The Ultimate Guide to Saving Big with Cashback, Deals, and More!
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Alright, let’s talk about Rakuten in 2024; how it works, why it's awesome, and how you can start racking up those savings. If you’re not already using it, trust me, you're missing out. Rakuten’s like that friend who always knows where the best deals are and helps you save money without even trying. So, here’s everything you need to know to start using Rakuten like a pro.
What Exactly is Rakuten?
Rakuten is essentially an online shopping platform, but instead of just being a store, it’s a whole savings experience. You can use it to earn cashback on purchases from thousands of big-name retailers (think Walmart, Macy's, and even Expedia for travel). Rakuten partners with these retailers to give you a percentage of your money back, which can really add up over time!
But it’s not just cashback. Rakuten has expanded over the years and now includes a rewards app, travel deals, and even exclusive coupons. Whether you’re shopping for clothes, booking a vacation, or just ordering groceries, Rakuten finds a way to help you save.
2. Daily Deals and Flash Sales
In 2024, Rakuten’s partnered with even more stores, and they’ve upped their game with daily deals and flash sales. When you're logged in, you get notifications about limited-time offers. Sometimes it's an extra cashback boost, or it could be exclusive discounts.
3. Big Event Sales
Rakuten has its own version of Black Friday and Cyber Monday called Rakuten Week. During this time, cashback rates go up on pretty much everything. They also give away bonus cash for new users and have a referral bonus for sharing Rakuten with friends.
4. Cashback on Travel
One of the coolest updates in 2024 is Rakuten's expansion into travel. You can book hotels, car rentals, and even vacation packages through Rakuten and get cashback. They work with popular travel sites, so you’re not limited, and if you time it right, you can get cashback of up to 10% on bookings!
How to Start Using Rakuten in 2024
Here’s a quick step-by-step to get you started on Rakuten and saving big right away.
1. Sign Up
- First, head over to Rakuten.com (or download the app if you’re on mobile).
- Use this link to get $30 sign-up bonus with Rakuten's platform. It’s free, and sometimes they even give you a welcome bonus (like $10 just for signing up and making a qualifying purchase).
2. Find Your Favorite Stores
- Rakuten has thousands of stores, so you’ll probably find all your go-to spots there. Use the search bar at the top to see if the store you’re shopping at offers cashback.
- Once you’re on the store page, you’ll see the cashback percentage. Some stores also offer special coupon codes on top of the cashback, so look out for those.
3. Shop Through Rakuten’s Links
- Here’s the key: you have to click through Rakuten to activate your cashback. If you’re on the Rakuten site or app, click the store link, and it’ll open a new window where you can shop.
- Rakuten tracks your purchase through this link, so don’t skip this step!
4. Install the Browser Extension
- Rakuten’s browser extension is a lifesaver. Once installed, it pops up when you’re shopping on a participating site and reminds you to activate cashback.
- This is great because it’s easy to forget to go through Rakuten’s site first, and the extension ensures you never miss out on cashback.
5. Get Paid
- Rakuten pays out four times a year via PayPal or check. They call these payouts “Big Fat Checks,” and seeing that cashback hit your account feels amazing.
- You can also see your cashback total in your account at any time, which is a satisfying reminder of how much you’re saving just by shopping smart.
Tips to Maximize Your Rakuten Savings
1. Look for Double Cashback Offers
Every week, Rakuten promotes select stores with double cashback. It’s worth checking these out because sometimes the store you were planning to shop at anyway ends up offering double the usual amount!
2. Combine Coupons with Cashback
Rakuten often lists coupons that you can apply on top of the cashback offer. Some stores allow stacking with their in-house coupons, too, so you can triple your savings.
3. Refer Friends for Bonus Cash
Rakuten has a referral program that’s basically free money. When a friend signs up using your referral link and makes their first purchase, you both get bonus cash. So, if you’re getting a good experience, share it around!
4. Use Rakuten for Travel
Don’t forget about the travel cashback. When planning trips, go through Rakuten to book flights, hotels, and even cruises. You’re going to spend money on these things anyway, so why not earn a bit back?
5. Check the App for Flash Sales
The Rakuten app has notifications for flash sales and daily deals that you might miss otherwise. It’s great if you don’t mind a few pings when extra savings pop up.
The Bottom Line: Is Rakuten Worth It in 2024?
Absolutely! If you shop online (and let’s be real, who doesn’t?), Rakuten is pretty much a no-brainer. It’s free to use, it saves you money on things you were already planning to buy, and it even works on essentials like groceries, travel, and subscriptions.
In 2024, Rakuten has become smarter, more user-friendly, and just keeps finding new ways to reward users. Whether you’re a hardcore bargain hunter or just someone who likes getting a little cashback here and there, Rakuten makes it easy.
So go ahead, give it a try and you’ll be amazed at how quickly the savings pile up. Plus, it’s pretty satisfying seeing that “Big Fat Check” in your account, just for shopping smarter!
