Rakuten is the ultimate cash back rewards site for those who do a lot of their shopping online.
Formerly known as Ebates. Rakuten offers a $10 to $40 welcome bonus when you sign up (promotional link – no referral code is required).
Also, if you refer others through the Rakuten Refer-A-Friend program, you get up to $40 for each qualified referral.
Rakuten is available in the United States, Canada, and Japan. The promotional links in this article apply to the U.S. and Canada.
Rakuten $40 Welcome Bonus
New Rakuten members can get a $40 bonus when they take the following steps:
- Open a free Rakuten account using our bonus link (no referral code required).
- Place an order that is worth at least $40 within 90 days of becoming a member.
- The bonus cash back is credited to your account and is paid out via PayPal or check.
Outside of this current promotion, the standard sign-up bonus for new members is $10 in the U.S. and $5 in Canada.
Rakuten $40 Referral Bonus
Rakuten has a popular referral program that pays you to refer friends and family using your custom referral link.
To get started, click on “Refer & Earn” on your dashboard to copy your invite link.
You can also share your link on social media, e.g., Facebook and Twitter.
You get a $40 bonus for every friend that joins and completes a qualifying purchase of $40 or more.
What is Rakuten?
Rakuten is one of the best cash back sites for shopping online.
It was founded in 1997 and has paid out more than $2 billion in cash back to its members.
It used to be known as Ebates.
How Rakuten Cash Back Works
You can use Rakuten on your computer or smartphone. When you want to make a purchase online, first visit Rakuten to find your store and shop as you would normally do.
Given that the platform features more than 3,000 stores, you can shop at the most popular retailers and brands.
Rakuten automatically tracks your purchases, and cash back earned is credited to your account.
Cash back offers generally range from 1% to as high as 30%. Sometimes, stores offer “double cash back” and this means you get to earn even more.
You can also earn cash back when you shop in-store. For example, stores like H&M, Macy’s, Levi’s, Adidas, Calvin Klein, Oasis, Banana Republic, Carter’s, and Dyson offer in-store cash back.
How To Redeem Rakuten Cash Back
Rakuten sends your cash back earnings through PayPal or a check (aka Big Fat Check).
The payments occur as follows:
| Cash Back Earned | Paid |
| January 1 – March 31 | May 15 |
| April 1 – June 30 | August 15 |
| July 1 – September 30 | November 15 |
| October 1 – December 31 | February 15 |
To receive a payout, your account balance must exceed $5. You can easily view your balance on your Rakuten Dashboard.
Rakuten Alternatives
Swagbucks ($5 Bonus): Like Rakuten, Swagbucks pays you to shop online, surf the internet, play games, and answer surveys.
MyPoints ($10 bonus): You get a $10 gift card after making your first qualifying purchase. Learn more in this Ibotta review.
Drop ($5 Bonus): The Drop app rewards members when they shop online, watch video ads, complete surveys, and more. Read my Drop review.
TopCashback: This platform features thousands of retailers in the United States and Canada. The cash back you earn can be redeemed for gift cards, Visa prepaid cards, and PayPal.
Rakuten Referral Program FAQs
How can I get $40 from Rakuten?
When Rakuten has its $40 welcome bonus promotion, you earn $40 per referral.
How much does Rakuten pay per referral?
Depending on the promotion available, you can earn $10, $25, $30, or $40 per referral.
How many friends can you refer to Rakuten?
You can refer as many friends as you like. For you to earn a referral bonus, your referral must make a minimum purchase within 90 days of becoming a member.
Can I refer myself to Rakuten?
No, if you refer yourself and Rakuten detects it, your account may be closed without warning, and you can lose any referral bonuses you have already earned.
What is Rakuten $40 referral code?
The Rakuten referral code links on this page will get you a $40 bonus after you sign up and make your first online purchase of $40 or more.
How can I get $30 from Rakuten?
When Rakuten has its $30 welcome bonus promotion, you earn $30 per referral.
Related:
It’s like a free money glitch! Now you can get $40 back with you spend $40+ online after signing up with Rakuten. It really works, I got a check in the mail this month.