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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!
I recently needed to work with Heide about an order I placed on the phone with one of their stores. Ebates was very helpful and supportive of my situation and then went on to exchange emails answering multiple questions I had about a number of different situations. I ended up feeling helped, supported and like my issue mattered. Thank you Ebates.
Date of experience: January 11, 2016
Mixed feelings on ebates. First experience was great. My most recent purchase involved a laptop that was out of stock so the retailer suggested replacing with another model which I accepted. When the transaction went through it cancelled the ebate. Not very happy.
Date of experience: July 20, 2014
Excellent customer service... Very fast response to my email, super efficient and resolved issue immediately. Couldn't be more pleased! (Awesome site in general as well, easy to navigate, great rewards!)
Date of experience: November 29, 2014
They always do well if customer service is needed. The super points is a pretty good deal. I haven't used rakuten much before, but lately I've been shopping there more. If you factor in the super points, the prices aren't so bad.
Please note, this review applies to rakuten.com/shop, as the rakuten.com site now deals with rebates ("ebates") for other stores. Thank you.
Tip for consumers:
Check the shipping time for each seller. If it says five or more days to ship, you will be waiting at least that long for them to ship. If it says they ship three days or less, normally it arrives in five days or less.
Products used:
Home and garden
Date of experience: April 25, 2019
I've had a great experience using ebates for several years now. I've earned lots of money that would have just been left on the table if I hadn't shopped through the ebates links first. It's the easiest way out there to put money back in your pocket. Their customer service has also been incredibly fast and helpful too. Thank you, ebates!
Date of experience: August 10, 2014
Ebates has been awesome. I was afraid that I would be bombarded with emails, but that hasn't been the case at all. I had a question about my account, and my concerns were immediately resolved. The person who helped me was friendly and professional. Although I haven't belonged for very long, it's been a great experience.
Date of experience: August 5, 2014
I've used Ebates for over 2 years. Up until recently, they've been great and I haven't had any trouble getting cash back. However, a couple months ago, they started dragging their feet on payments. They currently owe me for several purchases totaling over $25. Their excuse is that they didn't get paid by the retailer, which I doubt. I suggest staying away from Ebates. I predict that in the near future they will "disappear" with everyone's money.
Date of experience: September 25, 2013
I have been using eBates for a very long time and have received many of their "Big Fat Checks". The amount might not be much but any cash back is better than no cash back. It is very easy to use.
The only downside is that sometimes it does not have some sites I shop at.
Date of experience: December 13, 2011
Thought I would have to jump through hoops, but it is quite easy. Even recieved my first check. I am using frequently. Just wish I knew where the machine that gives money for saying the name correctly was... lol
Date of experience: April 24, 2019
My daughter and I love Rakuten. I mean, who doesn't love getting cash back on purchases. I have had a couple hiccup, when money wasn't added. But they had fixed it immediately! They have excellent customer service too. In these hard times right now. I look forward to that extra cash to take the kids out for ice cream or fill up my tank of gas, completely, instead of half way, which is what I can afford down days. Sounds silly, but every little bit does help in my household. And I am so very glad this is an site that is as real as it says.
Date of experience: September 15, 2020
I was very upset to have ordered a Groupon and it not show in my eBates purchase.
Alexis was wonderful however, in fixing this error and making it one of the most simple processes to get the situation resolved!
Thank you so much Alexis for making this experience almost as easy as opening the app.
:) Michelle
Date of experience: January 31, 2015
I'm kicking myself for not joining Ebates sooner - it was founded in 1998, I must have been under a rock, just recently heard about the site. I'm an avid online shopper and now I feel like I'm being paid to shop. No matter the amount of cash back, it's money the online stores aren't paying me when directly shopping. And the online transactions are secure, especially since it was founded by two Deputy District Attorneys who used to prosecute online fraud & identity theft, so no worries. And the customer service if phenomenal, expeditious response time. So sign-up, you have nothing to lose, just dollars to gain for FREE!
Date of experience: January 23, 2015
I really enjoy being an Ebates member. Ebates has the best and quickest Customer Service I've ever experienced with any company. I'm sure they get a ton of inquiries every day and I've found whenever I have a question I have an answer within a couple of hours. It's just fantastic and so appreciated.
Thank you!
Date of experience: February 19, 2015
Regarding my special case of not able to book on-line with Travelocity.com through Ebates cause Travelocity website was down, every Ebates customer service agent did not take further step to resolve this issue but kept on repeating the company policy that I have heard more than 5 times. Although they were being patient and nice, but lack of enthusiasm and consideration. When hope was nearly gone, I found a review site of Ebates on SiteJabber.com. Few hours after I posted my question and concern, Max C. And Dylan Campopiano efficiently resolved it by taking further action and actually put themselves in my shoes. Greatly appreciated! I have to say: my concern probably is still not be able to solved today if I did not find them through SiteJabber. Thanks, Max C. And Dylan!
