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.
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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!
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!
My ebate check was mailed but never received. I contact ebates to inform and the team immediately sprung to action. Customer Care reached out to me w/in a few days to verify some information and approximately one week or so, I received an email that they will issue a replacement check. Alexis and her colleagues were prompted, friendly yet professional. Outstanding customer service!
Date of experience: June 6, 2015
Besides getting money back for items I was going to buy anyway, the customer service is excellent!
The few times I have had questions about rebates, customer service has responded within hours and corrected the problem within a day.
Even better they have given me advice on working with certain venders in how to place my order properly to avoid any future mistakes on my part. Awesome!
I wish more on line sites had such great service!
Date of experience: March 19, 2015
Like every program there are some ups and downs. Anytime I have an issue, I send an email and they are so good at replying promptly and getting things resolved right away:-). I love them for this and needless to say, the cash back!... I would recommend Ebates to anyone.
Date of experience: February 11, 2018
This company has the worst customer service and whatever percentage cash back they're showing on the website isn't true and never happened. I've shopped lots of times using priceline through rakuten and they said I can get cash back 3 months after staying at the hotel. However even after 3 months,I couldn't get any cashback, the reason they said if I purchased exclusive item or canceled,exchanged or returned. For hotel I wish I could do that. They just don't want to give cashback for big money because $700 or more total price for one time of priceline shop and I did 5times. Not only this, even you got the cashback it's wrong percentage of cash. When I shopped jcrew through rakuten it was 10% and I just got 4% bc when they added cashback the percentage already changed. That means how much % you get back depends on when they add cash to your account.
It's total scam and socialhelp email thing never worked either. So, do not waste your time for solve your issues.
Date of experience: November 22, 2023
8/29/17. It has been postponed for a month. Have contacted them but the answer is not a solution. They initially asked me to provide everything showing that I stayed that hotel. And after all documents had been turned in and then they said they need to verify with hotel, but no answer from hotel, period. I have to wait until hotel's verification. Obviously, they are not taking their website promise seriously. Will that call false advertising?
Conclusion: To earn this cash back, I have spent tons of time and energy, not worthy to use ebate.
Date of experience: September 29, 2017
I am a brand new member of Ebates. I had a couple of issues with my account. The first was the system would not allow me to enter my address. With no address, there would be no way to mail me my rebate check. I wrote to Customer Service and heard back from Kathleen the same day. By the following morning she had entered my address and quickly resolved the issue. My second issue was I had placed an order through Ebates with Walmart. When I went to check the status, it was no where to be found. Again, Kathleen came to the rescue and within a day had rectified that issue as well. I am very impressed with Kathleen, the Customer Service Representative who took care of me. Sometimes the best way to measure the quality of service of a company is by how they handle issues. And Kathleen did a wonderful job. Based on her quick and efficient actions, I would most definitely recommend Ebates to anyone! Thank you Kathleen!
Date of experience: August 3, 2015
I rarely shop in stores now, so all this online cash back from Rakuten is a game-changer for me. I would say that I shop more than your average person, so I love having Rakuten to shave off some of the guilt. I especially love the Chrome extension because the small popup always reminds me to activate my cash back. I recently purchased a designer wallet on Valentine's Day (14% cash back, woohoo!) and will be getting back over $100 on it. No other sale, coupon, etc. allows me to get designer goods at a discount. I will never stop using Rakuten :)
Date of experience: February 22, 2019
A terrific way to make some unexpected money as a result of purchases you were going to make anyway. Isn't it ridiculous that this company decided to change its name for the very memorable and established brand Ebates to its new totally forgettable name
Date of experience: June 5, 2019
First of all, I love getting this money back, of course! That aside, I am EXTREMELY impressed with eBates customer service. I reached out to eBates Member Services (via email) because I did not wind up getting cash back on something I had purchased when I expected to. Member Services was responsive in a very timely, personable, and clear manner for every communication... and then when they were not able to get me the cash back from that store purchase because they could not locate the records from the store, they made good by giving me credit themselves. They made a on this previously negative situation, extremely positive and therefore have now converted me into a super-passionate fan of eBates! I am now going to be an even bigger advocate for eBates! Amazing job eBates staff and great business policy eBates! Keep it up!
Date of experience: September 12, 2018
It is true. They have a fast customer service response. The only problem is I've needed customer service for the last 5 out 6 purchases! And this last one was DENIED with some BS that an affiliate took the credit... I clicked the link, and shopped just like you are supposed to. I'm not sure they are tracking URL's very well and I am tired of playing the Ebates games. Enough.
Tip for consumers:
Be prepared to request you cash back.. it is NOT automatic like they claim.
Date of experience: September 25, 2014
I have eared about $400 using eBates for items I was buying anyway.
Stuck in a hospital bed at home so most of my shopping is online.
I buy a lot on eBay and the amount % back is much less than this past winter for eBay buying.
Some classes of buying no % back so then I switch back to Befrugal which seems to always have the 1.5% back. Better than nothing and adds up.
