Is Rakuten Legit and Safe? Detailed Review

Rakuten is a cashback and rewards platform that helps you save money while shopping online. It partners with thousands of stores like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy, giving you cashback when you shop through their site or app. It’s completely free to use, and you get paid via PayPal or check. Founded in 1997, Rakuten is a legit and safe company trusted by millions worldwide. It also offers deals on travel, dining, and more. If you love saving money on everyday purchases, Rakuten is a great way to earn cashback effortlessly while shopping. Who doesn’t love free money?

If you’ve ever searched for ways to save money while shopping, you may have come across Rakuten. But with so many cashback programs and rewards sites out there, it’s natural to ask: Is Rakuten legit? Is Rakuten safe? Or is it just another scam?

Well, I did some digging, and in this article, we’ll break it all down—how Rakuten works, its features, security, and whether you should trust it with your personal and financial details. Let’s dive in!

What is Rakuten?

In simple terms, Rakuten is a cashback and rewards platform that lets you earn money while shopping online. Founded in 1997 in Japan, Rakuten has grown into a global e-commerce giant with millions of users worldwide. It was formerly known as Ebates, but after Rakuten bought it in 2014, they rebranded it to Rakuten in 2019.

Sounds pretty good, right? But just because a company is well-known doesn’t automatically make it legitimate. Let’s look deeper.

How Does Rakuten Work?

Rakuten works by partnering with thousands of retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target. Here’s the simple process:

1. Sign up for free on Rakuten’s website or mobile app.
2. Browse for stores through Rakuten’s platform.
3. Click on a store link before shopping (this ensures your purchase is tracked).
4. Shop as usual and complete your purchase.
5. Earn cashback (a percentage of your spending) deposited into your Rakuten account.
6. Get paid! Rakuten sends out payments every quarter via PayPal or check.

Easy, right? But is it too good to be true? Let’s find out.

Is Rakuten Legit?

The short answer: Yes, Rakuten is legit. It’s been around for over 20 years, has millions of users, and has paid out billions in cashback rewards.

What Makes Rakuten a Legitimate Company?

• Long History: Rakuten isn’t some fly-by-night website that popped up last year. It’s been in business since the late ‘90s and is one of the most trusted cashback platforms.
• Partnerships with Major Brands: If companies like Nike, Macy’s, and Sephora trust Rakuten, that says a lot about its legitimacy.
• Positive Reviews: Rakuten has tons of positive customer reviews and has been featured in major publications like Forbes, Business Insider, and The New York Times.
• No Hidden Fees: Rakuten doesn’t charge you to sign up or use their platform. It’s completely free.

So yes, Rakuten is genuine, and they really do pay you cashback!

Is Rakuten Safe to Use?

Now, here’s the big question: Is Rakuten safe? Since you have to enter your personal details (like your name, email, and PayPal info), it’s natural to be cautious.

Rakuten’s Security Measures

Rakuten takes security seriously and uses encryption and data protection measures to keep your information safe. Here’s why you shouldn’t worry:

• Secure Website: Rakuten’s site is HTTPS encrypted, meaning your data is protected.
• No Credit Card Required: You don’t need to enter your credit card details into Rakuten. You shop directly on retailer sites.
• Legit Payment Methods: Rakuten pays through PayPal or check, so you don’t have to worry about shady wire transfers or scams.
• Privacy Policy: Rakuten has a clear privacy policy outlining how they use your data. (Hint: They won’t sell your info to random third parties.)

So yes, Rakuten is safe to use, and you don’t need to worry about fraud or identity theft.

Rakuten Features and Benefits

Rakuten isn’t just about cashback. They offer several features that make saving money even easier:

1. Cashback on Thousands of Stores

Rakuten partners with over 3,500 retailers, so you can earn cashback almost everywhere you shop.

2. Rakuten Browser Extension

Too lazy to check Rakuten before shopping? Just install their browser extension, and it will automatically notify you when a store offers cashback.

3. Rakuten Referral Program

You can earn bonus money by referring friends. Rakuten often offers $30 or more for successful referrals.

