In-Store & Dining Cash Back
Linking a Card for In-Store and Dining Cash Back
What is card linking?
Card linking lets you connect your eligible credit or debit card to your Rakuten account so you can earn Cash Back automatically when you use that card at participating in-store or dining locations.
Once your card is linked, all dining offers will be added to your card automatically. Add in-store offers before you shop to earn Cash Back. Then, just pay with your linked card and earn.
Is it safe to link my card?
Yes. Protecting your information is a top priority.
- Your card details are stored in a secure, encrypted environment
- Rakuten does not sell your card information
- We will never charge your card
- We will never ask for your CVV
- We use trusted payment network partners to confirm eligible purchases
Find more information about card security in our Privacy Policy.
Which cards can I link?
For the highest rewards, link the Rakuten American Express Card to earn 10% Cash Back on dining and an extra 4% Cash Back on all in-store purchases.
You can link most Visa credit and debit cards, Mastercard credit and debit cards and American Express cards.
At this time, these cards are ineligible:
- Macy's American Express cards
- Corporate and purchasing cards
- Health Savings Account (HSA) cards
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards
- Government-administered prepaid cards (including EBT)
- Insurance prepaid cards
- Visa Buxx
- Diners Club and Discover cards
Can I link multiple cards?
Yes, you can link as many eligible cards as you like!
Can I link a debit card?
Yes, but you must run your debit card as credit (and sign, if prompted) to earn Cash Back.
Debit transactions processed as PIN may not qualify.
How do I link a card?
- Go to Linked Cards in your account
- Select Link a Card
- Enter your card details
Once linked, all dining offers will be added to your card automatically.
Add in-store offers before you shop to earn Cash Back.
Do I need to add offers before paying with my linked card?
You must add in-store offers before making a purchase to earn Cash Back.
You do not need to manually add dining offers. Dining offers never expire.
Do I need to re-add offers?
Most in-store offers expire in 75 days, or after the offer has been used. Be sure to check the offer details when adding. You must re-add offers after they expire, or after making a purchase to continue earning in-store Cash Back.
Dining offers never expire.
How do I remove a card?
- Go to Linked Cards
- Select Edit next to the card
- Select Remove
Rakuten Dining FAQ
With Rakuten Dining, you’ll automatically earn 5% Cash Back when you dine at participating restaurants—tax, tip and drinks included. Simply link your card, pay as usual, and earn 5% Cash Back automatically, no need to upload receipts.
Browse dining offers only in the Rakuten app.
How does Rakuten Dining work?
- Link an eligible card to your account
- All dining offers will be automatically added to your linked card
- Browse restaurant offers in the Rakuten app by tapping In-Store, then Dining
- Use your linked card to pay at participating restaurants
Cash Back is automatically tracked, so you don’t need to upload receipts.
Learn more about card linking and security
Where can I see participating restaurants?
Dining offers are only available in the Rakuten app.
To see participating restaurants near you:
- Open the Rakuten app
- Tap the In-Store tab at the bottom of the screen
- Select Dining to view nearby restaurants
When will I earn Cash Back?
Cash Back is typically confirmed within 3–5 days after you dine.
Why didn’t I earn Cash Back on dining?
Common reasons include:
- Your card was linked to another dining rewards program. Cards can only be enrolled in one dining rewards program at a time. If you link your card to another rewards program, it will automatically unlink from Rakuten Dining.
- Your card was removed from your Rakuten account. If you manually remove your card from the Linked Cards section of your account, you will no longer earn Cash Back at participating restaurants.
To keep earning 5% Cash Back at participating restaurants, go to Linked Cards and re-link your card.
If you’re still having trouble, contact us.
Do I need to re-add the offer every time I dine?
No. Once you add a dining offer, you don’t need to re-add it.
How does Rakuten know if I made a purchase?
Rakuten works with payment networks (like Visa, Mastercard and American Express) to securely confirm eligible transactions without sharing your full card details. No need to upload receipts.
How do I find participating restaurants near me?
In the Rakuten app:
- Tap In-Store at the bottom of the screen
- Select Dining
- Browse or filter restaurants near you
Are there any exclusions or restrictions on earning Cash Back with Rakuten Dining?
Some restaurants may exclude Cash Back on certain days of the week.
To check details, find the restaurant in the Rakuten app and review the offer terms before dining:
- Open the Rakuten app
- Tap In-Store at the bottom of the screen
- Tap Dining, then tap on any restaurant name to see the terms
Will I earn Cash Back on the full bill, including tax, tip and drinks?
Yes. Cash Back is based on your total bill—tax, tips and drinks included!
Can I earn American Express Membership Rewards® points with the Rakuten Dining program?
Yes, as long as you selected American Express Membership Rewards® points as your payment method instead of Cash Back. See American Express Membership Rewards® Points at Rakuten Terms.
