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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
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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 stevek777
Washington
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 23rd, 2020

I wanted to personally thank the Rakuten telephone agent, Tanya, for her assistance with a cashback issue I had. From the very start of our conversation, Tanya was very personable and easy to talk to, she actively listened to the issue I had and wanted to help, and then she knew exactly how to tackle/resolve my particular issue.

In addition, I also had a several questions about Rakuten and their cashback program and Tanya was well-versed about the company's procedures by giving thorough responses. I learned a great deal from her and couldn't ask for a better customer service experience. Thank you Tanya - you were wonderful and I wanted to make sure others know as well!

Date of experience: September 22, 2020

Thumbnail of user alvink32
Canada
1 review
5 helpful votes
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February 17th, 2020

I have been a member for 3 years and during the switch over to rskuten all my funds are lost and I have a zero balance. The help I'm getting is useless, just a generic response. Anyone else incur this problem of lost funds on the switch over?

Date of experience: February 17, 2020

Thumbnail of user deborahc19
Texas
1 review
1 helpful vote
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November 30th, 2014
Verified purchase

Easiest way to earn extra cash$$$$. Simple, simple, simple! It is a no brainer, if you are going to buy online, why not go through their website to earn a little extra cash. They really do send you a check, it is a nice surprise in the mail. :) Highly recommended!

Date of experience: November 30, 2014

Thumbnail of user pankajd2
Connecticut
1 review
2 helpful votes
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January 16th, 2015

I purchase the item on December 20th 2014 and that suppose to be gift to someone i waited so long. But I received email on Jan. 8 2015 that my order is cancelled as they are out of stock. This not the way to business, If you do not have in stock do not take order or do not complete the order after taking order on Christmas time. If you complete the order then its their responsibility to complete the order, no matter they have it or not they have to arrange for item and supply to buyer. Very disappointed will never buy from this site.

Date of experience: January 16, 2015

Thumbnail of user kellyh67
Kansas
1 review
0 helpful votes
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January 17th, 2015
Verified purchase

I was in my account and was looking at my cash back history and noticed the system stated I should have received a check in November. I emailed customer service to notify them I hadn't and Stephanie researched this for me and I have a check being reissued for the amount. She was very nice and answered quickly. Thanks

Date of experience: January 15, 2015

Thumbnail of user melissam85
South Carolina
1 review
0 helpful votes
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October 17th, 2015
Verified purchase

I had placed an order using Ebates, and the vendor I used had a limit on the number of items you could purchase in one transaction, so I ordered the same item 3 different times under the same login for Ebates. I only received one Cash Back amount for the items. Once I realized this I sent an email to customer service and he told me to send over my other 2 orders and he would credit my account, so I did. As soon as I got him my information I had my credits in my account just a few minutes later.

Date of experience: October 17, 2015

Thumbnail of user ricks99
New York
1 review
15 helpful votes
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September 23rd, 2016

I have been using E Bates for a little over a year now. I travel in my line of work and I say and hotel at least four nights a week. I have booked every hotel since January 1 through eBay. I have not been compensated my 2% on any of my hotel stays. They tell me that it is because they have to wait to receive the information from the hotel confirming my stay. I go out of my way to forward them the email confirmation of my hotel booking before I stay and after I receive my email receipt, I forward that to them as well. I have no doubt that they are being paid by the companies they advertise, but they failed to pass that rebate incentive on to the customers that are buying the goods. I am thoroughly disgusted with the site. If anyone knows of a comparable website, I would love to try them.
I received a response from eBay saying that they would like to look into my account. I have emailed them on a weekly basis expressing my frustration. My email address is, *******@hotmail.com.

Date of experience: September 23, 2016

Thumbnail of user tammyb22
Missouri
1 review
3 helpful votes
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December 9th, 2014

Worse on-line company I've ever dealt with. I also wished I'd seen these reviews before ordering. I placed 2 orders the same day for the same item [2 different delivery addresses]. Item showed in stock. Two days later I get 2 emails [1 per order] saying items had shipped. 3 days later no tracking # is showing so I contacted the vendor [Tradecozone] to get one. 2 days after that I had still not heard back so I contact Rakuten. All I got from Rakuten is a email saying I was being refunded on my 1st order. Since then I've emailed Rakuten 3 times, Tradecozone once more, and left a voice message with Rakuten. It's a week later and I still can't get a response from either. I have no idea what's going on with the 2nd order. If the item was out of stock, why did it show shipped? If out of stock then where's my email about a refund? Where's the refund? Did the 2nd order really ship or not? If shipped, where's my tracking number or better yet, where's my item?

