• 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 janel86
Michigan
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 8th, 2015
Verified purchase

I am completely pleased and so impressed with EBATES. As a brand new user of this program I had a question about a shopping trip I made, so I sent an email. Almost immediately, I had a reply. John did a fantastic job in responding to my inquiry. I am a frugal shopper and I am so excited to start saving even more money as I use EBATES. I have already shared the link to this site with a number of my friends.

Thumbnail of user ireneb15
Illinois
1 review
1 helpful vote
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March 2nd, 2015
Verified purchase

Just wanted to let you know that I like your site; easy to use
And fun too. Your customer service is great and extremely responsive too - once had an issue where I shopped, somehow didn't notice wasn't in Ebates, but with my confirmation info, you gave me the cash back. That was awesome! I try to use your site as much as I can, but I usually shop Amazon and unfortunately, not in the departments you advertise. I also love the Ebates button - I have it on my Chrome tool bar. AND I love that when I go
To any site that you sponsor, the button pops up to remind me to click! I'm so glad that I found your website.

Thumbnail of user chrisr9
New York
2 reviews
6 helpful votes
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December 31st, 2010

Used this site quite ofthen. Normally sells products cheaper then other sites. Most items are shipped by 2nd party vender and always got what I ordered within a week. Nice alternative to Amazon which I use as well when I can't find it on here.

Thumbnail of user kathrynd77
Pennsylvania
1 review
0 helpful votes
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July 31st, 2019
Verified purchase

It is amazing how you can get money back for online shopping. It is super easy and fun! I have an extension on my browser that lets me know that cashback amount as well as the coupons available. So not only can you get money back they are saving you money as well. Can't beat it!

Thumbnail of user arniset
Hawaii
1 review
0 helpful votes
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June 3rd, 2015
Verified purchase

I recently wrote to Ebates customer service in regards to the possibility of having my last Ebates check, which I had unfortunately lost, replaced. Almost immediately, I received a courteous reply from Chris in Customer Service. In subsequent correspondence (through email) my problem was resolved with utmost kindness. The result is that they are going to replace my lost check. Of course necessary precautions need to be taken on their behalf to void the original check, etc. Thus my replacement check will be sent next month rather than this month. Ebates customer service could not have been nicer! They even apologized to_me_ for any inconvenience although I was the one making extra work for_them_. I realize that their response could have been "Sorry, but our policy is to not replace misplaced checks" so I am especially appreciative of their generousity!

Thumbnail of user pats75
Ohio
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 20th, 2014
Verified purchase

Just wanted to say that I love EBATES! I received my very first check this week for $34 and I already have $64 pending! I love going to one place and being able to shop my favorite stores. This year, thanks to the promise of cash back, I did most of my Christmas shopping online. This definitely led to less stress for me! I've even convinced my mom and daughter to sign up for EBATES.

Thank you EBATES!

Thumbnail of user williamh57
New Jersey
3 reviews
3 helpful votes
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July 2nd, 2013

I was really in a huge need for 5 acer notebook specific model BZ897 i found 1 on ebay and two on rakuten.com place an order on ebay and received the notebook really fast placed an order for two acer notebook on rakuten.com never received the item had to contact customer service to receive the refund. Does anybody here know a trustworthy site that i can buy acer BZ897 i really need to find 4 more of those for my company please contact me to let me know where i can buy more
Thanks

Thumbnail of user susand119
California
1 review
3 helpful votes
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May 4th, 2016
Verified purchase

Cash back for shopping? Definitely YES! And they have GREAT customer service on top of the cash back, means that I'm a big fan of eBates! There's no reason NOT to join eBates and I tell all my friends and family to join. :)

Thumbnail of user kareenk
Alabama
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 19th, 2016

Love Ebates, they have really stepped up their game after merging w/ Fat Wallet. I didnt get cash back from Ebay so filed a complaint and they instantly verified my info and gave me cash back! So amazing, no hassell or wait. Cashback literally appear less than 5 mins after order has been placed. No delays like Fatwalllet used to have. Very helpful and easy to manure website. Thank you Ebates, you are awesome for offering cash backs for Ebay and other websites that dont usually do cash back!

