• 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 juliag22
Pennsylvania
1 review
0 helpful votes
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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!

Thumbnail of user bobm211
New Jersey
1 review
9 helpful votes
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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!

Thumbnail of user adrianr24
New York
1 review
0 helpful votes
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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.

Thumbnail of user annr13
Massachusetts
1 review
5 helpful votes
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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.

Thumbnail of user carolynh47
Florida
1 review
0 helpful votes
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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!

Thumbnail of user bridgettet1
Georgia
1 review
0 helpful votes
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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!

Thumbnail of user debbier93
Arkansas
1 review
2 helpful votes
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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

Thumbnail of user toddb60
Colorado
1 review
1 helpful vote
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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!

Thumbnail of user paulaz4
New York
1 review
3 helpful votes
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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.

Thumbnail of user leeannm2
Washington
1 review
0 helpful votes
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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
Thumbnail of user donnal54
Massachusetts
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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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.

Thumbnail of user christenb3
Massachusetts
1 review
0 helpful votes
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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

Thumbnail of user selenaw12
California
1 review
5 helpful votes
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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.

Thumbnail of user tessah2
Florida
1 review
1 helpful vote
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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!

Thumbnail of user tjl3
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 16th, 2016
Verified purchase

I had a misunderstanding as to how Ebates work, and I was sick with flu and stressed and I sent an email complaining - it was not my best email - not rude or calling names; just short and grumpy.

Ebates handled me with respect and in the end all was resolved as it was after all... my misunderstanding. Ebates is a great program and you do in fact earn cash back. Thank you.

Thumbnail of user stephaniee30
Florida
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 20th, 2016
Verified purchase

I love Ebates. I do a ton of online shopping and it's nice to get rewarded for doing things I would have anyway. They also have excellent customer service. For example, if for some reason you aren't credited for a qualifying purchase, they have an easy-to-use support system that will help make sure you get what you earned. Definitely recommend!

Thumbnail of user jadew5
Wisconsin
2 reviews
8 helpful votes
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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...

Thumbnail of user aprily4
Washington
6 reviews
8 helpful votes
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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!

Thumbnail of user andream58
New Jersey
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 17th, 2015
Verified purchase

After noticing my check hadn't arrived, I realized that I hadn't updated my new address on my account. I contacted customer service about it and within hours they were sending me a new check with no problems at all. Thank you Rachel for being so helpful, prompt, and friendly!

Thumbnail of user thomasb83
Pennsylvania
1 review
6 helpful votes
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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.

Thumbnail of user bendettas
North Carolina
10 reviews
58 helpful votes
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January 25th, 2018

I have been a member of this website for about three, but only started really use it within the last 2 years. My experience with this company has been a truly pleasant experience. I cant remember a time when I have call customer service and they werent pleasant and accommodating and treated me with respect. I like it that we will always try to accommodate my needs.

Thumbnail of user dougo4
California
1 review
6 helpful votes
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February 1st, 2014

Like many others who have posted here, I bought a near $700 appliance through ebate. I've posted two "where's my Cash Back" claims, have yet to even get a response, let alone my cash back. Ironically, they sent me a "how was your experience survey" after the first "where's my Cash Back" claim, but they didn't respond to the comments on that either. As an experiment, I used ebate to place a small office supply order. The didn't come through either, but they automatically credited the ebate when I placed the "where's my Cash Back" claim. 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.

Thumbnail of user michelleh146
Tennessee
1 review
1 helpful vote
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June 1st, 2016
Verified purchase

Brianna in customer service went "above and beyond" the call of duty in a recent problem. It was during the Ebates Birthday celebration where 250+ stores offered 15% bonus cash back. I ordered within the time frame BUT the unpleasant surprise for me came when I opened my shopping trip and found out my store WAS NO LONGER offering the 15%! Brianna's research told me that the stores DO NOT have to participate the entire birthday week and can pull out at any time. She was instrumental in having a $50 valued member bonus credited to my account for the misunderstanding. This was such a great thing to do; my order was over $700 and only getting 5% instead of the 15% cost me a lot of money. The member bonus certainly helped to make up some of the cash I lost. I have dealt with Brianna in the past and she has always been cheerful, willing to help and "go the extra mile". She understands the true meaning of "customer service."

Thumbnail of user connorr11
California
1 review
3 helpful votes
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July 7th, 2017

I will never again be doing business with Rakuten. Their address verification thing is horrible, it took me so many tries for me to finally contact them and verify my address. The support I received was terrible, and it was uneccessarily stressful trying to get through to them. My package, for some reason, was not delivered to my address, and nearly sent back because of "insufficient address information". Luckily, I was able to get to the post office and pick it up, but not without struggle. So, thanks Rakuten for my worst online shopping experience ever. To anyone considering purchasing something through them, save yourself the trouble and stress and don't buy from them.

Thumbnail of user astkhikz
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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August 15th, 2023

After a long chatting with team members, they blocked my account and waved my sign up and refer a friend bonuses since they found that I created multiple duplicate accounts. However, it so not true!
Other accounts I referred to were my family members! In their policy, it says that family members can get a refer a friend bonus as well.
They simply didn't believe me, restricted my account and didn't return my bonuses by claiming that I duplicated accounts.
They don't trust their customers which his so unprofessional, I am so disappointed by this…

Service
Value
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Returns
Quality

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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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