Japanese online marketplace and cashback shopping platform.
Rakuten does deliver cashback and the browser extension makes it easy to remember to activate. That said, I'm genuinely torn because the payout schedule means you can wait months before actually seeing your money. The percentages are also lower than they used to be on a lot of retailers.
Easy browser extension, wide retailer list
Long wait for payouts, shrinking rates
I've been shopping through Rakuten for over a year and the cashback is legit. I activate it before checkout at my usual stores and the rewards quietly pile up, then arrive right on schedule via the quarterly payout. Stacking it with store sales has saved me a serious amount. Easily the best cashback platform I've used.
Rakuten is fine when everything tracks correctly and I've gotten legit cashback on several orders. But I'm torn because some retailers exclude sale items or coupon use, and you only find out after the cashback doesn't post. It pays to check the terms for each store before you rely on it.
Rakuten has a RevWala Trust Score of 65/100 (Average), based on 5 customer reviews with an average rating of 2.6 out of 5. Reviews are mixed — read recent ones before deciding.
Rakuten is rated 2.6 out of 5 stars from 5 reviews on RevWala, with a "Average" Trust Score.
Rakuten has 5 reviews on RevWala, including 3 verified reviews.
Accumulated a reasonable balance on Rakuten only to have my payout delayed past the promised date with no notice. When I reached out, I got generic copy-paste replies and then no follow-up at all. For a platform whose entire value is paying you back, failing on the actual payout is unacceptable.
Delayed payout, unresponsive support
Reliable cashback, huge store network, on-time payouts
Genuine cashback when it tracks
Confusing exclusions on sales and coupons
I made sure to click through Rakuten before buying a fairly expensive appliance and the cashback simply never registered. I filed a missing-cashback claim with my order confirmation and after weeks of waiting it was denied with no clear explanation. Losing the rebate I was counting on left a very sour taste.
Cashback failed to track, claim denied
