A Tactical Guide to Using Rakuten: Snag a Free $30 Shopping Spree
Rakuten is a cash-back platform that pays you for shopping online. This guide outlines the process for setting up an account to get the $30 Welcome Bonus. Effectively, this bonus works like a free $30 shopping trip: you make a $30 purchase on something you need, and you get the $30 back as a bonus. After that, you'll be set up to earn long-term cash back on purchases you would be making anyway.
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The Process
Follow these steps methodically to activate your account and bonus.
Step 1: Account Setup & Bonus Activation
This is the first and most critical action.
Using this specific link is the required first step to qualify your account for the $30 Welcome Bonus offer. The bonus is contingent on completing the steps below.
Step 2: Earning Cash Back (The Manual Method)
This is the standard procedure for earning cash back on a purchase.
- Log in to your Rakuten.com account.
- Use the search bar to find the store you intend to shop at.
- Click the link on the Rakuten site to be redirected to the store. This activates a "shopping trip."
- Complete your purchase on the store's site as you normally would.
- Rakuten will now track the purchase and credit the corresponding cash back to your account.
Step 3: The Automated Method (Recommended for Efficiency)
- Forgetting to start at Rakuten.com means you will not earn cash back. The browser extension prevents this.
- Install the official Rakuten browser extension. It will automatically detect when you are on a partner site and provide a one-click prompt to activate the cash-back offer for that shopping session. This is the most effective way to ensure you never miss an opportunity to earn.
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| Example: Walmart cashback popup |
Step 4: Securing the $30 Welcome Bonus
Here are the specific conditions to release your $30 bonus:
- You must spend a cumulative total of $30 or more at participating stores through Rakuten within 90 days of signing up. This can be achieved through one or multiple purchases.
- The $30 spending requirement can be met with any purchase you would normally make. Simply use Rakuten for a regular online shopping trip to activate the bonus.
- Ensure your shopping trip is activated through Rakuten before making the purchase.
Step 5: Tracking and Receiving Payments
Your earnings accumulate in your "Cash Back Balance," which is visible in your account dashboard. Rakuten issues payments quarterly via PayPal or a physical check.
Pro Tip: Earning In-Store (Optional)
Once you're comfortable with online shopping, you can also earn cash back on in-store and dining purchases. In the Rakuten app or on the website, find the "In-Store" section. You'll need to link a credit or debit card to your account, then link a specific store's offer to your card before you shop. When you pay with that linked card, you'll automatically get cash back. This is a great way to maximize earnings, but focusing on a simple online purchase is the fastest way to secure your initial bonus.
