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    Rakuten

Rakuten

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Overview

Rakuten has a rating of 2.7 stars from 2,124 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about Rakuten most frequently mention credit card, referral bonus, and family member problems. Rakuten ranks 5th among Cash Back sites.

  • Service
    187
  • Value
    151
  • Returns
    64
  • Quality
    121

This company does not typically respond to reviews

Positive reviews (last 12 months): 18.2%
Positive
2
Neutral
0
Negative
9
View ratings trends
61
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How would you rate Rakuten?
Top Positive Review

“Amazing Rakuten! Thanks so much Susan!”

Tetiana K.
5/7/24

Rakuten team are the best service I've come across in the US. We are refugees from Ukraine and we are very grateful to Rakuten for such joy as excellent service, impeccable work, patience, respect for the client and professionalism. I will be happy to buy everything only through the Rakuten service. This is a great savings and a great pleasure to know them! Thank you Susan!

Date of experience: 5/6/24
See positive reviews
Top Critical Review

“Thieves”

Cory C.
12/11/24

They never pay what you actually earned. I have yet to have a single transaction pay what was advertised. Even after purchases have been verified they just delete the payout for no reason. 100% scam!

Date of experience: 12/1/24
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Reviews (2,124)

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Reviews that mention popular keywords

customer service (796) customer care (55) shopping trip (51) customer support (36) response time (19) credit card (31) gift card (35)
Thumbnail of user coryc266
New York
4 reviews
0 helpful votes
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December 11th, 2024

They never pay what you actually earned. I have yet to have a single transaction pay what was advertised. Even after purchases have been verified they just delete the payout for no reason. 100% scam!

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: December 1, 2024

Thumbnail of user giang.hminh
France
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 6th, 2024

Les vendeurs professionnels sur ce site ne sont pas fiables. Un vendeur pro (jinliangshop) m'a vendu un téléphone qui est tombé en panne deux mois après l'achat. Je lui ai renvoyé le téléphone pour réparation, mais depuis, il fait silence radio, et il m'est impossible de porter plainte. Rakuten se désiste de toute responsabilité. A absolument éviter si vous voulez avoir une garantie.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: November 6, 2024

Thumbnail of user tetianak13
Florida
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 7th, 2024
Verified purchase

Rakuten team are the best service I've come across in the US. We are refugees from Ukraine and we are very grateful to Rakuten for such joy as excellent service, impeccable work, patience, respect for the client and professionalism.
I will be happy to buy everything only through the Rakuten service. This is a great savings and a great pleasure to know them! Thank you Susan!

Products used:
Vacuum

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: May 6, 2024

Thumbnail of user vaxusvaxu
New Jersey
8 reviews
8 helpful votes
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May 21st, 2024

They boast a 25% cashback if I buy something from Temu, which I did. I was sure the system activated this cashback just before purchase. However, they never sent me this cashback, despite my multiple attempts to claim it. First they tried to play stupid by simply repeating the info I already submitted a few times, then they didn't even bother to reply in the end. I will let both Temu and other customers know how dishonest and unreliable they are.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: May 21, 2024

Thumbnail of user miriamc20
New York
57 reviews
40 helpful votes
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May 2nd, 2023
• Updated review

I just got an email about the updated referral bonus. It basically says for me to remind them but I have no idea on how to do that cause there is no send a reminder or anything. People used my link but don't actually follow through. There's double cash back until 5/14.

Value

Date of experience: May 1, 2023

Alright then.
April 27th, 2023
• Previous review

I've been using them for years. In the last several years I've been shopping on Amazon and they don't offer cashback, any more, for Amazon. I've earned a total of $122 and change from them in cash back and referrals. Their next Big Fat Check is scheduled for Aug 15th

Tip for consumers:
I had to email them to get my last referral bonus sent to me after they send my cashback cause it disappeared from my earnings.

Products used:
Walmart mostly.

Date of experience: April 24, 2023

Thumbnail of user df568
Canada
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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August 15th, 2023
Verified purchase

I have the extension as well as often buying through Rakuten/Kobo. While I get some rewards others say"Up to" often meaning no rewards for your purchase, in particular Staples Copy & Print. Spent hundreds and never gotten a dime from them.

Really the rewards are not worth the hassle. Will be cancelling after the next cheque

Service
Quality

Date of experience: August 15, 2023

Thumbnail of user juliek1208
Minnesota
1 review
0 helpful votes
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January 30th, 2024

This is the most annoying app ever. Crap pops up every time I visit a website. My credit card company does a much better job of finding deals, without the constant interruptions.
They make is impossible to cancel the service. I had to contact customer service several times, each time replying to stupid questions like "what country do you live in?". Why does it matter? I gave you my account number and you verified! Then they walk you through a ridiculously long process to "request" cancellation.
All that BS and now it says it could take up to 45 days.Give me a break. Just have a delete button like everyone else.

Tip for consumers:
Steer clear.

Products used:
None. Expected to get all these great online deals. A ggogle search for codes is more productive.

