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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 petert66
New York
1 review
1 helpful vote
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March 5th, 2015
Verified purchase

Allison went far beyond all expectations assisting me with my problem, and she did it with the utmost kindness and expedience. I have only been an Ebates customer for about a year, and the company has been on target from day one. After considering both my short term affiliation, I expected a kind apology in a few days, and nothing more.
This could not be further from what took place.
Within what seemed like seconds, the company responded, and maybe with some luck, Allison took the situation and ran with it. She is an asset to any organization and it seems Ebates knows how to hire the best and brightest, because I cannot remember such quality service.
All I can say now is WOW!
Peter

Service
Value
Quality

Date of experience: March 5, 2015

Thumbnail of user michellef844
Arizona
1 review
3 helpful votes
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February 20th, 2020

I'm the type of impatient person that will immediately send an email if I don't see cash back. 005 seconds after I make an order. Rakuten customer service always responds quickly and solves any issues I may have, making sure I receive cash back from my purchases. These guys know what they're doing, for sure. I recommend them to everyone!

Date of experience: February 19, 2020

Thumbnail of user ts248
Michigan
1 review
0 helpful votes
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June 12th, 2018

I've been using ebates now for over 5 years & it's been such a simple, easy and safe way to earn cash back on purchases that I would purchase anyway. There are tons of stores and they offer online and in-store cash back. Plus, if I ever have an issue, their US based customer service team is super quick to respond in a helpful and friendly manner. Try ebates and you'll see for yourself just how easy it is!

Date of experience: June 12, 2018

Thumbnail of user masashio
Missouri
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 8th, 2018

Very easy to use ana their rebate rate is much higher than others, Additionally their customer service is very responsible and really helpful.
Redeem option is either physical check on mail or PayPal which will fit most peoples preference.
Just give a shot, You will love it.

Date of experience: December 8, 2018

Thumbnail of user miaz2
New York
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 24th, 2015
Verified purchase

Such a great app! Not only an app that give you cash back for your purchase, their customer service is the best! I had a problem about an order through ebates but they were gladly to help me and resolve my problem. I will be shopping from ebates forever! Love it!

Date of experience: September 24, 2015

Thumbnail of user sherryk10
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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April 30th, 2015
Verified purchase

I had a problem... wrote a short note, received answer back within 10 minutes. Problem solved... didn't have to listen to music, press 1 listen to "we value you but we are busy please hang on for the next available service rep." If lucky and your not disconnected after 15 minutes you MIGHT get help.

Date of experience: April 30, 2015

Thumbnail of user eileenm197
Kentucky
1 review
0 helpful votes
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July 31st, 2019
Verified purchase

Rakuten has followed through on all payments, doesn't miss an opportunity to engage with a partner website, and has done a tremendous job. I do not make a lot of money back, but in this day and age - every little bit helps.

Date of experience: July 31, 2019

Thumbnail of user evelynb5
Massachusetts
1 review
0 helpful votes
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July 30th, 2014
Verified purchase

Ebates customer service is awesome. They have responded to inquiries within hours if not sooner and go out of their way to answer questions or resolve any issues.

It is a pleasure doing business with ebates.

Date of experience: July 30, 2014

Thumbnail of user desiraef
Texas
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 16th, 2014
Verified purchase

Ebates has been a fantastic find! I've only recently heard about it, and now that I know about it - I'm already racking up my savings! I love this because 1. It's incredibly easy, especially because I can just link it up to my PayPal account 2. I'm getting things I would already purchase anyway, so it just saves me money 3. The times they have increased cash back offers, savings have been great and lastly, any interaction that I've had with someone from Ebates has been informative and efficiently helpful, whether via email or even when inquiring within the site. I look forward to using Ebates services as well as getting friends to join.

Service

Date of experience: December 16, 2014

Thumbnail of user vivw
Texas
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 26th, 2015
Verified purchase

I can't tell you how long it has been since a company offered quick, friendly, and accurate answers regarding account questions. I am very impressed with their customer care department. I am glad I joined Ebates. Keep up the great job :)

Service
Value
Quality

Date of experience: February 26, 2015

Thumbnail of user nikkad2
South Carolina
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 9th, 2021
Verified purchase

I have been using Rakuten (formerly eBates) since 2015, and I have no complaints. The earning potential has gotten better throughout the years, and the company has continued to evolve along with technology. I now shop through the Rakuten app, because to be honest, 99% of my online shopping is done on my phone. Their customer service is excellent as well. If you have an issue, it's easy to contact them, and they always respond in a timely manner. I'm very impressed, and I've recommended everyone I know to use Rakuten. It's a no-brainer for me!

Tip for consumers:
I always start here when shopping online.

Products used:
Use their search tool to see if the store you’re interested in is listed.

Date of experience: March 9, 2021

Thumbnail of user cybelew
Texas
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 29th, 2017

Not only have all my shopping trips been accurately logged but when I had a large shopping trip missing, customer service was quick to respond and even emailed me a week later to say "we haven't forgotten about you, we are waiting to hear back from the company." Who does that? And they got me my money. Unexpectedly above and beyond responsive service.

Date of experience: December 29, 2017

Thumbnail of user catheriney6
New York
2 reviews
20 helpful votes
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January 29th, 2018

A site that will pay you to spend the money you were going to spend anyway?! Aside from being a little jealous that I didn't come up with this concept myself, I have no complaints at all. It's really fun to get paid to shop and I find they are consummate professionals when it comes to all the Accounting work that I'm sure they have to do. Their referral program is great and it's cool that they have fluctuating cash back rates depending on seasons and holidays. They also offer in-store cash back which has been a real game-changer for me. Nothing but good things to say about this company and my experiences with them!

