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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
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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 ev1907
Illinois
1 review
1 helpful vote
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December 23rd, 2014

I bought a toy for my son for Christmas over a month ago. The company sent out some type of plastic inexpensive credit card holder instead. I attempted to contact the company through phone calls, surveys & emails. Not once did I get a response. The toy never came. Luckily I paid through paypal and I filed a dispute and they eventually credited me. I would not order anything on this website. Beware!

Tip for consumers:
beware

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: December 23, 2014

Thumbnail of user cathyl73
Illinois
1 review
5 helpful votes
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January 21st, 2018

I've used Ebates for years, don't do a lot of online shopping but every little bit helps. When I needed a new computer I was thrilled to see that I could go through Ebates and there was even a 10% special holiday offer. What a deal! Except that it didn't happen. After a few letters I was finally told that I had made the purchase through another site. NO, I had clicked on the special offer. They've now offered me a $20 consolation prize when I make another purchase - just did that, we'll see if the 20 bucks shows up.

Date of experience: January 21, 2018

Thumbnail of user marys773
Illinois
4 reviews
12 helpful votes
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May 5th, 2018

I had been having problems with Ebates because I am disabled and cannot get to the bank. They persisted in sending me checks instead of letting me opt for gift cards. They have made good on all of it. I was contacted by the director of member services and he fixed everything. I was given a gift card for the checks I could not cash plus a little extra for my inconvenience all these months. He also assured me that, in the future, all rewards would be given to me in the form of gift cards.
If you are having problems with them, do contact customer service and get to the director.

Date of experience: May 5, 2018

Thumbnail of user acexss
Canada
1 review
0 helpful votes
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August 7th, 2014
Verified purchase

I'm a new subscriber to Ebates and am looking forward to receiving cash back. In these economics times I appreciate being able to do that using this service. I was having trouble with the site and Ebates' CSR's are terrific. My Email to them was answered very promptly and provided resolution to my issue. I would strongly recommend the use of this site for all their online shopping.

Date of experience: August 7, 2014

Thumbnail of user johnj433
South Carolina
2 reviews
11 helpful votes
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November 10th, 2017

EBates works fine when you are making small purchases, but I took them up on their Lifelock offer of a 40% rebate. After getting the runaround with four different reps, they finally said I did not activate the proper code and therefore missed out on the rebate. First of all that is a lie because I know how to use eBates. Secondly, I provided more than ample proof that I bought a service from a company that they offer rebates with; the rep never said I didn't meet the conditions of the rebate, but that I missed out on a technicality. I don't suppose it had anything to do with the fact that they would have to fork over $78.

Date of experience: November 10, 2017

Thumbnail of user joseg87
Colombia
1 review
1 helpful vote
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June 4th, 2016
Verified purchase

I have been in the middle of traveling and moving and missed out on a check, which they kindly voided it and sent a new one out. The representative (Jason) was very cordial, quick when responding and took care of my problem with no hassle what so ever!

Date of experience: June 4, 2016

Thumbnail of user melanieb53
Michigan
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 9th, 2016
Verified purchase

My EBATES check did not arrive, and so I sent a request to have someone look into the missing payment. It turns out that the error was entirely my fault. My address on file with Ebates was from 2 years ago, and so I simply had not updated my account. An Ebates customer service representative adjusted my address in their system, and my check will be mailed next month. I appreciate the quick and proactive solution provided. Thank you!

Date of experience: March 9, 2016

Thumbnail of user jessicab179
Tennessee
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 16th, 2016

I have been using Ebates for years and have never had any issues. I am always credited for the purchases I make (although my mom has had a few go missing--make sure to keep your email receipts and they will credit you!).

Recently, my account showed that my Big Fat Check was sent to me, but I did not receive it. I had moved but forgotten to update my address. I reached out to customer service, and they immediately looked into the problem, found another check that had not been cashed because it had been delivered to the wrong address, and reissued me BOTH checks! I opted to wait for the check, but they also offered to put the account into my PayPal account right away.

So responsive and helpful. I definitely recommend. If you are skeptical--don't be. I tell all of my friends - if you are going to shop online anyway, then why NOT start at Ebates?

Date of experience: September 16, 2016

Thumbnail of user dougb205
North Carolina
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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July 31st, 2019
Verified purchase

Since the site didn't acknowledge it was waiting for confirmation of my purchase from Advance Auto, I'll have to assume that's what's happening. Also, when I've gone to the site lately it's asked me to log in. Ebates didn't do that unless I was messing with my account.

Date of experience: July 31, 2019

Thumbnail of user craigd20
New Jersey
1 review
9 helpful votes
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September 24th, 2015

Recently made a $2000. 00 purchase from sears and went thru ebates for 6% cash back. When it didn't show up in pending i wrote c/s and gave them order # and all info. Needed they say with large sums it could take up to 45 days for sears to get back to them. They have the proof. NOT HAPPY

Service

Date of experience: September 24, 2015

Thumbnail of user suet58
Oregon
1 review
0 helpful votes
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October 26th, 2017

I have nothing but positive things to say about Ebates and the Ebates member services team. I needed assistance when one of my transactions was missing from my statement. Not only did I receive a reply in less than an hour, but the issue was resolved right then and there. Other companies could learn a few things from Ebates. They certainly set a standard of excellence!

