• 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): 13.3%
Positive
2
Neutral
0
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 sandyo8
Iowa
1 review
0 helpful votes
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June 6th, 2019
Verified purchase

I have been a member of Ebates, now Rakuten, for many years and have enjoyed the rebates on shopping I do routinely. What a nice thing to have that check come in quarterly. I especially enjoy when I am offered a little bonus if I have the check redeemed as an Amazon gift card. Saves postage, printing and gives the member a perk that is always appreciated.

Thumbnail of user patriciad423
Florida
1 review
0 helpful votes
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June 10th, 2019
Verified purchase

Excellent and fast, it is a pleasure to see my cash back adding up monthly. Not only do I get sale prices at time of purchase I also get money back monthly in the purchase itself. This way I know I am not over paying for any products I buy. I like the fact that I can register my charge card and also now receive money back on in store purchases

Thumbnail of user lisal625
Illinois
1 review
0 helpful votes
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April 24th, 2019
Verified purchase

Rakuten is my first place to go when I'm looking to shop online and in store. They have coupons and cash back opportunities and endless store options. I made multiple purchases at GroupOn and ended up with money in the bank.

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.

Thumbnail of user matts326
Florida
13 reviews
27 helpful votes
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June 3rd, 2019

My experience is with eBates.com, but they just rolled that site into rakuten.com. They've actually been part of the same company for years, but just merged into one website. Anyway, I have made over $237 dollars over the past few years, with extremely limited effort. Basically, I've just shopped online like I always shop. But I use the 'ebates/rakuten' Chrome extension, and when I'm on a site, it alerts me that free cashback money is available. So I make the purchase like I would have anyway, and get some cashback. They used to mail me checks, but now it just gets direct deposited in my paypal account. I've had no problems!

Tip for consumers:
Get the Chrome extension for free cashback alerts on the sites you are already on!

Thumbnail of user geneb21
Washington
1 review
6 helpful votes
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September 16th, 2014

We are sellers on rakuten, paid $100 to sell on their site for 3 month, so far we can't get paid for thousands of dollars in goods sold, every 5 days our account is deactivated, no reason given. They have no phone numbers for seller support, over 100 emails go unanswered, no communication of any kind! Do not see how they can stay in business... horrible site!

Thumbnail of user williamb295
Mississippi
1 review
12 helpful votes
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May 17th, 2017

If they owe you a substantial amount they will not pay, when you call them about it they will say how sorry they are and promise payment within 5 business days and before that's up they will terminate your membership/account. After they did this to me for $983.49 I called the company Ebags, whom we do the majority of our business with, to inform them what I thought about ebates. They said they paid ebates and ebates should have paid me. Ebates just stole the rebate money and basically bullied us out of payment.

Thumbnail of user judyk13
Montana
4 reviews
15 helpful votes
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May 9th, 2015

No kidding - I have gotten (over the years of using Ebates) a total of $1,679.73 in checks form Ebates. I LOVE using their site to price compare and get cash back savings. I even downloaded their 'button' that will alert me when i'm on a website that is connected to them.
I looked at my account to try to figure out how many years I've been using them, but i couldn't find my sign-up date. It's been more than 7 years, but I'm not sure exactly how long. I've only had a couple instances when the store didn't give me the credit, and Ebates always made it right when I contacted them.

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user stormid
Oregon
2 reviews
11 helpful votes
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February 11th, 2018

I have been using Ebates for a little over three years and have actually received a substantial amount of cash back (which is awesome). Unfortunately, it's taken a lot of time and effort to GET some of that cash back - and almost always in cases where it is a large rebate (Hotels.com in particular or computer software/hardware) or Amazon/ebay (when Ebates claims that the category wasn't applicable - after the fact - even with screens shots). It's very frustrating and persistence is key, as a big chunk of the first couple inquiries on a purchase are met with an (incorrect) reason as to why the purchase didn't qualify.