What Exactly is Rakuten?
Rakuten is essentially an online shopping platform, but instead of just being a store, it’s a whole savings experience. You can use it to earn cashback on purchases from thousands of big-name retailers (think Walmart, Macy's, and even Expedia for travel). Rakuten partners with these retailers to give you a percentage of your money back, which can really add up over time!
But it’s not just cashback. Rakuten has expanded over the years and now includes a rewards app, travel deals, and even exclusive coupons. Whether you’re shopping for clothes, booking a vacation, or just ordering groceries, Rakuten finds a way to help you save.
Why Rakuten is Awesome in 2024
1. Cashback EverywhereRakuten’s bread and butter is still cashback. You can get between 1% and a whopping 40% cashback at some stores. You shop as you normally would, but with that extra perk of getting money back, and the cashback rates change daily, so there are always opportunities for higher savings.
2. Daily Deals and Flash Sales
In 2024, Rakuten’s partnered with even more stores, and they’ve upped their game with daily deals and flash sales. When you're logged in, you get notifications about limited-time offers. Sometimes it's an extra cashback boost, or it could be exclusive discounts.
3. Big Event Sales
Rakuten has its own version of Black Friday and Cyber Monday called Rakuten Week. During this time, cashback rates go up on pretty much everything. They also give away bonus cash for new users and have a referral bonus for sharing Rakuten with friends.
4. Cashback on Travel
One of the coolest updates in 2024 is Rakuten's expansion into travel. You can book hotels, car rentals, and even vacation packages through Rakuten and get cashback. They work with popular travel sites, so you’re not limited, and if you time it right, you can get cashback of up to 10% on bookings!
How to Start Using Rakuten in 2024
Here’s a quick step-by-step to get you started on Rakuten and saving big right away.
1. Sign Up
- First, head over to Rakuten.com (or download the app if you’re on mobile).
- Use this link to get $30 sign-up bonus with Rakuten's platform. It’s free, and sometimes they even give you a welcome bonus (like $10 just for signing up and making a qualifying purchase).
2. Find Your Favorite Stores
- Rakuten has thousands of stores, so you’ll probably find all your go-to spots there. Use the search bar at the top to see if the store you’re shopping at offers cashback.
- Once you’re on the store page, you’ll see the cashback percentage. Some stores also offer special coupon codes on top of the cashback, so look out for those.
3. Shop Through Rakuten’s Links
- Here’s the key: you have to click through Rakuten to activate your cashback. If you’re on the Rakuten site or app, click the store link, and it’ll open a new window where you can shop.
- Rakuten tracks your purchase through this link, so don’t skip this step!
4. Install the Browser Extension
- Rakuten’s browser extension is a lifesaver. Once installed, it pops up when you’re shopping on a participating site and reminds you to activate cashback.
- This is great because it’s easy to forget to go through Rakuten’s site first, and the extension ensures you never miss out on cashback.
5. Get Paid
- Rakuten pays out four times a year via PayPal or check. They call these payouts “Big Fat Checks,” and seeing that cashback hit your account feels amazing.
- You can also see your cashback total in your account at any time, which is a satisfying reminder of how much you’re saving just by shopping smart.
Tips to Maximize Your Rakuten Savings
1. Look for Double Cashback Offers
Every week, Rakuten promotes select stores with double cashback. It’s worth checking these out because sometimes the store you were planning to shop at anyway ends up offering double the usual amount!
2. Combine Coupons with Cashback
Rakuten often lists coupons that you can apply on top of the cashback offer. Some stores allow stacking with their in-house coupons, too, so you can triple your savings.
3. Refer Friends for Bonus Cash
Rakuten has a referral program that’s basically free money. When a friend signs up using your referral link and makes their first purchase, you both get bonus cash. So, if you’re getting a good experience, share it around!
4. Use Rakuten for Travel
Don’t forget about the travel cashback. When planning trips, go through Rakuten to book flights, hotels, and even cruises. You’re going to spend money on these things anyway, so why not earn a bit back?
5. Check the App for Flash Sales
The Rakuten app has notifications for flash sales and daily deals that you might miss otherwise. It’s great if you don’t mind a few pings when extra savings pop up.
The Bottom Line: Is Rakuten Worth It in 2024?
Absolutely! If you shop online (and let’s be real, who doesn’t?), Rakuten is pretty much a no-brainer. It’s free to use, it saves you money on things you were already planning to buy, and it even works on essentials like groceries, travel, and subscriptions.
In 2024, Rakuten has become smarter, more user-friendly, and just keeps finding new ways to reward users. Whether you’re a hardcore bargain hunter or just someone who likes getting a little cashback here and there, Rakuten makes it easy.
So go ahead, give it a try and you’ll be amazed at how quickly the savings pile up. Plus, it’s pretty satisfying seeing that “Big Fat Check” in your account, just for shopping smarter!