Date of experience: December 9, 2014

Thumbnail of user tiffanyp29
New York
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 13th, 2016
Verified purchase

After I couldn't find my "cash back" from a pretty large purchase, I contacted customer service and they were very prompt in getting back to me (within a day). The retailer had actually processed my order number incorrectly and it wasn't showing that I had purchased from the retail site directly. Customer service quickly responded and informed me I couldn't get my cash back because of this reason and kindly offered me a "valued customer cash bonus". I emailed customer service again and verified that I made my purchase from one of the Ebates retailer links... they very promptly responded, remedied the situation and I got the full amount of my cash back! I really feel that Ebates values their customers and it was evident through my experience with customer service. Again, they were prompt, courteous, gracious and persistent in really helping me. Thank you!

Date of experience: May 12, 2016

Thumbnail of user kellyb122
Iowa
1 review
1 helpful vote
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January 25th, 2016
Verified purchase

I do most of my shopping online and once I got connected with Ebates.com, well, to say the least, I was thrilled to see all the shopping I could do and get money back while shopping.
Now, I do all my shopping with Enates.com, even planning a vacation! Flights, cruises, hotels and so much more.
Thank you Ebates.com!

Date of experience: January 24, 2016

Thumbnail of user miker92
New Jersey
1 review
3 helpful votes
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November 13th, 2013

Like the site BUT they have limited amazon cashback

I am the founder of a new app called EzBucks. It is an iPhone & iPad app that rewards users 3.25% cashback on anything they purchase through amazon, its similar to the website Ebates, however unlike them we pay cashback on all categories including electronics. The best part is you still complete the purchase like normal from amazon (meaning you can use a CC that offers cashback and save even more).

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ezbucks-cashback-shopping/id*******?ls=1&mt=8

Date of experience: November 13, 2013

Thumbnail of user vladab1
Illinois
1 review
0 helpful votes
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June 26th, 2015
Verified purchase

My experience with Ebates was top notch when I needed to request cash back on a purchase I had made through Etsy, a new affiliate partner they were promoting. I hadn't realized I clicked through the Ebates referring link with an alternate Ebates account, so when I made the purchase, the cash back posted to that account instead of my main used one. When I inquired, the associate looked up the transaction/order, credited the cash back, and offered to consolidate the two existing accounts so that my cash back would all be in one place. All in under 24 hours.
Fantastic customer service and very attentive to the needs of their users!

Date of experience: June 26, 2015

Thumbnail of user joem216
Florida
4 reviews
0 helpful votes
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November 8th, 2016
Verified purchase

I have recently joined Ebates and just wanted to share how great the customer service is and the overall experience has been. I have only made 5 purchases and already rung up $89 and the Ebates referral program and the deals and savings they offer through all the sites that advertise through ebates which are all A Rated major stores. Give Ebates a try and you be thankful with the savings on every purchase. The Ebates cash back adds up quick and is a no brainer with no strings attached. Ebates is a Top Notch A+ operation!

Date of experience: November 8, 2016

Thumbnail of user annas75
California
1 review
1 helpful vote
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September 3rd, 2014
Verified purchase

ebates.com immediately responded to my request online for a reimbursement for a purchase that hadn't gone through. So they immediately gave me the money, even before investigating with the realtor - so awesome! They are amazing.

Date of experience: September 3, 2014

Thumbnail of user deang23
South Carolina
1 review
1 helpful vote
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January 31st, 2016
Verified purchase

My first few purchases didn't appear with cash back. I thought that would be the end of my use of EBates. Upon contacting customer support I received a personal reply about them contacting the mercant. The next day the money was listed in my pending account. I contacted customer support two other times being new and the same positive replies with the money pending in my account.
Since then, I wait, and 100% of the time the money simply goes into my account automatically. I am giving four stars because I would like to see the money in my account quicker.

Date of experience: January 31, 2016

Thumbnail of user monicak4
New Jersey
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 26th, 2015
Verified purchase

My coworker recommended the site and I joined and ordered my online stuff the way I always do but now get $$ back! I had to email ebates a few times and always got prompt and clear feedback. I recommend for anyone who shops online!