Thumbnail of user amyg35
Arizona
1 review
0 helpful votes
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January 28th, 2015
Verified purchase

Chris from Customer Care at Ebates is amazing! He took the time to answer all my questions and answered each of my emails in just minutes. He helped me understand how Ebates works and you could tell he just loves what he does! He was so patient and helpful and kind. I am new to Ebates and Chris made my new customer experience really great. He solved my initial question, and I am very grateful. Thanks so much.

Thumbnail of user ay936
Georgia
1 review
9 helpful votes
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November 19th, 2014

After referring others and having them make qualifying purchases I still have not received any of the promised credit. I am told by customer service that my referrals have not made any qualifying purchases when I know that they did! I helped my own mother make two purchases after I referred her and because of their "privacy policy" I can't speak of other accounts. I'm definitely feeling irritated and starting to feel like this site is a scam. It seems they like to make you feel incompetent and not give you what was promised.

Tip for consumers:
Don't even bother!

Thumbnail of user annb24
Virginia
2 reviews
4 helpful votes
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February 16th, 2014

I have never had one tiny problem with Ebates, except that the referral program doesn't seem to work, but I have received every penny they promise. It is easy to forget to go through their link but when that happens it is my fault, not theirs.
As a matter of fact, I misplaced a check once and found it about a year later, and before I had a chance to call them to replace it, they emailed ME and re-issued it! Never had customer service like that before!

Thumbnail of user tiffanys92
Colorado
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
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July 13th, 2017
Verified purchase

I have only been an Ebates member for 3 months, and I recently had an issue where 2 purchases didn't have the rebates credited to my account. I provided the email confirmation, and they immediately applied the credit even though they hadn't yet received payment for the referral on their end. One of my purchase fell outside of the qualifying purchase, but as a one-time courtesy, they still issued me the credit. Reporting this and receiving a satisfying resolution was extremely easy and quick. I wholeheartedly recommend Ebates customer service whenever you need them!

Service
Thumbnail of user lesleyd2
Vermont
1 review
0 helpful votes
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June 6th, 2015
Verified purchase

My ebate check was mailed but never received. I contact ebates to inform and the team immediately sprung to action. Customer Care reached out to me w/in a few days to verify some information and approximately one week or so, I received an email that they will issue a replacement check. Alexis and her colleagues were prompted, friendly yet professional. Outstanding customer service!

Service
Thumbnail of user pe70
France
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 20th, 2023

I ordered an iPad for my son for Christmas. The text messages I received informing of the delivery did not accept my postcode. Something was off. Then I received an email on the day that my parcel was on its way, then it showed as delivered. I was at home and no one rang the bell. It was supposed to be hand delivered with signature. I never received it. I wrote to Rakuten and they ask me to file a complaint with the police that my parcel was stolen! I will use Rakuten again, they use dishonest transport companies to save on cost. The iPad was stolen by a company called Okeyparcel - never use them!

Tip for consumers:
Rakuten can NOT be trusted

Products used:
Never received it

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user lasonyaj
Georgia
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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February 11th, 2018

Like every program there are some ups and downs. Anytime I have an issue, I send an email and they are so good at replying promptly and getting things resolved right away:-). I love them for this and needless to say, the cash back!... I would recommend Ebates to anyone.

Thumbnail of user andreamariem
New Jersey
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 19th, 2015
Verified purchase

Besides getting money back for items I was going to buy anyway, the customer service is excellent!
The few times I have had questions about rebates, customer service has responded within hours and corrected the problem within a day.
Even better they have given me advice on working with certain venders in how to place my order properly to avoid any future mistakes on my part. Awesome!
I wish more on line sites had such great service!

Thumbnail of user jenniferb120
Ohio
1 review
0 helpful votes
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August 3rd, 2015
Verified purchase

I am a brand new member of Ebates. I had a couple of issues with my account. The first was the system would not allow me to enter my address. With no address, there would be no way to mail me my rebate check. I wrote to Customer Service and heard back from Kathleen the same day. By the following morning she had entered my address and quickly resolved the issue. My second issue was I had placed an order through Ebates with Walmart. When I went to check the status, it was no where to be found. Again, Kathleen came to the rescue and within a day had rectified that issue as well. I am very impressed with Kathleen, the Customer Service Representative who took care of me. Sometimes the best way to measure the quality of service of a company is by how they handle issues. And Kathleen did a wonderful job. Based on her quick and efficient actions, I would most definitely recommend Ebates to anyone! Thank you Kathleen!

