• Rakuten

Rakuten

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Overview

Rakuten has a rating of 2.7 stars from 2,123 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 4th among Cash Back sites.

  • Service
    186
  • Value
    150
  • Returns
    63
  • Quality
    120

This company does not typically respond to reviews

Positive reviews (last 12 months): 12.5%
Positive
2
Neutral
1
Negative
13
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!

Top Critical Review

“Dishonest and unreliable”

J W.
5/21/24

They boast a 25% cashback if I buy something from Temu, which I did. I was sure the system activated this cashback just before purchase. However, they never sent me this cashback, despite my multiple attempts to claim it. First they tried to play stupid by simply repeating the info I already submitted a few times, then they didn't even bother to reply in the end. I will let both Temu and other customers know how dishonest and unreliable they are.

Reviews (2,123)

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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 tiffanyj14
Canada
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 19th, 2015
Verified purchase

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!

Thumbnail of user daniels77
Arkansas
1 review
7 helpful votes
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September 25th, 2013

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.

Thumbnail of user laurag38
North Carolina
1 review
1 helpful vote
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August 10th, 2014
Verified purchase

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!

Thumbnail of user jennyl59
Canada
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 22nd, 2016

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.

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user phillipl31
Ohio
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 11th, 2017

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.

Thumbnail of user stephaniew67
Florida
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 22nd, 2016
Verified purchase

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

Thumbnail of user jk43
California
1 review
4 helpful votes
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December 11th, 2013

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!

Thumbnail of user nikkib169
Arizona
1 review
0 helpful votes
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October 9th, 2020

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.

Thumbnail of user terrio4
Illinois
1 review
0 helpful votes
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June 14th, 2017

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!

Thumbnail of user alexanderg77
Florida
1 review
2 helpful votes
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May 9th, 2019
Verified purchase

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.

Thumbnail of user heathers57
Illinois
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 24th, 2015
Verified purchase

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!

Service
Quality
Thumbnail of user kimberlyn13
Connecticut
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 25th, 2015
Verified purchase

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.

Thumbnail of user vip7
Louisiana
1 review
3 helpful votes
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June 5th, 2014

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!

Thumbnail of user richr19
Florida
1 review
4 helpful votes
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August 5th, 2015

Any problem with a fly by night vendor they host taking your money and delivering no product is met with the response "Rakuten.com is a virtual mall hosting sellers from all over... we ask our customers to contact the seller directly ".
Status of vendor web site: Unavailable
If you're the owner of this store (shopbeyondlimits.com)
Please sign in to resolve the issue, or contact support.

Thumbnail of user cindya45
Massachusetts
3 reviews
2 helpful votes
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June 23rd, 2017

I joined Ebates a few months ago and I have since received over $15 in rewards checks. I shop online all of the time and although they are a bit slow to pay (not every month), I don't mind at all because it does come. I love that you just click a button and it automatically applies the discount. They have 'real' stores such as Walmart, Kohls and JC Penney, while also offering high end discounts for luxury purchases. They have a fantastic variety of shops and I just love it.

If you have been on the fence, jump off! You may not receive a BIG fat check, but even a few dollars here and there is rewarding.

Thumbnail of user gordond41
GB
1 review
5 helpful votes
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February 27th, 2019

I joined Rakuten some time back but didn't use the account until two days ago, when I signed up for a books company that met my needs.
I'm away writing content for my new website knowing that it's going to take at least a week maybe 10 days before I get a response from the company.
Low and behold this morning I receive an Email from Rakuten informing me that my account had been terminated. I hadn't even used the account, how can they terminate it without cause.
Apparently according to their Publisher Membership Agreement, they can terminate any account for no reason at all.
Well that seems to be absolutely true, I hadn't even joined any programs so there was nothing I could have violated, maybe they just didn't like my name.
Be careful if you are thinking of placing your eggs in the Rakuten basket, they could pull the plug for no reason at all.

Thumbnail of user johnp148
Canada
1 review
4 helpful votes
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February 25th, 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.

Thumbnail of user cathyc36
California
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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January 26th, 2015
Verified purchase

I had a transaction that did not appear on my cash back activity. I emailed beats customer service who requested a copy of the receipt from the transaction. I sent them the info and in less than 12 hours I was notified that the transaction would be credited to my account! This is the first time in all the years that I have been using Ebates that I've had a problem. I was very impressed with their customer service.

Thumbnail of user bonniev4
Pennsylvania
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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November 24th, 2015
Verified purchase

Would just like to let you know that I am very pleased with the quick response on 2 purchases I made through Ebates.
I inquired about both orders placed with QVC and as soon as I made the inquiries with proof of purchase my cash back was added to my account. It is a pleasure doing business with your company.

Thumbnail of user krisc79
Michigan
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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February 3rd, 2019

I placed an order exactly same as my friend's order on same day. I received a lot less cash back then my friend. Also i created an account from invitation so I received $10 but they removed it from my accounts for some reason.
Every time i send a reply to customer service, different people reply which super annoying and i need to repeat myself.

Thumbnail of user emilyc5
California
2 reviews
3 helpful votes
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May 3rd, 2011

I had a great experience with ebates.com My rebates only took a few days to post to my account, and they deposited my big fat check right on time. They actually give you decent rebates, unlike some sites I've used which barely give you anything, or have an unreasonable minimum that you have to reach before you can get anything. Anyway, I highly recommend ebates.com

Thumbnail of user angelicao
California
1 review
1 helpful vote
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September 1st, 2014

Ebates is legit! I've gotten 3 chash back checks so far ranging between $13-$15. I'm not a big online shopper so my amounts are small, but I appreciate any money I can get back. If you have a problem with Ebates your probably not understanding the rules and how it works or your self referring yourself with different email to get the referral cash, you got caught and your upset about it. Great customer service also. I've sent emails asking questions and I get quick easy to understand answers back within 24 hours. Thanks Ebates!

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user sharonf56
Pennsylvania
2 reviews
12 helpful votes
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January 18th, 2017

I don't remember the year I first heard about Ebates. It was a TV ad and I immediately signed up because they had all the places I do business with, but had some health problems and forgot all about them. So, for over a year or two, whenever I bought something, I lost out on a rebate. I guess it was about a year ago that I decided "to join" and realized I was already signed up. A few times I've forgotten to use Ebates for my purchases and they came along with an app to remind me of cash back on sites and all I have to do is click on the app to activate it. It's fantastic! I have not missed a single rebate since and I thank them for being one of the most customer-oriented site ever.

Thumbnail of user robertm1464
Virginia
1 review
0 helpful votes
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April 24th, 2019
Verified purchase

My 60" TV was delivered, and as the box appeared completely undamaged, I didn't realize the screen was cracked until we were about to hang it on the wall. It must have been dropped, not crushed. Rakuten was very good about getting it picked up and replaced as soon as could be arranged.

Thumbnail of user laurenm32
New Jersey
1 review
0 helpful votes
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January 30th, 2015
Verified purchase

I realized I did not receive credit for a Christmas purchase. I contacted the generic email and was instantly contacted. A few pieces of information were needed in my end and before I know it, Danielle had looked into the problem and resolved it. It has taken barely 30 minutes. Thank you for your concern, professionalism, and promptness.

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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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