GoKawiilKayla Solino/ZDNET
Did you know that you can save even more money on purchases you make online? Cash back programs make it as easy as enabling a browser extension or using an app, and it's helped me save over $700 since I've started.
While it sounds questionable, I'm here to quell your concerns. I've been using Rakuten's cash back program for nearly two years, and I've scored big -- like the time I received $30 cash back on my Shark vacuum cleaner or $43 cash back on my Hisense Canvas TV. I began using the platform in early 2024 -- but now I'm a user for life.
Also: This simple email trick saves me from annoying marketing spam (and it's free to do)
Before I break down how I did it, let's cover some basics, including what to know, and why you should join ahead of Rakuten's Give Big Week, which runs May 4-11, 2026.
What is Rakuten?
If you're unfamiliar with Rakuten, it's a similar system to the cash back offered on many credit cards. But instead of getting 2% cash back on gas or groceries, you can save with varying percentage amounts at over 3,500 stores, restaurants, and travel bookings, even in-store. The percentage amounts change frequently.
Rakuten might look too good to be true, but it's pretty simple. Cash back adds up in a Rakuten account as customers shop via Rakuten. Then, customers get paid out on what they've earned. How? Retail stores pay Rakuten for sending them shoppers, and Rakuten shares a cut of that cash with its customers.
My lifetime Rakuten earnings, so you know I'm telling the truth. Screenshot by Kayla Solino/ZDNET
It's primarily used for online shopping via a browser extension or the Rakuten app (or directly on Rakuten via desktop). It's an easy way to save on large and small purchases, and in this economy, every penny helps.
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