- Log in
- Browse Businesses
- Guides
- Resources
- Write a Review
- Request a Review
- Backed by the National Science Foundation
- For Business
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.
This company does not typically respond to reviews
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!
I've been an eBates member for years. The service is super easy to use. And when I've had a few occasions to contact them, their customer support has been timely (usually hearing back in a day or less), clear (specific responses) and accommodating.
Date of experience: October 29, 2016
I did not find this forum of reviews until after I had spent over $100 on Rakuten and bought three items from three different vendors. After reading the reviews, I was terrified and convinced that I would never see my merchandise or my money ever again. Much to my surprise, I received the first item only days after placing my order! It was in mint condition and looked exactly as I had hoped it would. Within the next week, the two other items arrived on my door step, also in mint condition. I'm not sure why there are so many negative reviews out there, but my experience with Rakuten was first rate! I would definitely recommend this site to a friend.
Date of experience: September 29, 2014
Like many others who have posted here, I bought a near $1,100 appliance through ebates.com. I've posted to "where's my Cash Back" claims and have yet to get a helpful response. The purchase was made 11/27/14 at Sears.com. The 1st response I received was that it should be resolved within 10 days. When I emailed again they said it could take 45 days! This isn't the 1st time I've had problems. I agree with other reviewers you have to be super vigilant and go thru hoops to get your cash back. I also suspect that they don't plan on giving me my cash back for this purchase because it would be a lot. They hope you will give up and forget about it. At best, the site has some horrible functionality problems. At worst, they are cynically trying to avoid paying out on orders they have received commission on.
Tip for consumers:
If you want your cash back expect to have to email them almost every time.
Date of experience: December 15, 2014
This site is really clever, they lure the customer by high rewards and referral program and after you genuinely sign up and purchase, they close account saying that you have violated our terms. When I asked the reason behind that they mention that i have duplicate accounts and the same person is managing other accounts. Now they are not providing visible proof that can prove it. By such way anyone can judge and write in email that you have violated terms.Is it professional? Is it customer centric?
Example: They are so idiot that referring friends and family is provided then someone from my family (member) purchases after referred by me so definitely, his/her address could be same of mine, which they found violation as in their record address is found same.Are you people dumb?
By reading positive review you will find useful and signed up but later on you will have real test of this site. Just avoid!
Date of experience: April 26, 2019
I have been a loyal Ebates user since 1999 and have earned over $1,700 back in rebates. Not only does Ebates offer users cash back at sites, they also compile amazing coupons and offers. They are my starting point for any online shopping.
Date of experience: January 31, 2018
Ordered merchandise, one item for $68 with $5 shipping. Heard nothing for two weeks. Contacted sales, they said the reseller reported "will pull from inventory and ship tomorrow." Week went by, no product. Contacted reseller, they said that they were no longer affiliated with Rakuten.
Boils down to Rakuten taking my $73 for an order they knew could never be fulfilled. Requested an order cancellation and refund, all I hear are crickets.
Date of experience: March 18, 2016
Have been using Ebates for the past few years and its great! Great customer service. Very easy to use. Just log in, choose your store, and shop. Its that simple. Then 4 times a year you get a check. Might as well make money while you shop.
Date of experience: February 5, 2018
In the last few weeks I have had 2 reasons to contact Ebates CS by phone. Both girls I had the pleasure of speaking with, were very patient, considerate, professional and got my issues resolved. I am extremely satisfied, keep up the good work, Ebates, many thanks!
Date of experience: November 4, 2015
I love how easy the website is to use. The categories help you find great stores & you earn a percentage off each purchase which is free cash. I am also extremely happy with their customer service via email that will respond within a day & correct any mistakes straight away. Excellent site, service and free money. Whats not to love? I use it every time I shop online.
Date of experience: May 25, 2015
So yeah, I love the concept as I buy nearly everything I need in life on line lol. But now whats this... no amazon? I'm lost, I buy almost everything there. And over the last month most transactions would not go through. With that said, I am going to try to make it work one more time, but I am sure I will not earn that much if amazon is out. We shall see.
