• 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 eh72
Virginia
1 review
0 helpful votes
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July 19th, 2018

When I was introduced to Ebates I was skeptical, it sounded too good to be true. My skepticism has long since passed. They are Rock Solid in every way, I can't understand why anyone who uses the web to shop doesn't use Ebates. It's free money, plain and simple. Make sure you install the browser plugin that way when you visit a site that offers cash back Ebates displays a banner allowing you to activate your visit on the site.

In the several years I have been using them there has only been one issue, which they corrected immediately. The problem was with the merchant Dell, not them. Despite the fact that Dell indicated the purchase was made via phone and not the internet Ebates still gave me the cash back. It was almost $50 and they stepped up no problem.

Like I said, it's free money plain and simple.

Thumbnail of user kevinh78
Wisconsin
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 5th, 2014
Verified purchase

We had an issue with our Ebates account that was seemingly complex. Because of that, we contacted Ebates via email. Sure, it took a couple of days for them to initially respond, but the quality level of dedicated, personalized service that was offered to us in regards to the issue was extraordinary! Rachel went out of her to ensure that the problem was taken care of, and better yet, she explained to us via frequent communications what was going on with our account. This type of service is not customary for large companies, small companies, or any company anymore. Yet, Ebates and Rachel exceeded the expectations in a remarkable way!

Thumbnail of user ashleyb90
Idaho
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 7th, 2015
Verified purchase

My local post office has somehow managed to screw up my mail the past few weeks, which happened to be the week my ebates cash back check was mailed. One email to ebates support & 30 mins later it was all resolved! They even informed me I had a check from a year ago that had not been cashed either, which I had no idea. They sent both checks with the next month's check. Could not have gone smoother! Another reason to love ebates!

Thumbnail of user claudiar13
Texas
1 review
2 helpful votes
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March 1st, 2016

While customer service did provide a response quickly, it never resulted in anything positive. I emailed 3 times inquiring about a check they sent me back in mid December but I never received. It was my first experience with ebates and initially I recommended it to all of my colleagues which I now regret. This is not what I expected from shopping on Ebates.

Thumbnail of user jeweln6
Missouri
1 review
1 helpful vote
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May 9th, 2017

Ebates handled my phone in order to a participating store super fast. I sent them all the info they needed and within a couple hours the matter had been settled. I would highly recommend using Ebates on all their participating stores. Every little bit saved helps and their birthday gift promo of 15% is fantastic. Thank you Ebates!

Thumbnail of user mikel14
Minnesota
6 reviews
23 helpful votes
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August 18th, 2017

Not a single transaction has gone thru in 2 months. Their website is the WORSE when it comes to needing help. Their transaction "lookup" page doesn't work for diddly. Almost impossible to contact them. I'm in the process of seeing what their response to this mess will be. So far, nothing

Thumbnail of user jiar3
California
1 review
7 helpful votes
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November 11th, 2017

Recently Ebates closed my colleagues' and mine account and told us we are abusing their 5 $ referral bonus system. Pretty absurd accusation. But fine, they asked to confirm our identity by providing tons of documents.
After we all did that, they still closed all of our accounts.
SPAM, stay away!

Thumbnail of user paulenw
Maryland
1 review
0 helpful votes
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April 24th, 2019
Verified purchase

What ever type purchase if it be large or small Rakuten has your money back. The money back process is fast and very efficient. Why would anyone would past up a chance to obtain free money? You shop at your favorite sites for the cash back. Every body loves shopping! I truly am a devoted participant. Thank you

Thumbnail of user abbyt26
Maryland
1 review
6 helpful votes
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September 25th, 2019

Horrible customer service. I've been a customer for over 15 years, and they keep sending me emails about making referrals. I finally make 1 referral, and they credit my account with the bonus, then take it away with no explanation. When I ask why, they lock up my account and accuse me of trying to cheat them with the 1 referral! The person I referred does not have an account with them, but Rakuten insists he does. I can't believe how badly they're treating me after 15 years as their customer. I will be taking my business to Topcashback from now on. They have higher rebates, and decent customer service, unlike Rakuten.

Thumbnail of user donnaf20
New York
1 review
1 helpful vote
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July 9th, 2015
Verified purchase

I questioned cash back on a purchase I made and the customer service team quickly investigated and credited my account. It was an extremely positive experience. Customer service seems to really be lacking these day but not with Ebates, they're on their game!

Thumbnail of user qp4
Rhode Island
1 review
4 helpful votes
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March 18th, 2016

Ordered merchandise, one item for $68 with $5 shipping. Heard nothing for two weeks. Contacted sales, they said the reseller reported "will pull from inventory and ship tomorrow." Week went by, no product. Contacted reseller, they said that they were no longer affiliated with Rakuten.

Boils down to Rakuten taking my $73 for an order they knew could never be fulfilled. Requested an order cancellation and refund, all I hear are crickets.

Thumbnail of user neetam2
India
1 review
1 helpful vote
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April 26th, 2019

This site is really clever, they lure the customer by high rewards and referral program and after you genuinely sign up and purchase, they close account saying that you have violated our terms. When I asked the reason behind that they mention that i have duplicate accounts and the same person is managing other accounts. Now they are not providing visible proof that can prove it. By such way anyone can judge and write in email that you have violated terms.Is it professional? Is it customer centric?

