How To Make Side Money With Rakuten
This post contains affiliate links and Lots of Lacquer will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on these links.
Side money is nice isn’t it?
It’s money that is helpful when it comes in but it’s not mission critical. It’s low stress, low stakes, in a way. It’s fun money that you create, which can be used to fund other fun, non-serious things, or more serious things, like bills. It’s your choice, because it’s your money.
It’s a cash back tool that works through a Browser Extension and App, and you can use it to earn rebates on your online purchases. While it seems too good to be true, it’s not! It is very real.
Rakuten rebates are especially helpful when you’re making large purchases, for example, home repair items, but Rakuten can also be used for any item you’re looking to buy online - from skincare products to cat food.
The best part about Rakuten rebates is that they truly do work and they accumulate in your Rakuten account until your quarterly payout period hits.
How Does Rakuten Work?
Rakuten partners with eCommerce brands to offer you cash back rebates on your purchases. It’s totally free for you to sign up for it. The only catch is that you have to activate your Rakuten Rewards before checking out.
This system works in 2 ways, using either a desktop or mobile/tablet device:
With the Rakuten desktop browser extension
Get the Rakuten browser extension for Google Chrome.
Once downloaded, head to the extension widget in the upper right corner of your browser before you check out at any online shop.
If the online shop accepts Rakuten, a little pop up window will appear that says “Activate X% Cash Back.” If it doesn’t appear, click on the extension drop down menu and select Rakuten. If there is a bright purple Activate Cash Back button, click on it.
Now your cash back is ready and you can check out.
Here is what this process looks like:
With the Rakuten Mobile App
Download the Rakuten App for your mobile or tablet device.
Once you have it downloaded, login using your email address and type in the store you want to make a purchase through. If the store accepts Rakuten, continue to your store of choice through the Rakuten App and your purchase will be automatically set up for cash back.
Here’s how the process looks:
When Do I Get Paid?
Then, make your online purchases using the Rakuten App or Browser Extension, whenever the store accepts Rakuten, as shown above.
Once your purchase is complete, you’ll receive an email that your cash back is pending approval with the retailer and will be applied to your account within the approval window. Cash back is cleared to be paid to you as soon as 15 days after your purchase.
The only occasion when you won’t get cash back on a purchase is if you return it. All other purchases I’ve made with Rakuten are approved.
Rakuten pays out quarterly. So you can expect to either receive a PayPal money drop or check in the mail around these dates:
February 15
May 15
August 15
November 15
Here’s a list of the extra money I’ve made recently with Rakuten:
While it’s not enough to retire on yet, let’s face it, the pennies add up to pounds!
I’m always happy when I see my Rakuten money arrive, and if I can trade it for a few dozen eggs or a pack of protein, then I’m ahead of the game and so are you.
To end, Rakuten is one way you can make passive income from home, since you’re simply recouping money on the purchases you’re already making. In my eyes, it is worth the effort.
Other Articles You May Enjoy:
As a Rakuten Affiliate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.