the Rakuten Canada extension and follow any prompts to install it. You may need to restart your browser to activate the extension fully.
- Log In (if needed): You’ll see a Rakuten Canada icon in your browser toolbar. Click it, and if prompted, log into your Rakuten Canada account.
Why use the extension?
- Automatic Cash Back Alerts: The extension will automatically detect when you’re on a Rakuten Canada partner’s website and show a notification reminding you to activate your cashback.
- One-Click Activation: Activating cashback is as easy as clicking on the extension notification. No more going back and forth between tabs!
- In-Store Cash Back Reminders: The extension can even alert you about in-store cashback offers.
Understanding Rakuten Cash Back Rates and Offers
When searching for “best cashback sites Canada,” it’s essential to understand how cash back rates work. Rakuten Canada partners with numerous retailers, and each retailer offers different cash back rates. These rates are subject to change, influenced by factors like promotions, sales events, and the retailer’s specific agreement with Rakuten.
There are generally two types of cash back offers:
- Percentage-Based Cash Back: This is the most common type. You’ll earn a percentage of your total purchase amount back. You’ll see offers like “Earn 8% Cash Back” or “Up to 15% Cash Back.” The percentage varies depending on the retailer and the specific promotion.
- Fixed-Dollar Cash Back: Some retailers offer a fixed dollar amount back on your purchase, no matter how much you spend. For instance, you might come across deals like “$5 Cash Back on any order” or “$10 Cash Back for new customers.”
Finding the best rates is easy:
- Featured Deals Section: Check the Rakuten Canada homepage. They usually curate a list of featured deals, highlighting retailers offering higher-than-usual cashback rates or limited-time promotions.
- Search Bar: If you’re looking for a specific store, use the search bar. Type in the retailer’s name and browse their available cash back offers.
- Stay Updated: Cash back rates fluctuate! Make it a habit to check Rakuten.ca before making significant online purchases to ensure you’re getting the most out of your spending.
3. Shopping and Earning Cash Back: A Rakuten Canada Tutorial
Let’s simulate a real shopping scenario so you feel confident using Rakuten Canada:
Finding Rakuten Canada Retailers and Deals
- Browse by Category: The Rakuten.ca website is designed for easy navigation. You can browse retailers by category, such as “Clothing,” “Electronics,” “Travel,” “Home & Garden,” or “Beauty.”
- Use the Search Function: If you’re looking for a particular retailer, use the search bar. Type in the name and explore the available cash back offers from that store.
Activating Your Rakuten Cash Back
- Click “Shop Now”: Found your desired retailer and offer? Click the “Shop Now” button next to the offer on the Rakuten Canada website. This will redirect you to the retailer’s online store.
- Browser Extension Activation (if applicable): If you’ve installed the Rakuten Canada browser extension, it will automatically pop up a notification, prompting you to activate your cash back with a single click. Easy!
- Shop as Usual: Once your cash back is activated, add items to your cart and go through the checkout process on the retailer’s website just as you normally would.
Tracking Your Rakuten Canada Cash Back
Rakuten Canada makes it easy to track your earnings:
- “My Account” Dashboard: Log into your Rakuten Canada account and go to your “My Account” or “Dashboard.”
- “Pending Cash Back”: You’ll likely see your cashback amount as “Pending.” This status means Rakuten Canada is waiting for confirmation from the retailer that your purchase is complete.
- Cash Back Confirmation Timeframe: The confirmation process typically takes a few days up to a few weeks, depending on the retailer’s policies.
- Payment History: Rakuten Canada keeps a detailed record of your cashback earnings. You can view your payment history to see how much cash back you’ve earned.
4. Getting Paid: Rakuten Canada Cash Back Payout Options
Once you’ve accumulated enough cash back, it’s time to cash out! Rakuten Canada offers several convenient payout options to get your money back:
- PayPal: This is one of the quickest ways to receive your cash back. If you opt for PayPal, ensure you have a verified PayPal account linked to your Rakuten profile to receive your payments.