Example: They are so idiot that referring friends and family is provided then someone from my family (member) purchases after referred by me so definitely, his/her address could be same of mine, which they found violation as in their record address is found same.Are you people dumb?

By reading positive review you will find useful and signed up but later on you will have real test of this site. Just avoid!

Thumbnail of user curtb34
Minnesota
1 review
0 helpful votes
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July 31st, 2019
Verified purchase

It automatically identified the site was eligible for Rakuten and set up so that I would get credit on purchases. During checkout, it identified that there were several 'coupons' available which it auto-applied in order to find the best one. Very nice experience.

Thumbnail of user robino15
Massachusetts
8 reviews
6 helpful votes
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January 31st, 2018

I have been a loyal Ebates user since 1999 and have earned over $1,700 back in rebates. Not only does Ebates offer users cash back at sites, they also compile amazing coupons and offers. They are my starting point for any online shopping.

Thumbnail of user lindseym32
Virginia
1 review
5 helpful votes
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September 29th, 2014

I did not find this forum of reviews until after I had spent over $100 on Rakuten and bought three items from three different vendors. After reading the reviews, I was terrified and convinced that I would never see my merchandise or my money ever again. Much to my surprise, I received the first item only days after placing my order! It was in mint condition and looked exactly as I had hoped it would. Within the next week, the two other items arrived on my door step, also in mint condition. I'm not sure why there are so many negative reviews out there, but my experience with Rakuten was first rate! I would definitely recommend this site to a friend.

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user tomc145
Massachusetts
1 review
1 helpful vote
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October 29th, 2016

I've been an eBates member for years. The service is super easy to use. And when I've had a few occasions to contact them, their customer support has been timely (usually hearing back in a day or less), clear (specific responses) and accommodating.

Thumbnail of user lindas118
Pennsylvania
2 reviews
3 helpful votes
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December 15th, 2014

Like many others who have posted here, I bought a near $1,100 appliance through ebates.com. I've posted to "where's my Cash Back" claims and have yet to get a helpful response. The purchase was made 11/27/14 at Sears.com. The 1st response I received was that it should be resolved within 10 days. When I emailed again they said it could take 45 days! This isn't the 1st time I've had problems. I agree with other reviewers you have to be super vigilant and go thru hoops to get your cash back. I also suspect that they don't plan on giving me my cash back for this purchase because it would be a lot. They hope you will give up and forget about it. 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.

Tip for consumers:
If you want your cash back expect to have to email them almost every time.

Service
Thumbnail of user shelleys9
Maryland
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 4th, 2015
Verified purchase

In the last few weeks I have had 2 reasons to contact Ebates CS by phone. Both girls I had the pleasure of speaking with, were very patient, considerate, professional and got my issues resolved. I am extremely satisfied, keep up the good work, Ebates, many thanks!

Thumbnail of user kristinek27
Tennessee
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 5th, 2018

Have been using Ebates for the past few years and its great! Great customer service. Very easy to use. Just log in, choose your store, and shop. Its that simple. Then 4 times a year you get a check. Might as well make money while you shop.

Thumbnail of user djp6
California
1 review
1 helpful vote
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November 19th, 2015

I just wanted to warn anyone who maybe consider to become a seller on Rakuten... DON'T!
Their customer service support system is extremely unsatisfactory. They do not have a contact tel number nor a chat and the only way to communicate with them is through email. Majority of the emails they reply the day after. So, everything you do is on hold until you get an answer from them!

Thumbnail of user darioq2
Florida
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 11th, 2017

So yeah, I love the concept as I buy nearly everything I need in life on line lol. But now whats this... no amazon? I'm lost, I buy almost everything there. And over the last month most transactions would not go through. With that said, I am going to try to make it work one more time, but I am sure I will not earn that much if amazon is out. We shall see.

Thumbnail of user gracet29
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 1st, 2016
Verified purchase

Been using Ebates a couple years now and it works great. Have over $200 back in cash! Once in awhile there is a hiccup but when I contact customer service it always gets fixed right away. The only thing I would suggest is sometimes I buy something that would qualify but I forget to go into the Ebates portal first. I wish I could just provide proof of sale and still get the rebate.

Thumbnail of user ashleym89
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 26th, 2015
Verified purchase

I love how easy the website is to use. The categories help you find great stores & you earn a percentage off each purchase which is free cash. I am also extremely happy with their customer service via email that will respond within a day & correct any mistakes straight away. Excellent site, service and free money. Whats not to love? I use it every time I shop online.

Thumbnail of user joand15
New York
3 reviews
0 helpful votes
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April 1st, 2015
Verified purchase

My Ebates dollars did not show up in my account. One email to customer service received a reply within minutes it seemed. Then I had another question in regards to the percentage offered on that shopping trip and that email was also answered almost immediately. I am so impressed with not having to wait 24-48 hours for answers. I am in awe of this exceptional service!

Thumbnail of user marielas
Arizona
1 review
6 helpful votes
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February 10th, 2016

When they have their tell a friend bonuses and I get an extra $100 it disappears right before my check goes out. I never get my referral money. I think I've made $12 in the last 2 years but with my unpaid bonuses it should have been over $200. Won't be using them anymore.

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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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