Date of experience: March 26, 2015

Thumbnail of user clarac31
Colorado
11 reviews
5 helpful votes
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September 18th, 2016

Ebates was the very first cash rebate site I used, I never had any major problems. I don't use Ebates as much nowadays because their rebate % is not as competitive as Upromise where I can get a total of 10% cash back when I pay with my Upromise credit card. However I still use Ebates on certain stores that I can't find on other available rebate sites.

Date of experience: September 17, 2016

Thumbnail of user chrisk84
New York
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 13th, 2015
Verified purchase

I love this site. The savings are great and the customer service is the Best! I found an E-Bates uncashed check which was over a year old and within an hour I received a very timely response and will be issued a new check! Thank you EBATES!:-)

Date of experience: February 12, 2015

Thumbnail of user kimm93
Ohio
1 review
1 helpful vote
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July 2nd, 2015
Verified purchase

I had thought I was going about the shopping process correctly when I discovered I had been doing it wrong. Krystal helped me figure it out and went above and beyond to fix the mistake and explain the process. I'm glad to see there is still great customer service out there.

Date of experience: July 2, 2015

Thumbnail of user laurena23
Nevada
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 8th, 2016
Verified purchase

At first I was a little worried because when I went to try and contact customer service I couldn't find a number to call but I emailed them and got a reply really fast and the issue was resolved and my account was credited. This was all within the same day!

Date of experience: March 7, 2016

Thumbnail of user shes12
Michigan
2 reviews
15 helpful votes
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May 5th, 2014

I've recently purchase 2 sets for dining chairs from Rakuten's website and received only 1 set. Rakuten asked to try work things out directly with the seller-123Stores. 123 stores said that they've had an error on the listing and the price was only for one chair although the listing clearly called out the price for a set of 2 chairs. 123stores refused to ship the balance of my order and asked to accept a small credit against the 2 chairs that I've received. The credit wasn't even 50% of the paid price, therefore I've asked Rakuten to help. After emails over emails and hours on hold they discuss the issue with the seller and provided with a 50% refund for the balance of the order. Now, I have 2 chairs and I need to find 2 more chairs to match the ones that I've received. What a hassle! I've wasted so much time by dealing with these people... I warn you DON'T BUY from RAKUTEN or 123 Stores!

Date of experience: May 5, 2014

Thumbnail of user dans106
New Jersey
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 27th, 2015
Verified purchase

I love the idea of ebates. Why wouldn't someone ebate? I recently had a missed opportunity to ebate having tried to use a coupon while shopping. Ebates reached out the the company on my behalf, verified the order and came through with the cash back I thought was gone. Cathleen was a pleasure the whole time through. I am an extremely happy Ebates shopper and after such wonderful emails regarding this shopping trip I'm even happier than I was before. Thanks for keeping me happy Ebates! And thank you Cathleen, you are amazing and kind!

Date of experience: May 27, 2015

Thumbnail of user carleec
Canada
2 reviews
22 helpful votes
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November 29th, 2017

When I purchased a larger item~over $400 they told me that the amount was attributed to another site. Which is complete nonsense there was no other site no other coupons. Just lies to get out of paying anything. So go ahead receive tones of spam from using their site as long as you only plan on getting $. 03 on your $20 purchase because any large amounts they claim that it is not registered with Ebates. Plus every time I make a purchase EVERY single time in order to get the money I have to put in a claim that I never received it. DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME with Ebates.

Date of experience: November 29, 2017

Thumbnail of user lisam304
Florida
1 review
1 helpful vote
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May 26th, 2016
Verified purchase

I don't remember getting my $10 gift card, so I contacted Ebates if they could tell if it had been used? They couldn't, but credited my account $10 to make things right! I couldn't believe it... so nice... and fast... great experience!

Date of experience: May 26, 2016

Thumbnail of user gabriell245
California
1 review
4 helpful votes
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April 4th, 2022

My review about this company is simple after a couple months using it now they stop paying me for all the transactions made on eBay saying that those doesn't qualify, But they are still making profit when you purchase using this app, I contact customer support and they send me an email explaining that all the porches either reported to them but I didn't get any cash back because supposedly the transactions were not qualified.

Products used:
All purchase was made on ebay

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: April 4, 2022

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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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