- E-Transfer: Some users may have the option to receive payments via e-transfer directly to their bank accounts. This method is typically secure and straightforward.
- Check: Rakuten Canada may also offer the option of receiving your cash back through a physical check sent via mail. This option might take longer, as it involves postal delivery.
- Gift Cards: Occasionally, Rakuten may run promotions where you can redeem your cash back for gift cards to popular retailers, giving you additional savings opportunities.
Understanding the Rakuten Canada Payment Schedule
Knowing when you can expect your payments is crucial for managing your finances. Rakuten Canada has a specific payment schedule:
- Monthly Payments: Rakuten typically processes cash back payments on a monthly basis. Depending on your earnings, payments are usually issued within the first few weeks of the month.
- Minimum Payout Threshold: You must accumulate a minimum amount, typically around $5, before requesting a payout. Keep an eye on your earnings, and once you hit that threshold, you can initiate your payment.
Choosing Your Preferred Rakuten Cash Back Payment Method
When setting up your account, you’ll have the opportunity to choose your preferred payment method. This choice ensures you receive your cash back in the most convenient way for you.
- Access Payment Preferences: Navigate to your account settings and select “Payment Preferences.”
- Select Your Method: Choose between PayPal, e-transfer, check, or gift card options.
- Confirm Your Choice: Make sure to save your changes, so your next payout goes to the right place!
5. Maximizing Your Cash Back Earnings with Rakuten Canada
To truly make the most of Rakuten Canada, consider these strategies:
- Shop During Promotions: Keep an eye out for seasonal sales or promotional events that often feature higher cash back rates. For instance, Black Friday or back-to-school sales can yield significant earnings.
- Utilize the Referral Program: Rakuten offers a referral program where you can earn extra cash back for each friend you refer who makes a purchase. This is an easy way to boost your earnings just by sharing Rakuten with friends and family!
- Stay Informed: Regularly check Rakuten’s website or subscribe to their newsletter to stay updated on the latest deals and cash back opportunities.
- Combine with Credit Card Rewards: If your credit card offers rewards or points for purchases, use it in conjunction with Rakuten to maximize your savings. You’ll earn cash back from both Rakuten and your credit card, effectively stacking rewards.
Spotting and Utilizing Double Cash Back Opportunities
Rakuten often runs limited-time promotions for double cash back offers, which can significantly increase your earnings. Here’s how to spot and take advantage of these:
- Featured Deals Section: Check the homepage for any highlighted retailers offering double cash back.
- Email Notifications: Subscribe to Rakuten’s email list to receive alerts on special promotions, including double cash back events.
- Social Media Updates: Follow Rakuten Canada on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, where they frequently announce special offers and flash deals.
6. Rakuten Canada FAQs
1. Is Rakuten Canada free to use?
Yes, Rakuten Canada is entirely free to use. There are no membership fees or hidden costs.
2. How do I know if a store offers cash back?
You can check the Rakuten Canada website for a list of partner retailers and their respective cash back rates. The site is regularly updated with new offers.
3. What happens if I return a purchase?
If you return an item, the cash back associated with that purchase will be deducted from your account. It’s important to keep track of your purchases and returns to ensure accurate cash back balances.
4. Can I use Rakuten in-store?
Yes! Many retailers offer cash back for in-store purchases. You’ll typically need to show a special link or code at checkout.
7. Conclusion
Rakuten Canada offers an excellent opportunity for Canadian shoppers to earn cash back on their everyday purchases. With a user-friendly platform, diverse retail partnerships, and the potential for significant savings, it’s no wonder Rakuten is a popular choice for those looking to stretch their budgets further. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily navigate the Rakuten platform, maximize your cash back earnings, and enjoy the perks of being a savvy shopper.
Whether you’re new to cashback websites or a seasoned pro, Rakuten Canada can help you save money on the things you buy every day. Start your cashback journey today!