Thumbnail of user gillianq
California
1 review
7 helpful votes
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September 29th, 2017

8/29/17. It has been postponed for a month. Have contacted them but the answer is not a solution. They initially asked me to provide everything showing that I stayed that hotel. And after all documents had been turned in and then they said they need to verify with hotel, but no answer from hotel, period. I have to wait until hotel's verification. Obviously, they are not taking their website promise seriously. Will that call false advertising?

Conclusion: To earn this cash back, I have spent tons of time and energy, not worthy to use ebate.

Thumbnail of user daisyt10
Indiana
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 22nd, 2019
Verified purchase

I rarely shop in stores now, so all this online cash back from Rakuten is a game-changer for me. I would say that I shop more than your average person, so I love having Rakuten to shave off some of the guilt. I especially love the Chrome extension because the small popup always reminds me to activate my cash back. I recently purchased a designer wallet on Valentine's Day (14% cash back, woohoo!) and will be getting back over $100 on it. No other sale, coupon, etc. allows me to get designer goods at a discount. I will never stop using Rakuten :)

Thumbnail of user ceries
Kansas
1 review
0 helpful votes
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June 6th, 2019
Verified purchase

A terrific way to make some unexpected money as a result of purchases you were going to make anyway. Isn't it ridiculous that this company decided to change its name for the very memorable and established brand Ebates to its new totally forgettable name

Thumbnail of user michelek84
New Jersey
1 review
1 helpful vote
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September 12th, 2018

First of all, I love getting this money back, of course! That aside, I am EXTREMELY impressed with eBates customer service. I reached out to eBates Member Services (via email) because I did not wind up getting cash back on something I had purchased when I expected to. Member Services was responsive in a very timely, personable, and clear manner for every communication... and then when they were not able to get me the cash back from that store purchase because they could not locate the records from the store, they made good by giving me credit themselves. They made a on this previously negative situation, extremely positive and therefore have now converted me into a super-passionate fan of eBates! I am now going to be an even bigger advocate for eBates! Amazing job eBates staff and great business policy eBates! Keep it up!

Thumbnail of user yanjid
Florida
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
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August 19th, 2023

The Rakuten team is beyond amazing! I had a 10% cash back from hotels.com from a limited offer but ended up only getting 2%. After I reaching out to Rakuten, the team help me to reach out to hotels.com for verification and they even went above and beyond, sent me several updates though out 4 months. Hotels.com was not responsive and honestly, I didn't really expect to get the cash back but I indeed received it after several months. I was truly amazed by the customer service at Rakuten as they really go above and beyond to help me. Thank you!

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user cindyb470
Tennessee
3 reviews
1 helpful vote
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April 8th, 2019

I have eared about $400 using eBates for items I was buying anyway.
Stuck in a hospital bed at home so most of my shopping is online.

I buy a lot on eBay and the amount % back is much less than this past winter for eBay buying.
Some classes of buying no % back so then I switch back to Befrugal which seems to always have the 1.5% back. Better than nothing and adds up.

I also buy a lot of food etc on Vitacost. I check both sites to see who is offering the higher % and yes it does change.

I have even used eBates at lowes or home depo. Just be sure to check both cash back sites to see who is higher.

Thumbnail of user jenng7
North Carolina
2 reviews
7 helpful votes
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September 25th, 2014

It is true. They have a fast customer service response. The only problem is I've needed customer service for the last 5 out 6 purchases! And this last one was DENIED with some BS that an affiliate took the credit... I clicked the link, and shopped just like you are supposed to. I'm not sure they are tracking URL's very well and I am tired of playing the Ebates games. Enough.

Tip for consumers:
Be prepared to request you cash back.. it is NOT automatic like they claim.

Service
Value

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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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