Service
Value
Quality

Date of experience: January 30, 2024

Thumbnail of user joshg426
New Zealand
1 review
1 helpful vote
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July 16th, 2023

My company has always used Commission Factory (Junction) and Rakuten. I always found Rakuten was harder to use and lacked some of the features CF has. Also it seems like affiliates are on all channels so there really isn't a need for two.

I decided to terminate my contract with Rakuten, which had been signed nearly 10 years prior. They said I would have to pay the fees for 7 months as the contract automatically renews every year, this seems unfair and just gave me a very bad impression of them.

Service
Value

Date of experience: July 16, 2023

Thumbnail of user markd3403
Washington
8 reviews
2 helpful votes
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March 20th, 2024

I used to have good results getting my cash back but it's changed. I had a purchase on 9/2/2024 and it was supposed to be $15.90 cash back and for 2 it says pending they never got it confirmed even though I got an email showing I received my rewards. I've sent probably 15 messages and they just reply someone will get back to yo and they never do. I wouldn't even fool with Rakuten anymore it's not worth the frustration.

Service
Value
Quality

Date of experience: March 20, 2024

Thumbnail of user paulm5319
Colorado
2 reviews
4 helpful votes
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January 28th, 2024

Unbelievable. I'm still in disbelief. I racked up quite a bit using Ebates and was diligent every time. Went through their website and most times I had to manually fill out their form with all the info, including the subtotal, merchant, order confirmation email. When it came time to pay the "big fat cheque" they literally shut down my account and refused to pay me claiming that the orders weren't placed properly

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: January 28, 2024

Thumbnail of user shelly.transki
Ohio
1 review
4 helpful votes
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August 10th, 2023

I made a purchase through their website, as needed to earn cash back. My balance was near $100. However within a month, they removed the highest cash back bonus from my balance ($75), without a word.
I completed a Missing Cash Back form, to which they then requested the order details. Why do they need the details when the Shopping Trip information was right there with everything already?
They don't want to pay out, so they remove high cash back earnings. They've also re-designed the Shopping Trip page to where you cannot access any details past the current 3 months.

Tip for consumers:
This website isn't worth the hassle.

Service
Value

Date of experience: August 10, 2023

Thumbnail of user dianen1254
New York
1 review
0 helpful votes
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January 12th, 2024

I was a loyal Rakuten member until they terminated my account out of nowhere. I asked for proof of the reasonings and they said they didn't have to provide any. Their terms and conditions say they can terminate "for any reason or no reason." So basically for no reason your account can be terminated.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: January 12, 2024

Thumbnail of user randomp16
California
1 review
3 helpful votes
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September 30th, 2023

After 12 months, they will debit you $5 until your balance is 0. I did not see this in the initial terms... I feel maybe they retroactively added it, or I may be confused? Either way they took my cashback and made it disappear.

Service
Value

Date of experience: September 30, 2023

Thumbnail of user heyitsbrittanyjean
Illinois
10 reviews
7 helpful votes
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November 16th, 2023

Not happy I keep having issues with stores confirming my orders and cash back not getting added to my account within the time frame it says. I'm tired of reaching out to Rakuten bc of that. Also don't like some of Rakutens agents being unfriendly or not helpful. I also have expected a few checks to be larger than they they are. Feel like there is some kind of mistake happening to where I am not getting the right amount.

Date of experience: November 15, 2023

Thumbnail of user denism238
RU
1 review
3 helpful votes
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July 18th, 2023

They don't pay welcome bonus as was promised at the time of registration. First of all, I received a confirmation the full check was sent out to me, but in a while received a check $30 less, now they ignore me and don't answer to my messages

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: July 18, 2023

Thumbnail of user astkhikz
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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August 15th, 2023

After a long chatting with team members, they blocked my account and waved my sign up and refer a friend bonuses since they found that I created multiple duplicate accounts. However, it so not true!
Other accounts I referred to were my family members! In their policy, it says that family members can get a refer a friend bonus as well.
They simply didn't believe me, restricted my account and didn't return my bonuses by claiming that I duplicated accounts.
They don't trust their customers which his so unprofessional, I am so disappointed by this…

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: August 15, 2023

Thumbnail of user yarinalon68
Israel
1 review
7 helpful votes
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August 14th, 2023
Verified purchase

I accumulated almost $300 cashback in my account, the payment date came, the company closed my account with all kinds of excuses, and they took the money I accumulated $300, but the commissions they received from sites I purchased they earned at my expense, there are several other complaints online about their working method, they advertise cashback Higher than the competitors, but when the time comes to pay, they close your account, earn the commission, and simply disown you in disgrace.

Products used:
cashback

Date of experience: August 14, 2023

Thumbnail of user lishuyuan2022
California
1 review
3 helpful votes
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November 11th, 2023

It is totally a scam as it shows you got new account bonus and referral bonus and cash back from the purchases then they suddenly inactive your account without any explanation, and this rakuten account is the only cash back account I have.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: November 11, 2023

Thumbnail of user pe70
France
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 20th, 2023

I ordered an iPad for my son for Christmas. The text messages I received informing of the delivery did not accept my postcode. Something was off. Then I received an email on the day that my parcel was on its way, then it showed as delivered. I was at home and no one rang the bell. It was supposed to be hand delivered with signature. I never received it. I wrote to Rakuten and they ask me to file a complaint with the police that my parcel was stolen! I will use Rakuten again, they use dishonest transport companies to save on cost. The iPad was stolen by a company called Okeyparcel - never use them!

