• 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 michellep31
Ohio
1 review
3 helpful votes
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August 25th, 2014
Verified purchase

I love Ebates! I have used them for quite some time and the ONE time I had to contact customer service I had a GREAT experience! The rep I talked to was patient with me and answered my questions promptly.

I really recommend this site. It's easy to navigate and user friendly. Awesome!

Thumbnail of user toms121
Minnesota
1 review
5 helpful votes
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August 18th, 2014

I wish I could give lower than a 1 star for Rakuten.com. This is by far the worst online retailer I've ever come across. 1) It took a bit longer than it should've for the product to be shipped and to make it to my house. This isn't a huge deal but then... 2) The product was NOT what I ordered. 3) The product was from China (despite claiming to be from the US on the order form). 4) There is no phone number on their website so I emailed their helpdesk. No one ever returned my email (after a week). I finally found a phone number on the internet and called them. They finally tell me that I have to send an email to someone's email address (no online form or anything) to talk to the specific vendor. This is just... the worst company I've ever had the lack of pleasure dealing with. AVOID!

Tip for consumers:
Here's a tip... don't ever type in 'rakuten.com'. I believe they advertised on Amazon.com, which is where I found the link in 'external sites' but I'm not sure. Just avoid them, please.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user dashas
Minnesota
1 review
3 helpful votes
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September 2nd, 2015

I ordered a bathtub diverter faucet that was of high quality 100% metal construction. I paid $54. Instead of the high quality faucet that I ordered these low lifers sent me an inferior brand faucet that I see from looking online goes for $30.It is cheaply made with plastic parts instead of metal. It would cost me $14 shipping and handling to send the damn thing back to the seller plus they charge a 20% restocking fee. Rakuten is a scam company. I wish I had read the reviews of this company before I ordered from them. Don't order from this company or you will get screwed. They will send you a cheaper/used/damaged version of what you wanted. They are very clever thieves and know just how much to screw someone so they cant get in trouble and so it would be more hassle to the customer than it's worth dealing with those swindlers trying to get their money back.

Thumbnail of user maryr83
Florida
1 review
3 helpful votes
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April 1st, 2015

Would never purchase from this site or Nilima home again... contacted co & after receiving email that they did not have item I wanted... they sent a different item. Charged me & would not listen to explanations regarding their actions... I even mailed a hard copy of photos & ex
Planation of item I wanted & what they sent... staff was quite rude & felt that they had satisfied an order they stated they could not fill... BUYER BE WARE!

Thumbnail of user nicoleg30
Iowa
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 19th, 2015
Verified purchase

I noticed I had not received my big fat check. So I checked on my ebates account and it didn't look like a check had been sent. I emailed customer service to inquire about the situation. Ebates customer service responded very quickly and the issue was resolved easily by updating my address. Thank you Ebates!

Thumbnail of user cynthiab18
Arizona
1 review
1 helpful vote
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September 20th, 2014
Verified purchase

Re: Ebates: My experience with EBates customer service has been terrific! I have contacted them several times by phone for either clarifications or adjustments to my account with them and they have responded promptly and professionally. Great job Ebates customer service team!...(and especial kudos to Rachel for remedying my most recent concern!) Thanks to all...

Thumbnail of user stefanp26
Netherlands
3 reviews
7 helpful votes
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August 13th, 2017

I tried Ebates and tried to think it was going to help. However, after a few purchases which didn't 'go through' I just gave up on the cash back thing. A few % back isn't worth it if you have to haggle and fight your way to get a measly 1%, of which I did not.

Thumbnail of user erichf
California
5 reviews
4 helpful votes
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May 19th, 2015

Rakuten.com is the worst online shopping site I've ever used. Not only was it a pain in the $#*! just to place my order, but upon trying to request to cancel the order at 11:00 YESTERDAY, and making 2 requests to customer service to cancel the order, the order was shipped this morning, anyway. I called customer service this morning, and they said they can't cancel the order because it's already shipped. I'll be disputing the charge as soon as it's posted, and after I refuse the package upon delivery, I'll be sure never to order from them again.

Just use Newegg.com, Amazon, or Micro Center.

Thumbnail of user demondf
New York
1 review
0 helpful votes
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October 30th, 2015
Verified purchase

I'm a new member, made my 1st purchase through eBates and was unaware of the procedure to make sure that I was credited for my transaction. I submitted my concern via email and was quickly responded to by a rep. And was pleased to get the info and my concerns were answered. I will continue to shop online using eBates in the future and pass there program along to my friends and family!

Thumbnail of user lenneyh
Florida
1 review
0 helpful votes
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April 9th, 2015
Verified purchase

"Customer Service", no, I mean real-live, not just a title, "Customer Service" has become just another faded memory in the service industry. But not at EBATES! I got a quick response, not from a template, but from a living, breathing, person, who was genuinely interested in resolving my issue (which turns out was my mistake!) and in keeping me as a customer! Imagine that! Thanks Ebates, for being so awesome! For bringing back Customer Service!

Thumbnail of user domeniquem
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 30th, 2015
Verified purchase

I must of missed something when I first started my membership with Ebates so I didn't receive the 10 dollar new membership bonus they offer. I emailed customer service and a rep emailed me back within an hr and hooked me up with a 10 dollar gift card of my choice from a selector of stores I shop at frequently. I wish more businesses were as great at customer satisfaction as these guys are.