I also buy a lot of food etc on Vitacost. I check both sites to see who is offering the higher % and yes it does change.
I have even used eBates at lowes or home depo. Just be sure to check both cash back sites to see who is higher.
Date of experience: April 8, 2019
Every time I've had an issue with a purchase showing up for a rebate I would email customer service and they respond within 24 hours and then update my account accordingly once I confirm my purchase. No runaround, no hassle! Love ebates, love their customer service, they could teach other companies a thing or two.
Date of experience: May 3, 2015
Ebates closed my account for no apparent reason and did not send me a check of almost 5 thousand dollars. I buy a lot and I earned a lot. I tried to contact them but nobody can answer where is my money. It fells very unfair. They already received cash back from all stores I shopped and they have to send me a check. It looks like Ebates wants to steal my money. Don't trust them.
Date of experience: February 10, 2017
My husband hates shopping (whose doesn't?) But when he knows I'll get money back from Ebates he's all for it. When I had a delay in seeing my Ebates reward after a sale, I contacted Ebates and they resolved my problem immediately! And they've checked back since to make sure I'm satisfied and I am.
Date of experience: August 27, 2015
Ebates is one of my top-choice shopping sites. Cash back credit has always been accurate and come fast I haven't experienced any problem with Ebates. One of Ebates' biggest attraction for me is that from time to time they have "double cash back" promotions on some of the stores that I frequently shop at, such as Kohls.com, Kmart.com, and Sears.com, during which time the cash back rates usually beat competitors'. Cash back (in the form of check) accrues fast and threshold for cashing out is generously low (only $5.00 if I'm not mistaken). And the coolest thing about Ebates that you don't even have to remember to request a cash-out with them. Once the balance in your account reaches the minimum, they will send you a check automatically and you don't have to do a thing! From my only interaction with customer service that recently occurred via email, I can say that their staff is prompt to respond, courteous and helpful. Overall, very satisfied with Ebates. Way to go!
Date of experience: May 26, 2015
Not only is it good to receive a little bit of cash back for something I was going to purchase anyway, but it is great to know that Ebates' excellent customer service team is only a click away. They are always helpful, courteous, and quick to reply to questions. Thank you for the Ebates button!
Date of experience: March 18, 2015
I started using Ebates years ago, and they have always been one of my favorite sites ever. They make getting cashback on everything you buy super super easy. They even have a website extensions in it help you to never forget to use them.
The reason that I have stayed with them all this time, though, is because their customer service is top notch. Anytime I have had an issue, no matter how big or small, they have solved it within a matter of hours.
To date, I think I have gotten back close to $500 with little to no effort on my part. I adore Ebates.
Date of experience: November 26, 2018
An oversight on my part of not changing my mailing address with Ebates resulted in my not receiving several of my Big Fat Checks. I sent an inquiry and within hours, Kathleen has investigated and started the process to get a replacement check sent out to me. I could not have asked for a quicker response and better customer service. Thanks Ebates!
Date of experience: March 18, 2015
Wrong product showed up. Was told NICELY that it was not their problem, contact seller. I do not have time for this. Should have used Amazon. 2 dollars more, best return policy. I will NEVER use Ratuten ever again.
Date of experience: June 21, 2014
I absolutely love shopping online and how awesome is it to get money back just by shopping through eBates. I love this site. Such amazing customer service and all of the associates are friendly and fast at answering any questions I have. I had a few purchases that didn't capture but reached out to an associate who quickly compensated me for the mistake. I couldn't ask for an easier way to shop online.
Date of experience: September 26, 2017
I ordered a cover for my macbook and it came in within 3 days. It also came with a screen protector and keyboard thing. But both things were poor quality so I threw it out. My friend recommended this site to me because the cover only cost $10 plus free shipping. They have a different sale every day. I didn't really have any problems, so I gave three stars. They do email you once or twice a day for promotions. But you can just unsubscribe.
Date of experience: April 29, 2014
Prompt email response when I emailed in a question about a recent order. Emailed back and forth quickly and within a few days it was completely resolved. Best online customer service I have had from any company!
Date of experience: March 3, 2015
The customer service representative who responded to my email (Nicole) was very helpful, and provided a thorough and clear answer/explanation to my questions. I also appreciate that she got back to me so quickly.
Thanks so much!
Date of experience: January 29, 2015
I've never had any issues with receiving Cash Back on my account. Some stores are very quick to add the Cash Back right away, which is great! Overall, I've had nothing but a great experience using Rakuten
Date of experience: March 8, 2019
I got a referral from a friend, and later referred Rakuten to another friend. For some reason the referral and sign-up bonuses didn't show up for any of us. Diane, a member service rep, provided outstanding assistance in resolving the issues, showing ultimate professionalism and kindness. We are all very impressed with the quality of member service from Rakuten, exemplified by Diane, and very confident in our future interactions with rakuten.com. Thank you, Diane!
Date of experience: May 21, 2021
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.
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.
We work hard on making sure you receive your Cash Back as promptly as possible, so we're thrilled to hear this. Happy shopping, Vivianne!