I just finished writing a post about maximizing credit card points for travel. Chase Sapphire Reserve versus Amex Gold, transfer partners, all of that. It's solid stuff, and of course you should definitely check that out here (after finishing this article of course).
But while I was writing it, I had this nagging feeling I was leaving something out. Something important that I use constantly but barely talk about.
Then I checked my Rakuten account.
$2,521.52.
That's how much cash back I've earned since September 2023. A little over two years of just shopping the way I already shop. No complicated strategies. No extra effort beyond clicking a button before I check out.
And I realized I almost never mention Rakuten to people. Which seems ridiculous when I look at that number.
So this is me fixing that.
What Rakuten Actually Is
If you haven't heard of it, Rakuten is a cash-back platform that pays you for shopping at stores you already use. They have partnerships with over 3,500 retailers, and when you make a purchase through their site or browser extension, they share their commission with you.
It's not complicated. It's just money back on purchases you'd make anyway.
Being Honest About the Referral Thing
Let me be clear about two things upfront:
Yes, I benefit if you sign up. If you use my referral link, you get a $50 welcome bonus and I get $50 too. That's how their referral program works, and I'm not going to pretend otherwise.
I wish I'd been better about this earlier. I've been a member since September 2023, and I've earned over $2,500. But I know I've missed out on hundreds more by forgetting to activate it before purchases.
So yes, this benefits me. But it also genuinely benefits you, and I think you should use it.
How I've Actually Used It
Here's what my experience has been:
The Chrome Extension Matters
Rakuten has a browser extension that automatically pops up when you're on a site that offers cash back.
Is it slightly annoying sometimes? Sure. It's one more notification.
But you need those reminders. Without them, you'll forget. I forget constantly, and that's money I'm just not getting.
The extension is what makes this work. Without it, I'd maybe remember to use Rakuten 10% of the time. With it, I'm probably at 60-70%, and that's the difference between $2,500 and maybe $250.
Where It Works (And Where It Doesn't)
Rakuten works with most major retailers:
Clothing and apparel
Hotels and travel sites
Electronics
Home goods
Subscriptions and software
Where it doesn't work:
Amazon (they used to have it, but not anymore)
A few random exceptions like Home Depot
But almost everywhere else works. I've gotten cash back on everything from Warby Parker glasses to hotel bookings to random purchases I forgot I even made.
The Payouts Are Real
Every quarter, Rakuten sends you your cash back via PayPal or check.
This isn't theoretical. It's actual money I've received and used for travel, groceries, whatever. It's real, it shows up, and it adds up faster than you'd think.
What I Wish I'd Done Differently
If I'm being honest, I should have been more intentional about checking rates before big purchases. Rakuten often runs promotions where certain stores go from 1-2% back to 10-12% back for limited times.
I've caught a few of those. But I've definitely missed some too.
The other thing: I should have told more people. Every time someone signs up with your link, you both get $50. I've referred maybe three people. That's $150. If I'd been sharing this since I started, that would be a lot more.
So I'm fixing that now.
How to Actually Use This
Here's what I'd recommend if you're starting today:
1. Sign Up With a Referral Link (You Get $50)
If you sign up through my link, you'll get a $50 welcome bonus after your first $50 purchase. I'll get $50 too.
My referral link: www.rakuten.com/r/JOSH6635
2. Install the Browser Extension Immediately
Without the extension, you'll forget. With it, you'll actually use it.
Download it for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, whatever you use. It'll pop up when you're on a site that offers cash back.
3. Just Shop Normally
You don't need to change your habits. Just make sure the extension is activated before you check out.
That's it.
Why I'm Writing This
I'm building Atlas Road Travel to help people plan better trips and get more value out of their travel. Part of that is the detailed stuff like credit card points and transfer partners.
But the other part is the simple stuff that just works.
Rakuten is simple. There's no hack. No secret strategy. You click a button and get money back.
But I've made $2,521.52 in two years doing exactly that. And I've probably left another $500+ on the table by forgetting to use it.
So if you're planning a trip, buying travel gear, booking hotels, or just shopping online, you might as well get paid for it.
One Last Thing
I'm not going to oversell this. It's not going to fund your entire trip to Paris or Kyoto (though it might cover a few nights of lodging). It's not going to replace a good credit card strategy.
But it's free money for stuff you're already buying.
And in two years, when you check your account and see a number like mine, you'll be glad you started.
Ready to start?
👉 Sign up here and get your $50 welcome bonus
And yeah, thank you if you use my link. I appreciate it, and I hope it helps you as much as it's helped me.
Have questions about Rakuten or want to chat about how we factor cash-back tools into trip planning? Book a free 30-minute consultation or drop a comment below.
Disclosure: This post contains a referral link. If you sign up through my link, you'll receive a $50 welcome bonus and I'll receive $50 as well. I only recommend tools I actually use and believe provide real value, and Rakuten is one of the few I wish I'd started using sooner.
