Rakuten review

Rakuten is the most complete online cashback portal on this list. It lists Cash Back at more than 3,500 stores and services, and you can start a shopping trip from the website, the iOS or Android app, or a browser extension for Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari that flags Cash Back and coupons as you shop. The app adds in-store and dining offers, and Rakuten says members have earned more than $4.6 billion since 1999. Payment is straightforward: once you have $5 or more in confirmed Cash Back, Rakuten pays by PayPal, check, Samsung Cash or Bilt Points every three months, and eligible American Express Card Members can take Membership Rewards points instead. If you do not want to wait for the quarterly date, a confirmed balance of at least $5 can go to a gift card within minutes. The trade-off is time. Online and in-store Cash Back typically takes 3 to 14 weeks to confirm, and travel can take 45 to 120 days after the booking.

Who it is for

Online shoppers who want broad store coverage and simple quarterly payouts by PayPal or check.

Price

Free to join; paid every three months once you have $5 in confirmed Cash Back.

Rakuten is a free shopping platform that offers Cash Back, deals and rewards from all your favorite stores.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Cash Back at 3,500+ stores and services
• Payouts by PayPal, check, Samsung Cash or Bilt Points, or Amex Membership Rewards points for eligible card members
• Payments on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15
• Browser extension for Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari that finds Cash Back and coupons
• In-store and dining Cash Back offers activated in the app

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Low $5 payout threshold, with smaller balances carried over
• Strength: Confirmed balances can be redeemed for a gift card within minutes
• Strength: Dining Cash Back confirms within 3 to 5 days
• Weakness: Regular payouts arrive only every three months
• Weakness: Online Cash Back typically takes 3 to 14 weeks to confirm
• Weakness: PayPal and check payouts require a mailing address on file

Key facts

• Stores: 3,500+
• Payout minimum: $5 in confirmed Cash Back
• Payout schedule: Every three months
• Payout methods: PayPal, check, Samsung Cash, Bilt Points, Amex Membership Rewards
• Paid to members: More than $4.6 billion since 1999

Where it ranks

Rakuten is No. 1 in our Best Cashback Apps verdict.