Date of experience: September 11, 2017
I just wanted to warn anyone who maybe consider to become a seller on Rakuten... DON'T!
Their customer service support system is extremely unsatisfactory. They do not have a contact tel number nor a chat and the only way to communicate with them is through email. Majority of the emails they reply the day after. So, everything you do is on hold until you get an answer from them!
Date of experience: November 19, 2015
Been using Ebates a couple years now and it works great. Have over $200 back in cash! Once in awhile there is a hiccup but when I contact customer service it always gets fixed right away. The only thing I would suggest is sometimes I buy something that would qualify but I forget to go into the Ebates portal first. I wish I could just provide proof of sale and still get the rebate.
Date of experience: March 1, 2016
I had a problem with receiving cash back from one of the stores (Ebay). I emailed customer service regarding the issue. The issues was completely resolved in less than 20 minutes... not only did I get credited for immediate cash back, but also received hints on how to prevent this in the future. Thanks!
Date of experience: March 9, 2015
My Ebates dollars did not show up in my account. One email to customer service received a reply within minutes it seemed. Then I had another question in regards to the percentage offered on that shopping trip and that email was also answered almost immediately. I am so impressed with not having to wait 24-48 hours for answers. I am in awe of this exceptional service!
Date of experience: April 1, 2015
When they have their tell a friend bonuses and I get an extra $100 it disappears right before my check goes out. I never get my referral money. I think I've made $12 in the last 2 years but with my unpaid bonuses it should have been over $200. Won't be using them anymore.
Date of experience: February 10, 2016
Such great customer service! Very nice and patient people to deal with. They answered all my questions and concerns that I had in a prompt and timely manner. I received my free gift card and my first big fat check very quickly. Hey you go shopping for all kinds of things, you might as well save with coupons and you even get a percentage of what you spend back. It really does work! I highly recommend!
Date of experience: September 29, 2015
Have had an Ebates account for years and it always worked well (I received my reward. However, since Dec. I stopped receiving any rewards although I purchased many gifts. Recently it looks like it works at least occasionally.
Date of experience: August 4, 2019
I got started with Rakuten about 6 months ago and have already received checks! It is so easy to set up with navigation prompts that easily guide you through the process. I really appreciate the automatic activation when you visit a website that they offer rewards and there are special offers that come with about every store.
Date of experience: August 2, 2019
Incredibly customer-friendly experience. Ebates' customer service representative was very pleasant, professional and accommodating. My issue was handled quickly and efficiently... I wish all customer care departments would use Ebates as model for dealing with consumer concerns. Great Job!
Date of experience: December 2, 2014
I've used Ebates whenever I can remember to check their site first before online shopping. No problems so far and I have received the sign up giftcard and at least 2 checks. One thing to remember is that they usually don't send you a check until you accrue a certain amount. No complaints for a free service!
Date of experience: January 11, 2014
Other companies should have customer service like Ebates. They always get back to you ASAP with an answer. Checks come the day they tell you that its coming. I've never had a problem. Love Ebates, They go Beyond.
Date of experience: January 13, 2018
Today I received the best customer service from a gentleman named zach. He really went above and beyond to make sure that all of my questions were answered and that I was happy. Thank you so much zach!
Date of experience: April 22, 2015
I recently booked thru a vendor that was supposed to pay 10% back. When I received my email from ebates it was substantially less. I emailed them about it and they gave me the balance. Great customer service.
Date of experience: March 22, 2016
I've used EBates for years. Now it's Rakuten. No difference on that score. I do sort of resent their now sticking their own shopping out there all the time but it's a mild irritant. Otherwise, all is good.
Date of experience: July 31, 2019
I've used this app for over a year now. When things post automatically it's great. When they say 'pending' you know it'll be a problem. I've had multiple purchases not show up and I've even emailed five separate times over a month period about one order and have yet to receive a response. They simply don't care.
Tip for consumers:
Watch your cash back like a hawk and pray someone actually responds which is unlikely.
Date of experience: June 13, 2022
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.
