Get started freeOnline shopping is not slowing down. Americans spent over $1.1 trillion online in 2025, and the numbers keep climbing. If you are shopping online without a cashback tool, you are leaving money on the table every single time you click "place order." Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, is the largest cashback platform in the US with partnerships at over 3,500 stores, and it has paid out more than $3.7 billion to members since its founding.
But cashback is only part of the equation. While Rakuten gives you money back on purchases you make, apps like I am Beezy generate $5 to $15 per day in fresh income just from viewing content on your phone. The smartest financial move in 2026 is combining both: reduce what you spend with Rakuten and increase what you earn with Beezy. Here is everything you need to know about Rakuten to start saving immediately.
How Rakuten Delivers Cashback
The browser extension that pays for itself
Rakuten's magic is its browser extension. Install it on Chrome, Firefox, or Safari, and it automatically detects when you visit a partner store. A small popup appears offering you cashback, typically 1% to 15%, with occasional promotions hitting 20% to 40%. Click "activate," shop normally, and the cashback appears in your Rakuten account within 24 to 48 hours. You do not change how you shop. You just get paid for shopping the way you already do.
Which stores offer the best cashback
Rakuten's 3,500+ partners include virtually every major retailer: Amazon (limited categories), Walmart, Target, Macy's, Nike, Sephora, Best Buy, and hundreds more. Cashback rates vary by store and fluctuate based on seasonal promotions. During major sales events like Black Friday or back-to-school season, rates can spike to 15% to 40%. Regular everyday rates at most stores range from 1% to 8%. Fashion and beauty retailers tend to offer the highest consistent cashback.
Realistic Savings With Rakuten in 2026
How much the average user saves
Rakuten publishes that the average member earns $240 per year in cashback. However, this number is heavily skewed by power shoppers. A more realistic breakdown depends on how much you shop online and where.
| Online Spending Level | Avg Cashback Rate | Quarterly Savings | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light ($100/month) | 3-5% | $9 - $15 | $36 - $60 |
| Moderate ($300/month) | 3-5% | $27 - $45 | $108 - $180 |
| Heavy ($600/month) | 4-6% | $72 - $108 | $288 - $432 |
| Power shopper ($1000+/month) | 5-8% | $150 - $240 | $600 - $960 |
The Big Fat Check payment schedule
Unlike apps that pay out on demand, Rakuten operates on a quarterly payment schedule. They send your accumulated cashback as a "Big Fat Check" (or PayPal deposit) four times per year: February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15. This means you might wait up to three months to see your money. For users who need faster access to cash, this is Rakuten's biggest drawback. It is also why pairing Rakuten with a daily-paying app creates a better financial flow: Beezy pays you every day while Rakuten saves up in the background for quarterly bonuses.
Maximizing Your Rakuten Savings
Shop during double cashback events
Rakuten runs frequent promotions where cashback rates double or triple at select stores. These events often coincide with major retail sales, creating a double discount: the store's sale price plus elevated cashback. Following Rakuten on social media or enabling push notifications ensures you never miss these windows. A $200 purchase at 12% cashback during a promotion is $24 back versus $6 at the normal 3% rate.
Use Rakuten for big-ticket purchases
Rakuten's value compounds on larger purchases. Buying a $500 laptop through a Rakuten-linked electronics store at 5% cashback nets you $25. Booking a $1,200 vacation through a Rakuten travel partner at 4% cashback returns $48. These are amounts that make a tangible difference, and the effort is literally one extra click before checkout.
Stack Rakuten with credit card rewards
Rakuten cashback stacks with your credit card rewards. If you use a 2% cashback credit card and Rakuten offers 5% at a store, you earn a combined 7% back. Add a store-specific coupon code and you might be looking at 10% or more in total savings. The key is using Rakuten as one layer in a savings stack, not as your only tool. For the earning side of the equation, dedicate 20 to 30 minutes daily to I am Beezy and generate an additional $150 to $300 per month on top of all your cashback savings.
Common Questions About Rakuten
Is Rakuten legit or a scam?
Rakuten is a publicly traded Japanese conglomerate worth billions of dollars. The US cashback platform has an A+ BBB rating and has paid over $3.7 billion to members. It is one of the most established and trusted cashback services in the country. The service is completely free, and there is no catch beyond the company earning a commission from retailers when you shop through their links.
Does Rakuten work with Amazon?
Rakuten does partner with Amazon, but cashback is limited to specific product categories that rotate frequently. You will not earn cashback on everything you buy on Amazon. Categories like fashion, beauty, and home goods are more likely to qualify. Always check the Rakuten extension when browsing Amazon to see if your current purchase is eligible.
How does Rakuten compare to Honey or Capital One Shopping?
Rakuten focuses primarily on cashback, while Honey and Capital One Shopping emphasize coupon codes. They serve different purposes and can be used together. Activate Rakuten cashback first, then check Honey or Capital One Shopping for discount codes at checkout. This way you capture both savings layers.
Do I owe taxes on Rakuten cashback?
Similar to Ibotta, Rakuten cashback is generally considered a purchase rebate and is not taxable income. However, the $10 sign-up bonus and referral bonuses are considered income and may be reported to the IRS if they exceed the reporting threshold. Rakuten will issue a 1099 if your non-cashback earnings exceed $600 in a year.
Conclusion
Rakuten is a no-brainer for anyone who shops online regularly. It requires almost zero effort once the browser extension is installed, and the cashback adds up to meaningful savings over time. The quarterly payment schedule is the main downside, but it is a small trade-off for free money on purchases you were making anyway. For the best results, treat Rakuten as your passive savings layer and pair it with an active income tool.
Start saving with Rakuten and start earning with I am Beezy. Together, they put hundreds of extra dollars in your pocket every month without changing how you live. Sign up for Beezy today and see how quickly those first earnings add up.