And a special thank you to Melissa G. It was a joy working with you.

Date of experience: October 26, 2017

Thumbnail of user danc1790
Washington
2 reviews
3 helpful votes
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February 23rd, 2024

Following this issue, Rakuten customer support promptly sent a response. I then received my cashback and will continue to recommend their site and services.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: February 21, 2024

Thumbnail of user vivians87
New Jersey
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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December 25th, 2019

I love shopping with Rakuten - it is very simple... one click and you are earning money while you shop! Their customer service department is absolutely the best... they are patient, knowledgeable and prompt to resolve any issues in a very timely fashion. Will be referring friends and family so that they too can enjoy earning cash back while they shop.

Date of experience: December 23, 2019

Thumbnail of user laurac245
Ohio
1 review
1 helpful vote
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July 21st, 2017

Even thought I failed to make a online purchase by activating Ebates, they credited my account anyway. I thought this was out of the norm since the mistake was mine. I dad another purchase that Ebates was activated but not credited and they gave me the credit and took it on themselves to resolve the matter with the vendor. Excellent cash back program! No problems receiving quarterly pay outs either.

Date of experience: July 21, 2017

Thumbnail of user dong9
West Virginia
1 review
2 helpful votes
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April 27th, 2011

False advertising: On two different other sites I saw a link to a 55" Samsung LED TV for $999 at buy.com. Buy.com makes you give them your credit card info at checkout to see the actual price. Then I found that the price was over $2000. What a waste of time.

Date of experience: April 27, 2011

Thumbnail of user alysons
Massachusetts
1 review
1 helpful vote
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October 26th, 2014
Verified purchase

Ebates has always been totally awesome! I have earned about $100 in cash back since joining, and the recent updates make it so easy to remember to use it. Also, anytime I've had an issue with not getting cash back Customer Service addresses it super fast and always makes it right!

Date of experience: October 26, 2014

Thumbnail of user lauraw316
Alabama
1 review
6 helpful votes
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November 3rd, 2018

I have been using Ebates for about a year and have liked it, but as soon as I started to pay attention to how many times I was not getting my money, I could finally see how they make theirs... by cheating me out of mine! I will no longer use them! I refuse to "make money" for a company that is stealing from me!

Date of experience: November 3, 2018

Thumbnail of user jamesv33
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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April 14th, 2015
Verified purchase

On three separate transactions, I did not automatically get my rebate. Submitting a claim is an easy process. Customer service communicated the status along the way and I received all of my rebates. I did not have to hound them for it once I requested it. Ebates stands by its customers.

Service
Value
Quality

Date of experience: April 14, 2015

Thumbnail of user tonyr86
Alaska
1 review
1 helpful vote
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December 30th, 2016
Verified purchase

Ebates is the only way to shop online! You get money back for shopping online. Brilliant and pretty simple. They have amazing customer service too. I made an error on a recent purchase. They were quick to resolve the issue. Another happy, satisfied ebates customer here! You should be one too!

Date of experience: December 30, 2016

Thumbnail of user sharonb230
Pennsylvania
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 14th, 2018

This is a great company (site) completely designed to benefit the consumer. You get cash back on purchases that you otherwise would not receive.
In addition, the customer/member service team is amazing. I contacted them with an issue, and within hours it was completely resolved. They acted swiftly and considerately to resolve my problem. This is a great company that truly cares about their consumer!

Date of experience: March 14, 2018

Thumbnail of user dianec26
New Jersey
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
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December 8th, 2014
Verified purchase

Great customer service in verifying that my last Big Fat Check was never received by mail. Customer Service rep, Eric replied incredibly quickly to inform me that the funds would be deposited electronically into my Pay Pal account. Almost too good to be true... getting money back for shopping and terrific customer service. Thanks Eric and Ebates.

Date of experience: December 8, 2014

Thumbnail of user dianed19
Washington
3 reviews
6 helpful votes
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January 31st, 2015
Verified purchase

Ebates has been very helpful and easy to work with. They sorted out my order where my click did not register. The issue was handled very quickly and I appreciate their working with me. Sincerely, Diane

Date of experience: January 31, 2015

Thumbnail of user marionp18
New York
3 reviews
18 helpful votes
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July 20th, 2016

When I joined ebates they had a thing going on where if you spend $25 or over you get a $10 gift card. I spent well over that and never received one. Everytime i contacted customer service it was a different excuse. Very disappointed

Date of experience: July 20, 2016

Thumbnail of user michaelw146
Indiana
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 25th, 2015

This was the first time I have ever contacted E Bates. I know I had created a ticket for a purchase but it didn't show up on my Dashboard.

I sent a very simple letter, with purchase verification to customer service. The response was a surprise as they were very professional and resolved the issue at once.

Basic common sense. It works. So does E Bates. If you want to deal with a company that answers with compassion, not a form letter; you have found it.

Date of experience: May 25, 2015

Thumbnail of user barbarak31
Vermont
3 reviews
2 helpful votes
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September 26th, 2015
Verified purchase

If you shop online, you must try this site... ebates.com. Not only do they give you coupons for all popular stores, you got cash rebate (via check) quarterly. No spam, no worry! Have used it for 3 years! It's great

Date of experience: September 26, 2015

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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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