Thumbnail of user annab144
New York
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 28th, 2015
Verified purchase

Customer Service got back to me the next day, and not with an automatically generated email -- but a real person, typing a real thoughtful response. I was able to email back to them and the same person responded again, and resolved my problem. Unreal in today's world. Super!

Thumbnail of user swaiso
Arizona
1 review
1 helpful vote
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November 26th, 2014
Verified purchase

Just had the best customer service experience of my life! Sounds corny, but I am not kidding. Rachel helped me change my address, and then told me I had two outstanding Ebates checks that I had not cashed. She quickly reissued and totally made my day! Thanks, Rachel!

Thumbnail of user debrac17
Missouri
1 review
1 helpful vote
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February 15th, 2015
Verified purchase

I began using ebates several weeks ago. I had a couple of questions, which were replied to promptly and courteously. The issues I had were resolved to my satisfaction. I highly recommend ebates to anyone wanting to save a little extra money on purchases they would make anyway.

Thumbnail of user patriciam60
California
3 reviews
2 helpful votes
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May 19th, 2015
Verified purchase

I placed an order with Bake Me A Wish thru Ebates. I was able to get exactly what I wanted for my twin sisters and in checking out inadvertently forgot to use the coupon code which was 20% off $30+order. I had placed $100 order. The very next day I notified Ebates. They were very sympathetic but they explained how they couldn't give me credit but the vendor could. I wrote to Bake Me A Wish and explained what happened. Within 24 hours I received a most lovely reply and assurance that they would gladly provide a credit on my charge card. I was so impressed with their consideration. I have the utmost respect for Bake Me A Wish and hope others use their services.

Thumbnail of user frankw37
North Carolina
1 review
4 helpful votes
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December 31st, 2013

Item bought was shipped through fedex, fedex lost item twice before finally shipping item. Item shipped was wrong and was not even close to what I purchased. Customer service was unable to assist me or contact third party seller for the replacement for 3 business days. Replacement could not be shipped for almost 2 weeks after complaint was filed. Overall my experience was HORRIBLE with RAKUTEN. Though, don't worry, they gave me a $5 off gift card like i'll ever shop here again.

Thumbnail of user ellenc122
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 2nd, 2019

Jackie, Thank you very much for the prompt reply and allowing me to change the method in which I receive cash back. Very good customer service. Greatly appreciate your timely response and being flexible for me to change my mind!

Thumbnail of user carolynh216
Kentucky
1 review
0 helpful votes
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July 31st, 2019
Verified purchase

I've been using Rakuten (formerly Ebates) for almost 20 years. I love the browser extension so I never miss a rebate. I use several other online savings programs but Rakuten gives me the best rebate the majority of the time.

Thumbnail of user camilles16
Pennsylvania
1 review
0 helpful votes
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January 18th, 2015
Verified purchase

I had a great experience while talking to Danielle! She was very nice and resolved my issue within the hour! I can't say enough good things about my time talking with Danielle! Thank YOU Ebates and Danielle!

Thumbnail of user lorenep
Maryland
1 review
0 helpful votes
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January 15th, 2015
Verified purchase

They responded very quickly and took care of my problem. Extremely satisfied with my experience. Just the simple fact they responded so quickly blew my mind. Thanks Rachel@ Ebates customer care! I will def. Refer to friends.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user sarahg48
Illinois
1 review
3 helpful votes
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October 29th, 2014
Verified purchase

As a brand new Ebates customer, I had questions about the percentages for each retailer and the breakouts by category per retailer (specifically Target). Hannah was incredibly helpful and speedy with her replies. I got all my questions answered in under 24 hours and am very grateful and happy with the excellent service! Thank you to Hannah and Ebates!

Service
Thumbnail of user emilyl27
Arkansas
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 23rd, 2015
Verified purchase

I just had fantastic customer service from Ebates. I had signed up to use them a long time ago, and just recently really started utilizing all the great offers. When they sent my check and I hadn't received it, I looked and saw that I hadn't updated my address in the system, so the check was going somewhere I had lived a few years back! I emailed them and they quickly resolved the issue, and agreed to pay me my rebate through PayPal. They were incredibly quick to solve the issue which was fantastic! It would have been easy for them to just lose me as a customer by saying they could not issue a new check, but they made it right and that is very appreciated!

Service
Value
Thumbnail of user shabnamk6
New York
1 review
7 helpful votes
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May 9th, 2020

Everything is fine with them until you use the scam referrals they have. They keep sending you emails to refer family and friends and when you do and it happens to be a family member who lives at the same address they deactivate your account and your referrals and calls you frauds. They make money off of people by luring them with $10 or $30 bonus but they are not worth it at the end they dont give that to you but sure keeps the money you earned them. Their customer service is HORRIBLE you will only get frustration beware of them save your money and your time.

Thumbnail of user brandonb56
Illinois
1 review
1 helpful vote
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November 24th, 2015

Watched my friend who nothing about ebates click my referral only to be told not eledgable, probably just a scam so they can spam others with advertising for your site tricking you to enter peoples you know email accounts so they can further their own business with no reward to you.

Thumbnail of user ryanf152
New Jersey
1 review
2 helpful votes
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August 5th, 2019
Verified purchase

The new name makes no sense at all. When it was ebates and I told people about it they kinda understood it was an electronic rebate type site without an explanation. Now it needs to be explained how it used to be ebates and name changed but still same concept.

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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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