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Rakuten Big Fat Check – Schedule & FAQs
Everything You Need to Know About Your Big Fat Check
At Rakuten, we love rewarding our members for doing what they already enjoy: shopping! One of the most exciting parts of being a Rakuten member is receiving your Big Fat Check, the quarterly payout of the Cash Back you’ve earned. Whether you’re new to Rakuten or a long-time member, here’s everything you need to know about how Big Fat Checks work, when you’ll receive them and how to make the most of your rewards.
What Is a Big Fat Check?
Your Big Fat Check is our way of delivering the Cash Back you’ve earned by shopping through Rakuten. Every time you start your shopping journey with us, you can earn Cash Back from thousands of partner stores. We total up your confirmed earnings each quarter and send them to you, either as a physical check or through PayPal. It’s simple, rewarding and a little something to look forward to every season.
We issue Big Fat Checks four times a year. Here’s when you can expect your payout:
- Feb. 15: For Cash Back earned Oct. 1 to Dec. 31
- May 15: For Cash Back earned Jan. 1 to March 31
- Aug. 15: For Cash Back earned April 1 to June 30
- Nov. 15: For Cash Back earned July 1 to Sept. 30
You’ll need a minimum of $5.01 in Cash Back to receive a Big Fat Check for that quarter. If you don’t reach that amount, don’t worry. Your balance will carry over to the next payment period.
What Payment Methods Are Available?
We give you three convenient options for receiving your earnings:
- Physical check: Sent directly to the mailing address in your Rakuten account
- PayPal deposit: Sent to your PayPal account for faster access to your funds
- American Express Membership Rewards® points: If you have a qualifying American Express credit card, you can switch your payment method to Membership Rewards points and have your earnings transferred to your Membership Rewards account every 3 months. Learn more.
You can update your payment preference at any time in your Rakuten account settings.
Any method you choose is completely free. Payments are sent every three months (see above).
Want your Cash Back faster? Redeem your confirmed balance for a gift card any time, only in the Rakuten App. Learn more.
Learn more about how to get paid by Rakuten in our Help section
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need to earn to qualify for a Big Fat Check?
You’ll need at least $5.01 in confirmed Cash Back by the end of the quarter.
What happens if I don’t reach the $5.01 minimum?
Your Cash Back will automatically roll over to the next quarter until you reach the minimum payout amount.
Can I switch from a check to PayPal (or vice versa)?
Yes! You can change your preferred payment method at any time by updating your account settings.
What if my check doesn’t arrive?
If your check is delayed or you don’t receive it, please double-check your account information and contact our Member Services team for help.
Do I have to pay taxes on my Big Fat Check?
Cash Back from Rakuten is typically considered a rebate on purchases, not taxable income. Referral bonuses may be taxable, so we recommend checking with a tax professional if you have questions.
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