Rakuten

Looking to save money every time you shop online? This free platform helps you earn real cash back at hundreds of your favorite stores—including major brands you already use. It’s simple: shop through their site, check out like normal, and watch your savings add up.

8/6/20253 min read

What Is Rakuten?

Rakuten is a free cashback website that pays you money when you shop online through their portal. It partners with over 750 Canadian retailers like:

  • Walmart

  • Indigo

  • Old Navy

  • Canadian Tire

  • Sephora

  • Best Buy

  • Hudson's Bay
    ...and many more.

Every time you shop through Rakuten.ca or Rakuten.com at one of their partnered stores, you earn a percentage of your purchase back in real cash. That money can be sent to your PayPal or mailed to you by cheque.

Bonus: If you join Rakuten with a referral link, you’ll get a welcome bonus (typically $30) when you make your first eligible purchase.

👉 Click here to claim your Rakuten welcome bonus

How Does Rakuten Work?

Here’s a simple breakdown of how Rakuten works:

  1. Sign up for free on Rakuten.ca or Rakuten.com

  2. Log in before you shop

  3. Search for your favorite store or brand

  4. Click through to the store’s site via Rakuten

  5. Shop as usual

  6. Get cashback credited to your Rakuten account

  7. Receive your payment by PayPal or cheque every quarter

You don’t pay anything extra — the cashback comes from Rakuten’s partnerships with these retailers.

How You Can Earn Even More with Referrals

Besides saving money, Rakuten also lets you earn money through its referral program.

Here’s how it works:

  • Every Rakuten member gets a unique referral link

  • Share your link with friends, family, or followers

  • When someone signs up using your link and makes a qualifying purchase, you both get rewarded!

For example: If your friend signs up through your link and spends $30 at Sephora, you both get a cash bonus (often $30 each).

👉 Want to see how it works? Try it for yourself:
Sign up and earn your first referral bonus here

Why Use Rakuten? (Main Benefits)

Here are the top reasons why Canadians love using Rakuten:

It’s Totally Free

There’s no cost to join, no subscription, and no hidden fees.

Huge Retailer Selection

With over 750 stores, you can earn cashback while shopping for clothes, electronics, groceries, and more.

Real Cash, Not Points

Unlike other programs, Rakuten pays in real money, not points or credits.

Easy Referral Program

Invite others and earn extra cash bonuses with minimal effort.

New User Bonuses

Get rewarded just for signing up and making your first purchase.

Reliable Payouts

Rakuten pays out every 3 months by cheque or PayPal (your choice!).

Things to Consider (A Few Cons)

To keep things honest, here are some things to know before you start:

Cashback Takes Time

Cashback is only paid out after the return period closes, which can take a few weeks.

You Must Shop Through Rakuten

You must visit the store through Rakuten before purchasing or activate cashback via the browser extension.

It’s for Canadian Stores Only

Rakuten.ca is for Canadian shoppers. U.S. residents must use Rakuten.com instead.

How to Get Started with Rakuten (Step-by-Step)

Step 1:
👉 Sign up for free with this link
You’ll get a bonus after your first purchase.

Step 2:
Log in and browse the store list or use the search bar to find your favorite brands.

Step 3:
Click on the store you want to shop at. Rakuten will redirect you to their website.

Step 4:
Shop like you normally would. Once the purchase is complete, your cashback is tracked.

Step 5:
Earn your cashback! You’ll get your first payout once your cashback clears and your balance meets the minimum.

Step 6:
Get your referral link and start inviting others to earn bonuses.

Tips to Maximize Your Rakuten Earnings

  • Install the browser extension – It alerts you when cashback is available.

  • Combine cashback with coupon codes for double the savings.

  • Use Rakuten during sales like Black Friday, Boxing Day, or back-to-school events.

  • Share your referral link on social media, in emails, or on your blog.

  • Stack with credit card rewards to earn even more!

💬 Final Thoughts

Rakuten.ca or Rakuten.com is one of the easiest ways to save and earn money online in Canada. Whether you shop occasionally or often, you’re leaving money on the table if you’re not using Rakuten.

And if you refer a few friends? That’s easy money in your pocket — no product to sell, no business to run.

👉 Ready to start saving and earning today?
Sign up with my referral link and claim your welcome bonus now
.