Can I stack Rakuten Dining on top of credit card rewards?
Yes, you can stack Rakuten Dining offers on top of existing credit card offers.
Can I use other dining rewards programs along with Rakuten Dining?
We recommend using only Rakuten Dining with your linked card.
If your card is linked to another dining rewards program, it may override your Cash Back. To avoid this, use a separate card for other dining rewards.
How often are new restaurants added?
New restaurants are added regularly. Check the app for the latest offers!
Can I earn Cash Back on delivery or takeout orders?
No, Rakuten Dining offers are only eligible for dine-in transactions.
However, you can earn Cash Back with select food delivery partners.
Why Am I No Longer Earning Cash Back at Restaurants?
Your card may have been unlinked from Rakuten Dining. If your card was unlinked, you won’t earn 5% Cash Back (10% for Rakuten American Express® Cardholders) at restaurants until it’s relinked.
This can happen for several reasons, for example:
- Your card was linked to another dining rewards program: Cards can only be enrolled in one dining rewards program at a time. If you link your card to another rewards program, it will automatically unlink from Rakuten Dining.
- Your card was removed from your Rakuten account: If you manually removed your card from the Linked Cards section of your account, you will no longer earn Cash Back at participating restaurants.
What should I do?
In the Rakuten app, go to Dining and tap Add next to any offer. This will automatically relink your card.
If you don't have the app:
- Go to Linked Cards in your account.
- Remove your card.
- Select Link a Card and re-enter your card information.
If you’re still having trouble, contact us.
In-Store Cash Back FAQ
Earn Cash Back when you shop in person at participating stores—no need to upload receipts. Just link your card, add offers and pay as usual.
How does In-Store Cash Back work?
- Link an eligible card to your Rakuten account
- Add in-store offers on our site or in the Rakuten app
- Use your linked card to pay in-store
Cash Back is automatically tracked, so you don’t need to upload receipts.
Learn more about card linking and security
Where can I see in-store offers?
For the best experience, use the Rakuten app to easily browse and add in-store offers. To explore in-store offers, open the app and tap the In-Store tab at the bottom of the screen.
Don’t have the app? You can still add in-store offers on our site.
When will I earn in-store Cash Back?
You’ll see Cash Back pending in your account within a few days. Cash Back is typically confirmed within 3–14 weeks after your purchase. This waiting period exists in case of returns, exchanges, exclusions or other changes to your order.
Why didn’t I earn Cash Back?
Common reasons include:
- The offer wasn’t added before your purchase
- You used a card that wasn’t linked to your Rakuten account
- Your debit card was not run as credit
Think you should have earned Cash Back? Contact us
How does Rakuten know if I made a purchase?
Rakuten works with payment networks (like Visa, Mastercard and American Express) to securely confirm eligible transactions without sharing your full card details.
Do I need to keep my receipt?
You should keep your receipt, just in case there’s an issue with your purchase. Rakuten Member Services will use the information on your receipt to verify your Cash Back.
You don’t need to upload a receipt to earn Cash Back.
Which cards can I use?
You can link most Visa credit and debit cards, Mastercard credit and debit cards and American Express cards.
For the highest rewards, get the Rakuten American Express Card to earn an extra 4% Cash Back on all in-store purchases, plus 10% Cash Back on Rakuten Dining.
At this time, these cards are ineligible:
- Discover cards
- Macy's American Express cards
- Corporate and purchasing cards
- Health Savings Account (HSA) cards
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards
- Government-administered prepaid cards (including EBT)
- Insurance prepaid cards
- Visa Buxx
- Diners Club cards
Can I use mobile wallets or debit cards?
We recommend using physical credit and debit cards for the best experience. Mobile wallets (like Apple Pay, Google Wallet and Samsung Pay) may not always track properly.
Using a debit card? You must run your debit card as credit (and sign, if prompted) to earn Cash Back. Debit transactions processed as PIN may not qualify.
Do I need to re-add offers?
Most in-store offers expire in 75 days, or after the offer has been used. Be sure to check the offer details when adding. You must re-add after they expire, or after making a purchase, to continue earning in-store Cash Back.
Do offers expire?
Most in-store offers expire in 75 days, or after the offer has been used. Be sure to check the offer details when adding.
Remember to add the offer before you shop and check that it’s still active before you purchase.
Are there any exclusions or restrictions on earning in-store Cash Back?
Most in-store purchases qualify, but exclusions may apply. Review the offer terms and conditions before you shop.
Do I need to present anything at checkout?
No, there’s nothing to show or scan. Just pay with your linked card and Cash Back will be tracked automatically.
Can I earn in-store Cash Back on online or phone orders?
No. In-store Cash Back is only available for purchases made in person at a physical store.