About Us

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What Is the Smart Shopper?

The Smart Shopper is a blog from Rakuten that helps you save money on everything from home and fashion to electronics and travel. We’re all about getting you the biggest bang for your buck with coupons, promo codes and discounts at the stores you already know and love. Plus, we’ll help you out with tips on stacking coupons, sales and other deals with Rakuten Cash Back to truly maximize your savings on every purchase.

What Is Rakuten? 

Rakuten is the most rewarding way to shop. With Rakuten, you can earn Cash Back simply for shopping at Macy’s, Target, Kohl’s, Sephora and over 3,500 other stores. Cash Back is a rebate, which means a percentage of your purchase total at your favorite stores gets returned to you. Rakuten’s members have collectively earned more than $4.6 billion in Cash Back, and now it’s your turn to join those 17 million savvy shoppers and put some money back in your pocket. 

How Does Rakuten Work?

Rakuten is so straightforward that you’ll find yourself wondering how all of that savings can possibly be free. Here’s how: Stores pay Rakuten a commission to send them shoppers, and Rakuten shares that money with you as Cash Back. It’s as simple as that!

And the process is almost equally as straightforward. Simply sign up for a free account, and then search for Nike, Old Navy, Priceline or any of your other favorite stores. Click “Shop Now” and then shop like normal on your chosen store’s site. Your Cash Back will be applied automatically when you make a purchase. As you rack up that sweet Cash Back, you’ll get paid out every three months via check, PayPal or Amex Membership Rewards points. 

Cash Back also works seamlessly with store sales, coupons, promo codes and other discounts, so you’ll never have to choose which one to use.

If you prefer your savings to be even more convenient than that, Rakuten has options for you. And they’re both free! First, download Rakuten’s mobile App so you can score exclusive coupons and discounts on the go. Next, install the Cash Back Button. This browser extension, which is available for Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Edge, will automatically alert you to available coupons and apply Cash Back at any eligible store. You don’t even need to visit Rakuten to take advantage of the savings!

How to Use Rakuten

Rakuten is incredibly easy to use. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be up to your eyeballs in Cash Back.

  1. Search for your favorite stores on Rakuten.

  2. Click Shop Now to activate your Cash Back.

  3. Shop just like normal.

  4. Your Cash Back will be tracked automatically after your purchase.

  5. Get paid via check, PayPal or Amex Membership rewards. There are no forms and no fees.

7 More Ways to Earn Cash Back at Rakuten

We’re all about maximizing savings, so let’s maximize our list of ways to save. Here are seven more ways to earn Cash Back through Rakuten.

 

  1. Install the Rakuten Cash Back Button. Never miss out on Cash Back! Get our free browser extension to activate Cash Back directly at store sites. The Cash Back Button even automatically applies the best coupons at checkout.

  2. Download the Rakuten App. Shop on the go and earn Cash Back anywhere, anytime. Get the free Rakuten App for iPhone, iPad and Android for access to App-exclusive deals!

  3. Save in person with In-Store Cash Back. Cash Back isn’t exclusive to online shopping. You can also shop in stores to earn the Cash Back you love! Browse offers, link them to your credit card and shop like normal.

  4. Sign up for the Rakuten American Express card. With the Rakuten’s Amex Cash Back card, you can earn an extra 4% Cash Back on every Rakuten purchase.

  5. Eat out with Rakuten Dining. Automatically earn 5% Cash Back at thousands of restaurants across the country.

  6. Refer a friend. If you love Cash Back, so will your friends! Get cash bonuses for spreading the word about Rakuten. The more you refer, the more you earn.

  7. Join the Rakuten Influencer Program. Join our influencer program and get rewarded for being a Rakuten ambassador. Enjoy perks such as cash bonuses for referrals, sponsorship opportunities, invites to exclusive events and more.

Join Rakuten now for free to start earning Cash Back. Keep in touch on Facebook, X, Pinterest, YouTube and Instagram so you’re the first to know about new deals.