I’ve been using Rakuten since it was called Ebates—and there’s one part of it I don’t think enough people take advantage of.
I have been using Rakuten since before it was Rakuten.
Anybody remember Ebates?
Yep. THAT long.
And at this point, using it before I shop online is pretty much automatic. If I’m buying the damn thing anyway and somebody wants to give me some of my money back, I’m certainly not going to argue with them.
But here’s the part I don’t think enough people realize:
Rakuten isn’t only a way to SAVE money. It can also become a small way to MAKE money.
And right now, the referral offer is kind of ridiculous.
First: What the heck is Rakuten?
Rakuten is basically a middleman between you and thousands of stores. Stores pay Rakuten for sending customers their way, and Rakuten shares part of that commission with you as Cash Back. You can start your shopping through Rakuten’s website, app or browser extension and activate the available Cash Back before buying.
In other words:
You’re buying the thing.
The store is getting the sale.
Rakuten gets paid.
Rakuten gives some of that money to you.
Again… duh. Give me my money.
But here’s where it gets better
Through September 30, Rakuten is currently offering a $50 Refer-a-Friend promotion.
When a brand-new Rakuten member signs up through a qualifying referral link and makes at least $50 in qualifying purchases within 90 days, the new member can receive a $50 bonus—and the person who referred them can receive $50 too.
And we’re heading into holiday shopping season.
You’re telling me I’m probably going to spend $50 somewhere online in the next 90 days anyway…
…and there may be a way to get $50 back for doing it?
Hello. Nice to meet you. I enjoy free-ish money.
Disclosure: This is my Rakuten referral link. If you sign up through my link and complete the qualifying purchase requirements, we may both receive a referral bonus. Offers and terms can change, so check Rakuten’s current terms before signing up.
Now here’s the part people miss
After you become a Rakuten member…
YOU can refer people too.
That’s the part that makes me want to shake people.
You don’t have to think of Rakuten solely as:
“I can get 2% or 5% or 10% back when I shop.”
Think:
SAVE: Earn Cash Back on purchases you were already going to make.
THEN MAKE: Share your own referral link with eligible friends and family who genuinely want to use Rakuten.
Rakuten currently says there is no limit on the number of qualifying referrals under its Refer-a-Friend program. Each referral still has to meet the program requirements, of course.
I’m not telling you to become that person at Thanksgiving dinner.
“Would you like mashed potatoes? Also, have you heard about my Rakuten link?”
Please don’t.
But if your sister is ordering Christmas presents anyway and doesn’t have Rakuten?
Why wouldn’t you tell her?
She can save money.
You can potentially earn a referral bonus.
And then she can share Rakuten with someone else.
That’s how little income streams start.
Not because somebody woke up one morning and magically created a six-figure passive-income empire.
Because they found small ways to stop leaving money on the table.
And yes, they actually send me a check
I’m old school.
Rakuten has several payment options now, but I still get an actual check.
Every quarter.
Because apparently part of me is still living in the Ebates era and I enjoy opening an envelope containing money. 😂
Rakuten currently offers quarterly payments by check or PayPal, along with eligible rewards-point options. Confirmed Cash Back can also be redeemed for participating gift cards; Rakuten periodically offers additional value on certain gift-card redemptions.
So yes, you can choose the shiny modern options.
I’ll be over here depositing my check like someone’s grandmother.
The Mom Budget Hacks bottom line
I am not telling you to buy something just because Rakuten offers Cash Back.
That’s not saving money.
But if you’re already buying school clothes, Christmas gifts, dog food, travel, household stuff, birthday presents or whatever else life is currently charging you for…
check Rakuten first.
And if you join and like it?
Don’t forget that referral button exists.
Saving $10 matters.
Making an extra $50 matters.
Doing both with something you were already using?
That’s my kind of Mom Math.