The Best Budget-Friendly Credit Cards That Offer Rakuten Cash Back

Finding ways to make your money work harder for you is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. When you compare the best budget-friendly credit cards that also offer Rakuten Cash Back, you’ll unlock a world in which your everyday purchases actually pay you back. Whether you’re buying groceries, booking a much-needed vacation or simply picking up a new pair of shoes, the right credit card turns a standard transaction into a rewarding experience.

But what if you could take those rewards and multiply them? If you love getting a deal, you already know that paying full price is entirely optional. The real secret to maximizing your budget is combining a great rewards card with a shopping portal that gives you even more money back. Enter Rakuten. Let’s dive into how you can choose the perfect card for your lifestyle and start stacking your rewards for maximum value.

Can you combine credit card cash back and Rakuten Cash Back?

One of the most common questions savvy shoppers ask is, “Can I use a credit card with cash back and also get Rakuten Cash Back on the same purchase?” The answer is a resounding yes. This strategy, called “stacking,” is the ultimate way to stretch your budget.

When you shop through Rakuten, you’ll earn Cash Back on eligible purchases at thousands of stores. That money is yours, sent to you via check or PayPal. But the store you’re shopping at only cares that you pay for the item. They don’t restrict the type of payment method you use. That means if you pay with a rewards credit card, your card issuer will also give you the standard points, statement credit or cash back associated with the card.

Here’s an example of how the magic works in real life. Imagine you want to buy a $100 jacket from your favorite clothing store. First, you start your shopping trip at Rakuten and click through to the store, activating a sweet 10% Cash Back offer. You have just secured $10 back through Rakuten. Then, you head to the virtual checkout and pay using a credit card that earns 1.5% Cash Back on all purchases. Your card issuer gives you $1.50 for that transaction. By simply taking five extra seconds to start at Rakuten and paying with a rewards card, you earned $11.50 back on a single jacket.

Stacking requires almost zero extra effort once you know how it works. You simply shop for the things you love, pay your credit card bill on time and watch your savings grow from two different directions. It’s the easiest life hack in the book.

Best budget-friendly credit cards for earning Rakuten Cash Back

To make the most of your stacking strategy, you’ll need a reliable credit card. Fortunately, you don’t need to pay a massive annual fee to get great rewards. There are plenty of budget-friendly options that offer high-value returns on your spending categories.

You can find all of these fantastic options listed directly on the Rakuten Banking & Finance page. Here’s a look at some of the best choices available to help you maximize your earning potential.

Rakuten American Express Card

If you want to supercharge your Rakuten account, the Rakuten American Express Card is the ultimate tool for the job. The card is designed specifically for people who love watching their Rakuten Big Fat Check grow.

The biggest perk of the card is that it adds an extra 3% Cash Back on top of the Cash Back you already earn when shopping through Rakuten. If a store is offering 5% Cash Back, using the card bumps up your total to 8%. You’ll also earn 1% Cash Back on all other purchases where American Express is accepted, which means your everyday spending habits continuously contribute to your next payment. There is no annual fee, making it a perfectly budget-friendly option. The card seamlessly integrates with your existing Rakuten account, so all your rewards pool together in one convenient place.

Chase Freedom Unlimited

The Chase Freedom Unlimited card is a powerhouse in the world of no-annual-fee credit cards. It’s incredibly popular because it takes the guesswork out of earning rewards.

With this card, you’ll earn an unlimited 1.5% Cash Back on all purchases outside of the bonus categories. But the bonus categories are where the card truly shines. You’ll earn 5% Cash Back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining at restaurants and 3% on drugstore purchases. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, picking up prescriptions or paying for a streaming service, you’re consistently earning. When you pair that flat-rate 1.5% earning with Rakuten Cash Back on your online shopping, you’ll create an incredibly reliable savings engine. The rewards can be redeemed as a statement credit, deposited directly into your bank account or used for gift cards.

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card

For the shopper who wants control over their rewards, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card is a dream come true. This no-annual-fee card lets you choose how you earn your highest rewards rate.

You get to select a 3% Cash Back category from a list of options that includes online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores or home improvement. You’ll also earn 2% Cash Back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. The 3% and 2% rates apply to the first $2,500 in combined choice category, grocery store or wholesale club purchases each quarter. All other purchases earn 1% cash back. If you select “online shopping” as your 3% category and use the card to check out after activating a Rakuten offer, you’ll be building an incredibly lucrative stacking strategy tailored exactly to your lifestyle.

Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card

If your goal is to save up for your next big vacation, the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is an excellent companion. It skips the complicated rotating categories in favor of a straightforward earning structure.

You’ll earn an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all eligible purchases. There is no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it a great card to keep in your wallet when you actually take your dream trip. Instead of traditional cash back, you can redeem your points for a statement credit to pay for travel and dining purchases. You can book your flights, hotels and rental cars through any website or app. If you book your travel through a site partnered with Rakuten, you’ll earn Rakuten Cash Back on the booking while simultaneously earning 1.5 points per dollar from Bank of America to help offset the cost.

Frequently asked questions

What are common cash back mistakes to avoid?

The biggest mistake people make with rewards cards is carrying a balance. If you don’t pay your statement in full every billing cycle, the interest charges from your variable APR will quickly wipe out any cash back you earned. Another common mistake is choosing a card with an annual fee that exceeds the value of the rewards you realistically earn based on your spending habits. Finally, forgetting to start your shopping trip at Rakuten before checking out means leaving free money on the table. Always activate your Cash Back before you pay!

What is the 15-3 rule for paying credit card bills?

The 15-3 rule is a payment strategy designed to help boost your credit score. It involves making two payments on your credit card each month: one payment 15 days before your statement closing date, and a second payment three days before the closing date. The idea is that paying down your balance before the issuer reports to the credit bureaus lowers your credit utilization ratio, which makes up a large portion of your credit score. It’s a helpful trick, but simply paying your balance in full and on time every single month is the most reliable way to maintain a healthy financial profile.

What’s the best way to use cash back rewards?

The best way to use your rewards depends entirely on your financial goals. Many people prefer a simple statement credit to lower their monthly bill. Others save their Rakuten checks for a specific goal, such as funding a holiday shopping budget or paying for a summer vacation. If you have a card that allows you to redeem for gift cards, look out for special promotions where the issuer offers a higher-value redemption rate for specific brands. The most important thing is to actually redeem them. Don’t let your rewards sit unused in your account forever.

What credit card offers the highest cash back percentage?

There is no single card that offers the highest percentage across the board, because different cards excel in different spending categories. Some cards offer high sign-up bonuses, while others shine with a 5% rotating category or a solid 2% flat-rate return on all non-bonus purchases. For Rakuten members, the Rakuten American Express Card is incredibly powerful because it adds a flat 3% Cash Back on top of existing Rakuten offers. To find your perfect match, look at where you spend the most money, whether it’s on groceries, travel or online shopping, and choose a card that rewards that specific behavior.