Tip for consumers:
Rakuten can NOT be trusted

Products used:
Never received it

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: December 20, 2023

Thumbnail of user monia4
Texas
1 review
3 helpful votes
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May 19th, 2021

I helped my roommates make an account and make purchases through Rakuten then the next day all my 4 roommates' accounts and mine were blocked. After contacting customer service they said "Also, per our terms here: https://www.rakuten.com/help/article/terms-conditions**************
Specifically in article 22.1. Termination or Suspension states in part, "We may terminate this Agreement and your use of or access to the Program at any time, for any reason or no reason." "

Tip for consumers:
Best avoid it.

Service
Value

Date of experience: May 19, 2021

Thumbnail of user andrewm690
Illinois
2 reviews
5 helpful votes
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January 5th, 2024

They heavily push their customers to refer people and offer referral bonuses. Using their advertised programs I got up to $130 in referral bonuses and was feeling pretty good! However, soon before it was time to pay up the bonuses just disappeared from my account. I contacted customer service vial email. 5 days later all they sent back was a link to their public facing referral bonus page. I tried to call customer service and they have a message saying they cant take calls. I tried the chat. It requires me to verify my account by clicking a link, but the link leads to a dead page.

They clearly do not want their customers to have access to someone who can address issues like this. Further, its pretty underhanded to dangle a carrot, get me to talk people into making an account and buying something, only to take away the small benefit I was supposed to get.

Below is proof of ne of the bonuses that was taken away. It was awarded on November 22 and taken away over a month after being reflected on my account. The same thing happened with the three other referral bonuses that disappeared.

Tip for consumers:
I would not waste your time with this company. While it is nice to get a bit of a rebate here and there, they take money out of your account and I have been unable to get anyone to look at this for the last 5 days.

Products used:
Where there was a verified purchase leading to cash back, they have not taken that away. Only the referral bonuses.

Service
Value
Quality

Date of experience: January 5, 2024

Thumbnail of user tstewart0124
California
1 review
2 helpful votes
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January 8th, 2024

HORRIBLE AND A RIPOFF. I referred 9 people and 3 signed up plus made qualifying purchases. No referral has been sent. They send links to click that are broken. When asked for a representative it says " due to covid they don't want to risk employees therefore they can't have a rep call you nor leave voice messages" Huh!? I'm so annoyed that I warned everyone else that I referred to NOT use them nor my referral for this reason. BEWARE! Also you have to keep track of your own account to file your missing funds.

Date of experience: January 8, 2024

Thumbnail of user ezraw8
Virginia
5 reviews
16 helpful votes
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July 30th, 2019

I've been an Ebates member since 2010 and back then I was getting a fair amount of cash back or gift cards for my purchases. Recently, however, after the change to Rakuten I lost all of my money. So, after 10 years of being with this company I have no balance, and no history. I had a bunch of money saved, to the point where I could go on ebates, and get a gift card to go birthday present or even Christmas shopping. Now, it's all gone. Not cool.

Date of experience: July 30, 2019

Thumbnail of user robynk2
Illinois
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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December 12th, 2018

I received a gift card for signing up and a check back after last Holiday season! The only problem is that it can become removed with computer updates. I did not realize this happened and missed some cash back. Customer service was helpful.

Date of experience: December 12, 2018

Thumbnail of user junem87
Illinois
4 reviews
0 helpful votes
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June 6th, 2019
Verified purchase

I am pleased with Rakuten for the most part. It would be nice if there were bigger rebates/ It seems that I am not experiencing as much of a rebate lately, even though I have been shopping more. Increase your sites to include more places.

Date of experience: June 5, 2019

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From the business

Rakuten is the new Ebates! Rakuten is the premier Cash Back shopping site that pays you. Join today and start earning Cash Back at your favorite stores. How does it work? We pay members Cash Back when they shop at over 2,500 stores, plus find them the best deals and coupons. With over 12 million members and $1 billion in Cash Back paid out, Rakuten is the easiest and most rewarding way to shop. Become a member today and start shopping smarter. Follow us for the latest sales, member-exclusive offers and more.

Business History

Ebates is the pioneer and leader of online Cash Back Shopping. The company was founded in 1998 by two Deputy District Attorneys in Silicon Valley who used to prosecute online fraud & identity theft before starting Ebates (so you can be sure we are very into secure online transactions!). So go ahead, sign up and start shopping now. Joining Ebates is always free - you'll never pay us anything. And four times a year or more, we'll mail you a Big Fat Check, or transfer the money to your PayPal account if you'd prefer. We can even send the money to your favorite charity. All 100% free.

Company Representative

Thumbnail of user ebatess
Ebates S.
Typically does not respond to reviews

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2.7
2,124 reviews
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