I’m always on the hunt for ways to save money, and Rakuten has been a game-changer for me. It’s like getting paid to shop, and who doesn’t love that?
In this article, I’ll share my top 10 hacks to maximize your cashback on every purchase. From stacking deals to timing your buys, these tips will help you squeeze every penny out of your shopping.
1. Utilize Rakuten’s Browser Extension
Install and Activate the Extension
I’ll start by installing the Rakuten browser extension. It’s super easy—just a few clicks and it’s ready to go. Once activated, it automatically alerts me to cashback opportunities whenever I’m shopping online.
Monitor Cashback Offers in Real-Time
With the extension, I can keep an eye on cashback offers in real-time. It pops up alerts whenever there’s a new deal or an increase in cashback rates, so I never miss out on extra savings.
2. Sign Up for Rakuten’s Email Newsletter
Receive Exclusive Cashback Promotions
I’ll let you in on a little secret: signing up for Rakuten’s email newsletter is like having a VIP pass to extra savings. You’ll get access to exclusive cashback promotions that aren’t available to everyone. It’s a simple way to boost your earnings without any extra effort.
Stay Updated on Special Events
I always stay in the loop by subscribing to Rakuten’s newsletter. It keeps me updated on special events like double cashback days or seasonal sales. Knowing about these events in advance helps me plan my shopping and maximize my cashback rewards.
3. Combine Rakuten with Credit Card Rewards
I’ve found that pairing Rakuten with credit card rewards is like hitting the jackpot for cashback.
Choose Cards with Cashback Bonuses
I always look for credit cards that offer cashback in categories where I shop the most. For example, if I’m buying groceries, I’ll use a card that gives me 5% back on groceries. It’s all about matching the card’s bonus categories with my shopping habits to maximize returns.
Maximize Double Dipping Opportunities
I love taking advantage of double dipping by using Rakuten and my credit card together. When I shop through Rakuten and pay with a card that offers cashback in the same category, I earn rewards from both. It’s a simple trick that can double my cashback on every purchase.
4. Shop Through Rakuten’s App
Using Rakuten’s app isn’t just convenient, it’s a smart way to boost your cashback.
Access Mobile-Only Deals
I always check the app for mobile-only deals. They’re exclusive offers you won’t find on the desktop site, and they can significantly increase your cashback.
5. Participate in Rakuten’s Referral Program
Earn Cashback by Referring Friends
I’ve found that referring friends to Rakuten is a fantastic way to boost my cashback. For each friend who signs up through my unique referral link and makes a qualifying purchase, I earn a bonus. It’s like getting paid to share a great deal with someone I know!
Benefit from Referrals Without Additional Purchases
What’s even better is that I can earn referral bonuses without making any additional purchases myself. Once my friend signs up and shops, I get the bonus, making it a win-win situation. It’s a simple way to increase my earnings without spending more.
6. Take Advantage of Rakuten’s Double Cashback Days
Plan Purchases Around These Events
I always mark my calendar for Rakuten’s double cashback days. It’s easy to plan big purchases around these events to double my savings effortlessly.
Stack Offers for Maximum Savings
I love stacking deals during double cashback days. By combining Rakuten’s offers with store promotions and coupons, I can maximize my cashback and get the best deals possible.
7. Use Rakuten’s Cashback Boost
Understand How Boosts Work
Boosts are special promotions Rakuten offers that temporarily increase the cashback rate on specific stores or categories. I make sure to check the Rakuten app or website regularly because these boosts can significantly enhance my earnings. They’re usually time-limited, so I plan my shopping around them to maximize my cashback.
Apply Boosts to High-Value Purchases
When I spot a boost, I target it towards high-value purchases to get the most bang for my buck. For instance, if there’s a boost on electronics, I’ll schedule buying that new laptop or TV during the boost period. This strategy helps me earn more cashback on items that would normally give me a smaller return.
