• Bookmark

    Rakuten

Rakuten

Write a Review

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
See all photos
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
See positive reviews
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
See critical reviews

Reviews (2,124)

Rating

Timeframe

Other

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 nicoleg39
Massachusetts
1 review
3 helpful votes
  • Send Message
November 22nd, 2015
Verified purchase

I was having difficulties entering my address into my account so the rebate check could be sent. I sent an email to Customer Care and assumed I either wouldn't hear back or would be provided with the directions I already had from the website. Instead, I heard back almost immediately from Rob who was polite and friendly and fixed my problem himself in a jiffy. Awesome service! Thanks so much!

Date of experience: November 22, 2015

Thumbnail of user sarahg994
New Jersey
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
April 9th, 2021

I am continuously amazed by the incredible customer service from Rakuten. I've been a happy Rakuten user for years, since back when it was Ebates. I just recently had an issue with cashback not appearing in my account, and the support team was quick to respond and helped remedy the situation. I am a happy, lifelong customer and can't recommend Rakuten highly enough!

Service
Value

Date of experience: April 9, 2021

Thumbnail of user le11996
California
1 review
1 helpful vote
  • Send Message
September 12th, 2016

I encountered an issue with my EBATES account and contacted them for help. A representative responded promptly and resolved my issue right away. I appreciate such great customer service. I highly recommend this company for people to join.

Date of experience: September 11, 2016

Thumbnail of user angiey1
Canada
1 review
3 helpful votes
  • Send Message
September 25th, 2015

You have to chase after your purchases. Sometimes the cash back is so small that it`s not even worth your time. Ebates misses a lot of purchases, and you don`t end up getting your money back from them. Waste of time!

Date of experience: September 25, 2015

Thumbnail of user carlab245
Pennsylvania
4 reviews
3 helpful votes
  • Send Message
November 10th, 2020

I've been a member of Rakuten for years (well it was ebates for many years). It is easy to use and if you don't receive your cash back for a purchase, a quick contact of customer service gets it quickly resolved. I have it added to my browser so I'm notified if I'm shopping at a Rakuten store.

Date of experience: November 9, 2020

Thumbnail of user cathiem18
Nevada
1 review
1 helpful vote
  • Send Message
April 27th, 2019
Verified purchase

I do a good amount of shopping on Amazon and didn't realize until after I placed an order that only certain big ticket items count. I don't do that and other online ordering I do is not part of your site, so service is of no use to me.

Date of experience: April 27, 2019

Thumbnail of user denisea10
Pennsylvania
1 review
1 helpful vote
  • Send Message
November 18th, 2014
Verified purchase

Alexis, My customer care representative was very helpful and even offered to send me more info on using ebates in the future. She was a very polite and personable representative who made my experience very pleasant. I would highly recommend Alexis!

Date of experience: November 18, 2014

Thumbnail of user ruths26
Connecticut
1 review
1 helpful vote
  • Send Message
March 28th, 2015
Verified purchase

On any occasion that I've had questions or concerns about my ebates cash back or general questions about my account, I've found their customer service people to be wonderful. The email replies are always quick and I like that you can reply specifically to the person who sent you the information. Ebates is a great site and now with the ebates button, it is super-easy to deal with all the online purchaes you might make that would qualify.

Service

Date of experience: March 28, 2015

Thumbnail of user annr13
Massachusetts
1 review
5 helpful votes
  • Send Message
January 3rd, 2014

Ordered a cd player for my son for Christmas through a seller on Rakuten. It was never shipped, they never even had it to begin with and we were relying on it for a Christmas present. I tried contacted the seller and they didn't respond to any of my three inquiries.

I asked Rakuten.com for assistance with their seller since they "hold their sellers to high standards" and claim they will respond within one business day. They said they were unable to help me and I needed to keep contacting the seller.

Eventually, I had to google the seller to find their phone number to call. Rakuten would not stand by their seller and assist me when this company didn't have the cd player to begin with but had no trouble taking my money.

