How I Earn Money Just by Shopping with Rakuten

Let’s be real—who doesn’t love getting paid for doing something they were already going to do? That’s basically the magic of Rakuten. It’s a free app and browser extension that gives you cashback every time you shop at one of their partner stores. And no, it’s not sketchy or complicated. It’s actually one of the easiest ways to earn a little extra money without changing your routine.

I started using Rakuten after hearing a friend casually mention she got a “Big Fat Check” in the mail just for buying stuff online. I thought it was a gimmick but turns out it’s legit. Rakuten partners with over 3,500 stores—think Target, Sephora, Macy’s, Expedia, and even some restaurants. When you shop through Rakuten’s links, they get a commission from the store and share a piece of that with you. It’s like getting rewarded for being a smart shopper.

Here’s how I make it work:

1. I installed the Rakuten browser extension, so it pops up whenever I’m on a site that offers cash back. One click and boom—activated.
2. I use the mobile app when I’m shopping on my phone or heading to a store in person. You can link your credit or debit card and earn cash back just by swiping.
3. I check for bonus offers—sometimes Rakuten runs promos where you can earn 10–20% back instead of the usual 2–5%.
4. I refer friends. Rakuten gives you around $30 per referral, and your friend gets a sign-up bonus too. It’s a win-win.

The best part? You don’t have to do anything weird or jump through hoops. Just shop like normal and watch the cash back add up. Rakuten pays out quarterly via PayPal or check, and I’ve used my earnings for everything from coffee runs to concert tickets.

So, if you’re already spending money online (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), Rakuten is a no-brainer. It’s free, easy, and actually kind of fun to see how much you’ve earned just by clicking a button. Give it a shot—you might be surprised how quickly those little savings turn into real cash.