Thumbnail of user ml73
Rhode Island
1 review
10 helpful votes
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October 18th, 2017

I have yet to receive a penny despite a couple of dozen purchases with ebates pop-ups claiming I would. I know others have had success (using smartphones), but I believe the app is not robust enough to work with a multi-tasking desktop user who has more than one webpage open (which I virtually always do). Too bad because I'm a big online buyer, but it's not worth my time to constantly reorganize my workflow to attempt to get ebates working for me. I suspect that the company makes much of its profit by charging the sellers for sales like mine that are not actually paid the rebates the pop-ups promise.

Thumbnail of user shelleyf3
Pennsylvania
1 review
0 helpful votes
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August 18th, 2014
Verified purchase

I used Ebates ( like I do all the time) and my Kohl's order never linked. I emailed Ebates and sent what I was asked to and guess what? I received an email letting me know that my money had been entered for me! What a GREAT team you have working for you.

Thumbnail of user laurac73
Texas
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 17th, 2015
Verified purchase

I am new to the ebates site and while I went thru the site to place an order my computer crashed. I got back online and placed my order. Unfortunately the order didn't go thru ebates. I texted ebates customer service and Alexis helped me get the ebate cash I missed. She was very quick in taking care of me. Great experience with Alexis! You are awesome! Thanks so much!

Thumbnail of user debbiew24
Oklahoma
1 review
1 helpful vote
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January 25th, 2015
Verified purchase

I am new to Ebates and did not quite understand what I needed to do to get started with this program of getting money back. Nicole of customer service service helped me. I had received an order the day before from an Ebates store. I emailed Ebates Customer Service, told them of my order. Nicole asked me to send a copy of my receipt. I did, and because it was my first time, I was given my Ebate with instructions on future use of the website.

Ebates is kind and professional. Thank you Nicole.

Thumbnail of user judis7
Illinois
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 22nd, 2016

I've been using ebates for almost 2 years and love it! I have to give a special shoutout to their customer service who credited me for a purchase that didn't show up. They credited me within a day because they didn't want me to wait for them to look into it!
Great responsiveness!

Thumbnail of user maheshb8
New Jersey
1 review
4 helpful votes
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January 22nd, 2018

Each time i contact the Customer expert, they promptly resolve the problem.The best cashback site I have ever used in terms of tracking cashback, referring friends and resolving the ticket as compared to other cashback site.

Thumbnail of user edl7
Florida
2 reviews
6 helpful votes
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August 28th, 2011

This company suchks... was looking for a new game and found that buy.com had it in stock supposedly when eveyone else had it sold out... ordered it waited a week and no game... sent them an email that said please ship game or take off the fact that its in stock on your website... the return email was "your order has been cancelled". This was a couple of years ago... so far they've missed out on at least 5K in sales since I will never do business with them again and advise others the same...

Thumbnail of user lennardg4
Denmark
1 review
1 helpful vote
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July 12th, 2014

Bought a second hand book and a second hand DVD from two different dealers, one French and one Spanish. Everything was delivered on time and paid with PayPal. No problems of any kind and I saved quite a few Euros on both deals compared to ebay or Amazon. And by the way: I'm real and not working for priceminister:-)

Thumbnail of user aa837
Missouri
1 review
6 helpful votes
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August 22nd, 2014

I consider them a scam. I bought an Amex gift card at American Express Gift Cards and Business Cards a month ago. Cashback was not awarded, supposedly because I used a non-Ebates coupon. OK, fair enough. A couple of weeks later i bought another Amex gift card. This time I did not use a coupon. Still, cashback is not given. Now the reason is - Amex gift cards are exempt. Ironic, as the merchant exclusively sells Amex gift cards, nothing else. It seems Ebates is trying to get out of paying cashback and is inventing reasons.