Date of experience: January 3, 2014

Thumbnail of user bobm211
New Jersey
1 review
9 helpful votes
  • Send Message
March 2nd, 2017

I've tried using their app and it causes my iPad to freeze. Therefore, I would submit my receipt by "Where's my cash back?" to redeem my rebate. I had been doing this for months with no issues, then suddenly I was flagged as a "risk" for this reason (and no prior notice that this wasn't allowed, I didn't realize that this wasn't allowed) and my account deleted without receiving my cash back! What a scam! Obviously this company is out to screw you. False advertising!

Date of experience: March 2, 2017

Thumbnail of user adrianr24
New York
1 review
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
April 22nd, 2017

My friend told me about Ebates and then i tried it for myself and loved it! I instantly started recommending it to people. It is fun, easy to use and when I have had a question have responded back immediately with all the information and then some.

We all make purchase on line, why not make some cash back and refer a friend to do the same.

Date of experience: April 22, 2017

Thumbnail of user juliag22
Pennsylvania
1 review
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
May 27th, 2015
Verified purchase

There is nothing better than the feeling of getting cash back for shopping online, and Ebates is definitely the place to start your online shopping experience. Ebates is a wonderful company to work with, and the few minor problems I've had, they have easily and promptly resolved them. I would definitely recommend Ebates to everyone who likes to shop online and earn cash back for doing so!

Date of experience: May 27, 2015

Thumbnail of user debbier93
Arkansas
1 review
2 helpful votes
  • Send Message
August 5th, 2017

I am very happy with Ebates 100%. Their customer service is outstanding and has responded to any of my questions within an hour, and resolutions to any issue within the same timeframe! I highly recommend this company for anyone that shops online regularly! And by the way, I am not fake! This is not a fake review! If you have issues with Ebates then you should do like I did and contact customer service before giving them a bad review! Thank you Ebates! Debbie Rossow

Date of experience: August 5, 2017

Thumbnail of user paulaz4
New York
1 review
3 helpful votes
  • Send Message
November 19th, 2016

I know I should not complain about getting money back from shopping, but you should know that the amount of time needed to ensure payment is not worth it. I have had to inquire about every purchase I've made through eBates and then I am asked to provide the order number and amount of purchase, so I search all of emails or log into the websites to find it. If I purchased something as a guest on the site then you can't find that information. So it's just a hassle and not worth the few cents you get back.

Date of experience: November 19, 2016

Thumbnail of user bridgettet1
Georgia
1 review
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
May 7th, 2015
Verified purchase

Each time I have had occasion to reach out to Ebates regarding a customer service matter, I have been impressed. The response time is immediate and the process is always hassle-free - no matter what the issue. My most recent concern was related to a review of my Ebates. I noticed that a check was reflected that I had not received (probably due to a move). I contacted Ebates and they immediately responded with a resolution. No hassles, no forms to complete, no interviews - just good old fashioned customer service with guaranteed satisfaction. Way to go, Ebates!

Date of experience: May 7, 2015

Thumbnail of user leeannm2
Washington
1 review
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
April 17th, 2015
Verified purchase

I hadn't been credited for a recent purchase so I filled out the help form. Within 45 minutes (tops) I was contacted by a helpful representative who made sure the cash back was in my account immediately. I figured it'd take weeks and I'd just be out the cash back, but to my surprise it was taken care of right away. Super friendly and helpful!

Service

Date of experience: April 16, 2015

Thumbnail of user toddb60
Colorado
1 review
1 helpful vote
  • Send Message
December 1st, 2017

Contacted support for purchase credit. Received a response almost instantly describing exactly where to find the information required (I had searched the vendor site unsuccessfully). Upon submitting the information I received credit right away! Agent was courteous, knowledgeable, and efficient. Couldn't have asked for better service!