8. Explore Rakuten’s Travel Portal
Book Travel for Cashback Rewards
I’ve found that booking travel through Rakuten’s portal is a fantastic way to earn cashback on flights, hotels, and car rentals. It’s as simple as searching for your travel needs on their site and clicking through to book with their partners. I’ve earned up to 10% cashback on hotels and 5% on flights, which really adds up!
Combine with Other Travel Rewards Programs
I also maximize my savings by combining Rakuten’s cashback with other travel rewards programs. For instance, I use my travel credit card that offers points or miles, and then book through Rakuten to double-dip on rewards. This strategy has helped me earn both cashback and travel points on the same trip, making my adventures even more rewarding.
9. Make Use of Rakuten’s Gift Card Purchases
Buy Gift Cards for Everyday Use
I always buy gift cards through Rakuten for stores I shop at regularly. It’s a simple way to earn cashback on my everyday purchases.
10. Keep Track of Rakuten’s Special Categories
Focus on Categories with Higher Cashback Rates
I always keep an eye on categories like electronics and travel, where Rakuten often offers higher cashback rates. By focusing on these, I’ve seen my earnings soar.
Adjust Shopping Habits Accordingly
I adjust my shopping habits to align with Rakuten’s special categories. If there’s a boost in cashback for clothing, I’ll plan my wardrobe updates around that time to maximize my savings.
Conclusion
I’ve shared my top Rakuten hacks to help you boost your cashback. By using these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to maximizing your savings. Remember, every little bit counts, so keep exploring and stacking those deals!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rakuten and how can it help save money?
Rakuten is a cashback platform that allows users to earn money back on purchases from various retailers. It helps save money by offering cashback on everyday shopping, effectively reducing the cost of purchases.
How can I maximize my cashback with Rakuten?
Maximize cashback by using Rakuten’s browser extension, signing up for their newsletter, timing purchases during double cashback days, stacking deals, and using the mobile app for exclusive offers. Combining Rakuten with credit card rewards also boosts savings.
What is the benefit of Rakuten’s browser extension?
The browser extension automatically alerts users to cashback opportunities and tracks earnings in real-time, ensuring you never miss out on savings while shopping online.
How can I use Rakuten’s email newsletter to my advantage?
Subscribing to Rakuten’s newsletter gives you access to exclusive promotions and alerts about double cashback days and seasonal sales, helping you plan purchases to maximize savings.
What is “double dipping” and how does it work with Rakuten?
“Double dipping” involves using Rakuten alongside a cashback credit card to earn rewards from both sources on a single purchase, effectively doubling your cashback.
Can using the Rakuten app increase my cashback?
Yes, the Rakuten app offers mobile-only deals not available on the desktop site, providing additional opportunities to increase your cashback earnings.
How does Rakuten’s referral program work?
Rakuten’s referral program allows you to earn bonus cashback when friends sign up using your unique link and make a qualifying purchase, increasing your earnings without additional spending.
What are Rakuten’s double cashback days and how can I benefit from them?
Double cashback days are events where Rakuten doubles the cashback rate on purchases. Plan your shopping around these days and stack offers to maximize your savings.
What is the Cashback Boost feature on Rakuten?
Cashback Boost temporarily increases the cashback rate on specific stores or categories. Check regularly and apply boosts to high-value purchases to maximize earnings.
How can I earn cashback on travel through Rakuten?
Use Rakuten’s Travel Portal to book flights, hotels, and car rentals and earn up to 10% cashback on hotels and 5% on flights. Combine with travel rewards programs for enhanced savings.
Can I earn cashback by purchasing gift cards through Rakuten?
Yes, buying gift cards through Rakuten for regular shopping destinations allows you to earn cashback on everyday purchases, adding to your savings.
How can I use Rakuten’s special categories to save more?
Keep track of Rakuten’s special categories, such as electronics and travel, which often have higher cashback rates. Adjust your shopping habits to align with these categories to maximize savings.