Tip for consumers:
Beware.

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user franceso27
Texas
1 review
5 helpful votes
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December 16th, 2019

E-Bates and Rakuten may have merged, but EBates paid me well and honestly for my online purchases. I did not have any negative feelings toward EBates. I shop online a lot and always click on Rakuten. However, I received a notice from Rakuten that I earned only $2+. I have negative feelings towards Ebates/Rakuten now since I question their honesty.

Thumbnail of user nicks170
Georgia
1 review
0 helpful votes
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June 23rd, 2017

I tried many of them, and Ebates is the best cash back portal for me personally.
Read a small guide here: http://eonlinecash.com/online-shopping-cashback/
1. You can shop without entering site every time, using button.
2. It has small limit to withdraw money - $5.
3. Ebates has a referral system and you can earn $10 per friend invited.
4. Site has over 2000 online stores and merchants.
5. Best cash back percents.

Tip for consumers:
Register from someone's referral link to get $10.
like this one: https://www.ebates.com/r/NSKHU1?eeid=28187

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user stevek777
Washington
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 23rd, 2020

I wanted to personally thank the Rakuten telephone agent, Tanya, for her assistance with a cashback issue I had. From the very start of our conversation, Tanya was very personable and easy to talk to, she actively listened to the issue I had and wanted to help, and then she knew exactly how to tackle/resolve my particular issue.

In addition, I also had a several questions about Rakuten and their cashback program and Tanya was well-versed about the company's procedures by giving thorough responses. I learned a great deal from her and couldn't ask for a better customer service experience. Thank you Tanya - you were wonderful and I wanted to make sure others know as well!

Thumbnail of user alvink32
Canada
1 review
5 helpful votes
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February 17th, 2020

I have been a member for 3 years and during the switch over to rskuten all my funds are lost and I have a zero balance. The help I'm getting is useless, just a generic response. Anyone else incur this problem of lost funds on the switch over?

Thumbnail of user melissam85
South Carolina
1 review
0 helpful votes
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October 17th, 2015
Verified purchase

I had placed an order using Ebates, and the vendor I used had a limit on the number of items you could purchase in one transaction, so I ordered the same item 3 different times under the same login for Ebates. I only received one Cash Back amount for the items. Once I realized this I sent an email to customer service and he told me to send over my other 2 orders and he would credit my account, so I did. As soon as I got him my information I had my credits in my account just a few minutes later.

Thumbnail of user ricks99
New York
1 review
15 helpful votes
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September 23rd, 2016

I have been using E Bates for a little over a year now. I travel in my line of work and I say and hotel at least four nights a week. I have booked every hotel since January 1 through eBay. I have not been compensated my 2% on any of my hotel stays. They tell me that it is because they have to wait to receive the information from the hotel confirming my stay. I go out of my way to forward them the email confirmation of my hotel booking before I stay and after I receive my email receipt, I forward that to them as well. I have no doubt that they are being paid by the companies they advertise, but they failed to pass that rebate incentive on to the customers that are buying the goods. I am thoroughly disgusted with the site. If anyone knows of a comparable website, I would love to try them.
I received a response from eBay saying that they would like to look into my account. I have emailed them on a weekly basis expressing my frustration. My email address is, *******@hotmail.com.

Thumbnail of user pankajd2
Connecticut
1 review
2 helpful votes
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January 16th, 2015

I purchase the item on December 20th 2014 and that suppose to be gift to someone i waited so long. But I received email on Jan. 8 2015 that my order is cancelled as they are out of stock. This not the way to business, If you do not have in stock do not take order or do not complete the order after taking order on Christmas time. If you complete the order then its their responsibility to complete the order, no matter they have it or not they have to arrange for item and supply to buyer. Very disappointed will never buy from this site.

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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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