I have partnered with Rakuten in today’s article. Don’t forget to enter the easy $250 giveaway at the end too!
The holiday season often brings extra expenses — gifts, travel, seasonal clothing, decorations, postage, and wrapping supplies can quickly add up. Many people spend around $1,000 on gifts alone each year, and for some households the total seasonal outlay is significantly higher.
If you still have holiday shopping to do (which is likely), there’s a simple way to save money now and year-round: earn cash back on purchases. It only takes a few moments to set up, costs nothing, and can put real savings back in your pocket.
For example, on $1,000 of holiday spending, a 5% cash-back rate would return about $50 to you — and that’s money you can use for more gifts, travel, or to build your emergency fund.
One of the most popular cash-back services is Rakuten. Millions of shoppers use Rakuten to earn cash back from thousands of stores. Since 2013 I’ve used Rakuten myself, and I always regret it when I forget to activate it before checking out.
Why Rakuten? It’s free to use, easy to set up, and offers cash-back rates at thousands of retailers — sometimes as high as 40% at select stores. If you shop online, there’s a good chance the retailer you use participates.
How to get cash back with Rakuten:
- Sign up for free on Rakuten.
- Either browse stores from the Rakuten site and click through to shop, or install the Rakuten browser extension so it reminds you and activates cash back automatically while you shop.
- Shop as you normally would; your eligible purchases will be tracked for cash back.
- Receive your cash back via PayPal or a mailed check when Rakuten issues payments.
That’s it — no subscription fees or hidden costs. To see how much cash back you’ll earn at a given retailer, check the percentage displayed next to the store name on Rakuten’s site or in the extension when you visit the store. The screenshot below shows example rates for familiar retailers.
Many common stores like Target, Walmart, Macy’s, and specialty retailers often appear with cash-back offers. It’s worth checking Rakuten before you complete a purchase because even a small percentage adds up over multiple transactions.
Current promotions sometimes include welcome bonuses. For example, new members who join through a qualifying referral and make a minimum purchase may receive a bonus credit after their first purchase. Promotional terms, eligibility, and expiration dates vary, so check the offer details when signing up.
Rakuten also partners with promotions and giveaways from time to time. When available, participating through the promotion and following the entry instructions can provide chances to win gift cards or other prizes. Always review the official rules for eligibility and deadlines.
Tips to maximize cash back:
- Install the browser extension to avoid missing opportunities.
- Compare cash-back rates between retailers and marketplaces before buying.
- Stack savings where possible — use coupons, store promotions, or credit card rewards in addition to Rakuten cash back.
- Check payout schedules and minimum thresholds so you know when you’ll receive funds.
Using cash-back services is a straightforward, low-effort way to reduce holiday spending and earn back a meaningful portion of what you buy. Whether it’s a few dollars here and there or larger percentages during special promotions, those savings add up over time.
Disclaimer: No purchase necessary for promotions. Follow the specific terms and eligibility requirements for any giveaway or bonus offer. Read official rules provided with each promotion.
Do you get cash back on your online shopping?