Tip for consumers:
Try to post your Ebates advanced question on this site first, rather then email or call their customer service agents, who are only capable dealing some simple, non-complicated concerns.
Date of experience: May 21, 2016
Long time user of this service, over the years many times the transaction didnt not record either site or software interaction. Money back is legit percentages can be sketchy and customer service though quick to respond provides little relief. I now document each transaction initial percentage offer and the Rakuten transaction acknowledgment incase issues rise later. With all of that it is still worth the extra effort with purchases that you were making anyway without a return.
Date of experience: December 6, 2020
These people know how to lure and trick people into buying via their link. Cheap and petty is what i'd rate them as. I shopped via ebates and qualified for $10 joining bonus gift card from target. I saw that on the site however after 2-3 days it doesn't show up in my account where it originally was showing and I never recieve it. I email them like 10 times to see what is it? All get from them each time is "Thank you for contacting Customer Care at Ebates. We have received your message and a Customer Care Associate will respond to your question as soon as possible." No other replies ever.
So cheap and so fake- I'd say STAY AWAY!
Date of experience: December 11, 2013
I bought two books both of which the sellers refused to ship internationally. Instead of issuing refunds they happily put my money in "My Wallet" and charged my credit card. The sellers said they were following PriceMinister guidelines and wanted to ship the books by registered mail at 21 euros a book. There is both a 4 euro rate and a 10 euro rate for international book shipping. I had bought books from the past but never again.
Date of experience: May 11, 2017
Sadly, providing excellent customer service has become a thing of the past these days for many companies. But this is certainly not the case at Ebates.
As much as I love getting those checks in the mail, I recently had a minor issue and contacted their customer service department about my concern. Not only did I receive an instant reply letting me know they would be addressing my concern soon, they actually DID! I received a personalized response within an hour of my initial inquiry and left feeling valued and appreciated. This experience made me a believer that there still are those companies who understand the importance of listening to their customers and responding to their concerns--regardless of how minor they may seem.
Thank you Ebates for training your representatives well and modeling the mission that the customer always comes first.
Stephanie Wright
Date of experience: March 22, 2016
I was hesitant to sign up with this site even though the incentives seemed good. I assumed that it would end up taking up too much time to track and follow through with the rebates. Instead I was surprised at how well everything is integrated and automated. The only misstep was my Welcome bonus not arriving so far, and that's because it was sent by mail instead of being done electronically like all my other incentive cash. Strange that they chose snail mail as the way to go when everything else is so well thought out. Still waiting on response from Rakuten regarding this issue, otherwise highly recommended.
Date of experience: May 9, 2019
Ebates offers exceptional service in both providing coupons or cash back for online purchases, but also customer service in managing my account. Their prompt and courteous responses are always greatly appreciated! I couldn't be happier with Ebates!
Date of experience: February 24, 2015
I had an issue receiving cash back on an item and without hesitation I received a response within hours and was informed they were crediting my account. I also received links of how to ensure and know what's excluded for my reference. It was great! I was very impressed. Thank You Ebates, as I will continue to look forward to working with you.
Date of experience: March 25, 2015
Ebates is a no-brainer to use and will save you money each time you shop online at an "Ebates store." Their customer service is also outstanding, should there be any problems, which are few and far between!
Date of experience: June 14, 2017
Elissa R. Was incredibly helpful when I inquired about expired checks being reissued. I had originally wanted the checks mailed again, but she helped me see an even more convenient way to receive payment through PayPal. I had a wonderful customer service experience.
Date of experience: October 8, 2020
Their tell-a-friend is the biggest lie ever. I have been referred the site to people over a year. I have 6 referral. 2 of them are in the recent tell-a-friend promotion period. Today all of my referral cash back is gone. But what is more upset? My friends' accounts are closed! So are their cashback, sign-up bonus. Also one friend reported that if you book your airline ticket on expedia through ebates there will be a $7 booking fee adding on top of your bill. Ebates will share $1.25 back with you of course! Stay away! They start to become SCAM!
Date of experience: June 5, 2014
My first ever purchase with thru this company and they were off by a few dollars which I had to correct with several emails (they don't have a phone number.) then after waiting 2 months to get a $50 credit they automatically switched it to the next period pay cycle (e.g. I will have to wait another 3 months) without explanation. Probably hoping I wouldn't notice. Very disconcerting as the basis of my purchase was the giant 20% cash-back from ebates. Will see if and when I actually get my pending cash-back. As of yet no response from my email. I suggest you view ebates like mail in rebates, unreliable.
Date of experience: February 25, 2014
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.