Date of experience: January 29, 2018

Thumbnail of user elainet9
Massachusetts
1 review
0 helpful votes
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June 25th, 2015
Verified purchase

When I first discovered Ebates, I was skeptical, however they soon proved to be invaluable and I highly recommend them to anyone who shops online. Their customer service is top notch, fast and friendly. My Ebates checks every quarter are great, money back on stuff I would purchase anyway, who could ask for anything more!

Date of experience: June 25, 2015

Thumbnail of user adeles4
Maryland
1 review
0 helpful votes
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July 15th, 2016
Verified purchase

Shop on line, get cash back. Sounds too good to be true, but it's that easy. Huge list of major stores that participate, so it's not inconvenient. And their customer service is amazing. Super fast response to questions and they make the customer a priority! Use Ebates! You won't be sorry!

Date of experience: July 15, 2016

Thumbnail of user kf185
Texas
1 review
1 helpful vote
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August 18th, 2020

I reached out because I noticed I didn't receive my last big fat check. Susan was great because she also reviewed my account and found other expired checks. She worked quickly to resolve and communicate.

As a Head of People/HR who normally hires people in similar roles, this is the type of experience that leads to happy, loyal customers.

Date of experience: August 18, 2020

Thumbnail of user sp638
Pennsylvania
14 reviews
44 helpful votes
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July 1st, 2017

I really love using ebates and I often go there before shopping anywhere else. They somewhat recently added in store cash back which makes this even more amazing. Don't be mislead though, it's not "getting paid to shop" it's just basically giving you some money back off of what you spent. That's really my only "complaint" (it's not really a complaint it's just wording but I hope you know what I mean).

The website itself feels very crowded but it is very easy to navigate. I've recommended ebates to almost everyone.

Date of experience: July 1, 2017

Thumbnail of user ericae7
Georgia
2 reviews
8 helpful votes
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March 27th, 2015
Verified purchase

So my work computer (everyday laptop) had AdBlock installed by our IT department - thus blocking my ebates purchase. But the people at customer service were so helpful and gave me my money back even though I didn't have a registered shopping trip! So helpful and very quick to reply as well!

Date of experience: March 27, 2015

Thumbnail of user onag3
Texas
11 reviews
23 helpful votes
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August 19th, 2019

June 2021 I am changing my review from 5 stars to 3 stars. I first signed up when it was still Ebates in 2018, and at first they were great, I was receiving cash back from every store I bought from through their links, even when the product I bought was not a recommend one. But then mid last year every time I went through their site to buy something they had always said, "looks like you didn't purchase anything." So I stopped using them. I have been to many other rebate sites and they basically all suck, I have to buy what they want me to buy in order to get cash back. When Rakuten was good I had received several payments; minus the bonus for signing up. I am probably gonna give them a few more chances, and if things don't change, I will cancel my membership

Date of experience: August 18, 2019

Thumbnail of user czernya
New York
3 reviews
24 helpful votes
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September 14th, 2018

It might not be tons of money, but a few dollars here and there at my favorite online stores add up over time. It's fun to receive my Big Fat Checks. But sometimes you have to make sure and check your shopping trips. If something is missing, it's easy to claim your rebate by submitting your sales invoice to Ebates and their reps will take care of it quickly. I even saved money booking a hotel room through Ebates Hotels.

Date of experience: September 14, 2018

Thumbnail of user cherm2
Japan
1 review
1 helpful vote
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December 5th, 2014
Verified purchase

Ebates rocks! I was hesitant at first to part with information and shopping habits, but the whole process is safe and effortless. If you install the toolbar add-on, it is even simpler. I had changed my address and forgot to tell them. I contacted them (easily and with quick response), and customer service re-issued a check to my new address... with no hassle. Such a great experience overall. I love getting the "Big Fat Checks" as well, even though my dividends have only amounted to $50 over the past 18 months. Hey, better than nothing, right?

Date of experience: December 5, 2014

Thumbnail of user michellek44
Pennsylvania
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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June 12th, 2015
Verified purchase

Ebates is the best kept secret in the USA! While many people have heard of it, they do not understand how simply the concept works and are skeptical about any advantages to be gained. Well, let me say that they are missing out on a wonderful opportunity to 1) make money while shopping and 2) be a part of an amazing program run by highly professional people who have the work ethic and thoroughness of yesterday. Not only do they provide daily notifications of increased % refunds, but they notify the customers each time they earn credit toward their "big, fat check" (quarterly). If you have the chance to do one thing in the immediate future, I highly recommend signing up to be a part of Ebates. I promise that you will not be sorry.

Date of experience: June 11, 2015

Thumbnail of user sydneer
Virginia
1 review
0 helpful votes
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August 20th, 2015
Verified purchase

I love ebates! This is a great example of affiliate marketing and getting paid to boot. I don't know why everyone does't use it. I receive quarterly deposits in my paypal account. Even the smallest amount adds up over time. If I had a question, the help center and support is easy to navigate and my questions have always been answered same day by a very nice representative. I can't recommend this site enough. Thank you ebates!

Date of experience: August 20, 2015

Thumbnail of user marieo6
Pennsylvania
1 review
0 helpful votes
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August 24th, 2015
Verified purchase

Ebates is awesome. No gimmicks, no sharing of your email or any personal info... just CASH BACK!
I had a problem with one order on my cash back activity and customer service was so great in correcting it!
Join Ebates today!

Date of experience: August 24, 2015

Thumbnail of user larisak2
New York
1 review
9 helpful votes
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April 20th, 2017

Booked my vacation trip thru ebates expedia says 10 % cash back
Spent over 5 thousand on my deal assuming to get 10 %back which is $500...
Got only $89:(

Advice: make sure you read a small print somewhere down there... before you order something.

Thank you!

Date of experience: April 20, 2017

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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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