You know, I've always been on the lookout for easy ways to make a little extra cash without turning my life upside down. That's how I stumbled upon Rakuten a few years back. At first, I thought it was too good to be true – getting paid just for shopping online? But after diving in, I've earned hundreds of dollars in cash back, and it's become a staple in my budget routine. If you're wondering how to earn money from Rakuten this year, let me walk you through it like I'm chatting with a friend over coffee. It's straightforward, and with some smart strategies, you could pocket real money in 2025.

How To Earn Money From Rakuten In (2025)

What Is Rakuten and Why Should You Care?

Rakuten isn't just another shopping app; it's a powerhouse platform that rewards you for everyday purchases. Formerly known as Ebates, it partners with over 3,500 stores like Amazon, Walmart, and Nike. The magic? Affiliate marketing. When you shop through Rakuten's links, retailers pay them a commission, and Rakuten shares a chunk with you as cash back – often 1% to 10% or more on your buys. It's like getting a rebate on stuff you'd buy anyway. Plus, in 2025, they've expanded options to earn Amex Membership Rewards points instead of cash, which is a game-changer if you're into travel hacking.

I remember my first payout – it felt like free money. But it's not "free" in the scam sense; it's legit, backed by a company that's been around since 1997.

Getting Started: Sign Up and Set Up for Success

To start earning, head to Rakuten.com or download their app. Signing up is free and takes minutes – just enter your email and create a password. New users often snag a welcome bonus, like $10 to $40 after your first qualifying purchase.

Pro tip : Install the Rakuten browser extension. It pops up alerts for cash back deals when you're browsing stores online, so you never miss out. I use it on Chrome, and it's saved me from forgetting activations countless times.

You can also shop via their mobile app for on-the-go deals. Once set up, browse stores, activate cash back, and shop as usual. Earnings track in your account and pay out quarterly via PayPal or check.

Top Ways to Earn Money from Rakuten :

Here's where the fun begins. The primary way is cash back on shopping. For example, if Macy's offers 5% back and you spend $200, that's $10 in your pocket. Stack it with coupons and sales for bigger wins.

But don't stop there. Refer friends! Rakuten's referral program pays you $25 to $40 per new user who signs up and spends at least $25-40 within 90 days. I've referred a dozen pals and racked up over $300 just from that.

If you're a content creator or blogger, join the Rakuten Affiliate Program. Apply through their advertising network, get approved by brands, and earn commissions by promoting products via links. It's more hands-on but can lead to serious income – think thousands if you have traffic.

Another underrated gem: Rakuten Insight Surveys. Sign up separately and earn cash or gift cards by completing quick online polls in your spare time. It's not huge money, but $5-10 a month adds up if you're consistent.

Tips to Maximize Your Rakuten Earnings :

To really boost your haul, shop during big events like Black Friday when cash back rates spike to 15% or more. Always check for double cash back days. Use a cash back credit card alongside Rakuten for stacked rewards – just pay off the balance to avoid interest.

Track your earnings in the app and set reminders for payouts. One user shared earning over $7,000 in five years by making it a habit. Avoid impulse buys; focus on needs to keep it profitable.

Of course, it's not perfect. Cash back isn't instant – it takes 45-90 days to confirm – and some exclusions apply, like gift cards. But the pros outweigh the cons for passive earners.

Final Thoughts: Is Rakuten Worth It?

Absolutely, if you shop online regularly. In 2025, with inflation biting, every dollar back counts. I've turned routine spending into a side hustle without extra effort. Give it a shot – sign up today, grab that bonus, and watch the earnings roll in. Who knows, it might become your new favorite money hack too.

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