4. Rakuten In-Store Cashback

Not just for online shopping! Link your credit or debit card and earn cashback when you shop in physical stores.

5. Rakuten Travel & Dining Deals

Rakuten isn’t just about retail shopping. You can also get cashback on hotels, car rentals, and restaurants.

Is Rakuten a Scam?

Nope! Rakuten is not a scam. But let’s clear up some common misunderstandings:

• “Rakuten didn’t pay me!” – If you didn’t receive your cashback, it’s usually because you didn’t click through Rakuten before shopping. Always check that cashback is activated.
• “The cashback is too slow.” – Rakuten only pays out quarterly. So yes, you have to wait a bit, but they do pay.
• “Why is Rakuten free?” – Rakuten makes money through affiliate commissions from retailers. That’s how they can afford to pay you cashback.

So, no scam here—just smart marketing.

Pros and Cons of Rakuten

Pros:

✅ Completely free to use
✅ Works with thousands of retailers
✅ Offers cashback on travel, dining, and more
✅ Legitimate company with a long history
✅ Pays through PayPal or check

Cons:

❌ Quarterly payouts mean you have to wait to get paid
❌ Some exclusions apply, and not all purchases qualify for cashback
❌ You must remember to activate cashback before shopping

Final Verdict: Should You Use Rakuten?

If you love saving money while shopping, Rakuten is a no-brainer. It’s completely free, legit, and safe to use. Sure, you won’t get rich from cashback, but who doesn’t love getting free money on things they were already buying?

So, is Rakuten legit? Yes. Is Rakuten safe? Absolutely. Is it worth using? 100%!

Give it a shot—you literally have nothing to lose and money to gain. Happy shopping and happy saving! 🛍️💰

Rakuten FAQ – Everything You Need to Know

1. What is Rakuten?

Rakuten is a cashback and rewards platform that gives you money back when you shop at thousands of online and in-store retailers. It was formerly known as Ebates before rebranding in 2019.

2. Is Rakuten legit?

Yes, Rakuten is legit. It’s been in business for over 20 years, has millions of users, and partners with major brands like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy.

3. Is Rakuten safe?

Absolutely! Rakuten doesn’t store your credit card details and only tracks purchases through retailer links. Payments are made securely via PayPal or check.

4. How does Rakuten work?

1. Sign up for free on Rakuten’s website or app.
2. Click on a retailer’s link before shopping.
3. Make your purchase as usual.
4. Earn cashback, which gets added to your account.
5. Get paid via PayPal or check every three months.

5. Does Rakuten really pay you?

Yes! Rakuten has paid out billions in cashback since it started. Payments are sent every quarter, provided you have at least $5.01 in your account.

6. Does Rakuten charge a fee?

No, Rakuten is 100% free. They make money through affiliate commissions from retailers, not from users.

7. Can I use Rakuten in-store?

Yes! Link your credit or debit card to Rakuten and earn cashback when shopping in select physical stores.

8. What stores are on Rakuten?

Rakuten partners with over 3,500 retailers, including:

• Amazon
• Walmart
• Best Buy
• Nike
• Sephora
• Target

9. How do I get paid from Rakuten?

Rakuten pays via PayPal or check, and payments are sent every three months.

10. Why didn’t I get my cashback?

• You may have forgotten to click through Rakuten before shopping.
• Some purchases (like gift cards) may not be eligible for cashback.
• It can take a few days or weeks for cashback to appear in your account.

11. Does Rakuten work on mobile?

Yes! You can use the Rakuten app or install the Rakuten browser extension to get notified about cashback deals while shopping.

12. How do I contact Rakuten customer support?

You can reach Rakuten support through their help center, email, or live chat on their website.

13. Can I refer friends to Rakuten?

Yes! Rakuten’s referral program lets you earn bonus cash when you invite friends to join.

14. Is Rakuten available worldwide?

Rakuten operates mainly in the U.S., Canada, and a few other countries, but availability varies by region.

15. What’s the catch with Rakuten?

There’s no catch—just shop through Rakuten’s links, and you get cashback. If you don’t use it, you miss out on free money!

Got more questions? Check Rakuten’s official website or app for the latest info! 🚀