Date of experience: December 1, 2017

Thumbnail of user carolynh47
Florida
1 review
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
February 19th, 2016
Verified purchase

Ebates always answer my questions no matter how minor. They take time to always give me what I want. I am so glad I found Ebates. I LOVE shopping so why not go with Evstes. It's a win win situation. Get started today it is FREE!

Date of experience: February 19, 2016

Thumbnail of user donnal54
Massachusetts
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
July 6th, 2015

I recently made a purchase throught the Ebates portal. For some reason my order didn't show up. I contacted customer service with all of the necessary information to back up my purchase. Within a couple hours everything was resolved and my account was fully credited.
I've never received such quick customer service! I'm very impressed.

Date of experience: July 6, 2015

Thumbnail of user christenb3
Massachusetts
1 review
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
June 6th, 2019
Verified purchase

I am a big fan of shopping through Rakuten, however I find I have to check often to see if cash back has changed on the sites I use frequently. For example, it would be helpful if they would email me when Sephora goes up from 4% to 8% cash back

Date of experience: June 5, 2019

Thumbnail of user tessah2
Florida
1 review
1 helpful vote
  • Send Message
July 29th, 2014
Verified purchase

I was confused about my cash back amount on a recent purchase. I contacted customer service and Kayla explained everything. The responses came quickly and provided all the info I needed. I love Ebates and Kayla did an awesome job helping me. Please consider giving her a large raise :) Thanks for everything!

Date of experience: July 29, 2014

Thumbnail of user selenaw12
California
1 review
5 helpful votes
  • Send Message
January 15th, 2018

Ebates always don't issue rebates for hotel staying booked through ebates link to hotels.com, especially for high amount transactions, for example, a few hundreds or a few thousands. When I emailed them or called them regarding this, firstly they told me the rebates may get to my account after 6 weeks from hotel stay completion. When I call ebates after 6 weeks without seeing rebates to my account, they told me they didn't receive payment from the hotels I stayed and it is my responsibility to call hotels to see if the hotel paid ebates. Anyway, I didn't get rebate for the hotels I booked through the links on ebates eventually. And this happened a few times. Ebates seems no problem on small amount ebates, but they still sometimes don't you rebates automatically, you have to watch and do online inquiry when you see rebates not received. For small amount rebate, they usually issue you right away when you send inquiry.

Date of experience: January 15, 2018

Thumbnail of user aprily4
Washington
6 reviews
8 helpful votes
  • Send Message
October 29th, 2016

This is a great site! So many terailers to chose from, just about everything you could possibly order online can earn you money! I have used it a lot and had no issues with receiving the rebates in a timely manner also receiving the money earned is a breeze!

Date of experience: October 29, 2016

Thumbnail of user jadew5
Wisconsin
2 reviews
8 helpful votes
  • Send Message
April 16th, 2014

Even if you get a check, which I did, be sure to cash in within 3 months because it expires. A check can not legally expire, so it was cancelled by ebates. I was not careful about that and cost me more than the check itself to reverse a cancelled check...

Date of experience: April 16, 2014

Thumbnail of user thomasb83
Pennsylvania
1 review
6 helpful votes
  • Send Message
December 9th, 2013

They issued me a BIG Fat BAD check in November. Bank said the check was printed without any routing or account numbers. I contacted them, and received a reply stating that they printed many checks like that in error and that they would issue a new one on 12/9/13. I emailed them today inquiring about the status, and they said wait another 30 days. S/thing is wrong. My check should have been a VERY BIG one. I am contacting the merchants today via letters explaining that Ebates is not honoring its promises to the stores consumers.

Date of experience: December 9, 2013

Sitejabber for Business

Gain trust and grow your business with customer reviews.

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

How do I know I can trust these reviews about Rakuten?

  • Sitejabber’s mission is to increase online transparency for buyers and businesses
  • Sitejabber has helped over 200M buyers make better purchasing decisions online
  • Suspicious reviews are flagged by our algorithms, moderators, and community members
Have a question about Rakuten?