• 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 lisak41
Iowa
1 review
1 helpful vote
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March 22nd, 2014

Placed a trip thru ebates.com and after multiple requests for my cash back still nothing.
They stated that it may take 40 days after the trip. That has since passed and still nothing. Even requesting after the 40 days.
I used to really like this site and don't think that I will be using it anymore.

Seems like this is false advertising to me. Stay away or just don't plan on getting anything from using it their site.

UPDATE!
Thank You ebates for following through with this. 2 thumbs up for you!

Thumbnail of user heyitsbrittanyjean
Illinois
10 reviews
7 helpful votes
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November 16th, 2023

Not happy I keep having issues with stores confirming my orders and cash back not getting added to my account within the time frame it says. I'm tired of reaching out to Rakuten bc of that. Also don't like some of Rakutens agents being unfriendly or not helpful. I also have expected a few checks to be larger than they they are. Feel like there is some kind of mistake happening to where I am not getting the right amount.

Thumbnail of user dianeo45
North Carolina
2 reviews
6 helpful votes
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December 23rd, 2018

Carol S. Helped me with a small problem and got the issue settled in record time over the weekend! Why not use Ebates when your doing your online shopping? It's as easy as it can be and you get money back on your online order.

Thumbnail of user amyf48
New York
2 reviews
10 helpful votes
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November 12th, 2018

I've been with ebates since 2011. The past few years they really seem to be dropping the ball in putting money in your account after a purchase. You need to be diligent. Keep your online receipts, you most likely (50% or more of the time) will have to track down your money. Pay attention, and it's worth it.

Thumbnail of user merlel
Ohio
3 reviews
12 helpful votes
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July 22nd, 2010

Often cheap, but at a price. They are not forth coming about many details such as obsolete products. If you do get a dud. You will encounter a lot of resistance from them in making it right. Be prepared to spend on shipping costs, long waits for repairs by a third company and often unsatisfactory results. Be VERY cautious when offered free shipping. They sometimes accepted my order without giving me a chance to opt for the free shipping, then charged me what I thought was inflated shipping costs. Not a company that you should trust. They do not freely make a phone no for you to call if you need to. That should tell you something!

Thumbnail of user stephenp49
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 18th, 2016
Verified purchase

Nicole is amazing. I was having trouble with an order and she helped me make this work both via email and on the phone. A truly amazing customer service experience. Please promote Nicole and give her double her current salary ;)

Thumbnail of user courtneyl27
Colorado
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 5th, 2015
Verified purchase

I love shopping, like normal, and through ebates getting cash back! I even will shop at particular stores that have higher rebates if they have the same products on another site that doesn't have or has a low rebate. Wonderful site!

Thumbnail of user sandyr46
South Carolina
1 review
6 helpful votes
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October 19th, 2015

Too many times I have to contact Ebates for credit on purchases. However a quick email usually resolves the problem... Different story with sizeable cash back. Been waiting for more than one month now for one purchase to be credited... a ten percent cash back. Gotta say that communication with Ebates is good... I still use it when I can. Word to the wise... keep meticulous records especially for larger purchases...

Thumbnail of user bridgeth4
North Dakota
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
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November 30th, 2016

Ebates is amazing for your wallet! You use all the same rewards, coupons, etc that you would normally use in store or online. Shop all your faves, but do it with Ebates! I have gotten close to $400 BACK in my big, fat check (you get an actual check mailed every few months) You are just plain silly if you don't join Ebates! Check it out!

Thumbnail of user bethp71
Georgia
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 15th, 2018

Awesome company. Above parr customer service. Highly recommended! I do a lot of online shopping at Amazon and Walmart. That does help a lot. I hope they are able to negotiate the same deal with CVS Pharmacy they have with Walgreens.

Thumbnail of user hillaryl1
Pennsylvania
1 review
2 helpful votes
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November 2nd, 2014
Verified purchase

I began my interaction annoyed, having tried—in vain—to unsubscribe from the deluge of emails I had been receiving recently from Ebates. I sent a disgruntled email to Customer Service.
The representative who interacted with me, Chelsea, was so professional, tactful, and direct with her responses, that it left me with a very favorable reaction. In fact, Chelsea responded so promptly and politely to my series of emails, that I am now actually considering re-subscribing to Ebates. Service like that reflects very well on business.

Thank you

Thumbnail of user donnar133
Tennessee
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 24th, 2017
Verified purchase

Excellent Customer Service! I contacted Ebates on 3/24/2017 and received an immediate response from Kris in Member Services. My request regarding a previous online purchase was resolved within just a few hours that same day. Very Satisfied Ebates Member!

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user cathyl73
Illinois
1 review
5 helpful votes
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January 21st, 2018

I've used Ebates for years, don't do a lot of online shopping but every little bit helps. When I needed a new computer I was thrilled to see that I could go through Ebates and there was even a 10% special holiday offer. What a deal! Except that it didn't happen. After a few letters I was finally told that I had made the purchase through another site. NO, I had clicked on the special offer. They've now offered me a $20 consolation prize when I make another purchase - just did that, we'll see if the 20 bucks shows up.

Thumbnail of user ev1907
Illinois
1 review
1 helpful vote
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December 23rd, 2014

I bought a toy for my son for Christmas over a month ago. The company sent out some type of plastic inexpensive credit card holder instead. I attempted to contact the company through phone calls, surveys & emails. Not once did I get a response. The toy never came. Luckily I paid through paypal and I filed a dispute and they eventually credited me. I would not order anything on this website. Beware!

Tip for consumers:
beware

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user marys773
Illinois
4 reviews
12 helpful votes
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May 5th, 2018

I had been having problems with Ebates because I am disabled and cannot get to the bank. They persisted in sending me checks instead of letting me opt for gift cards. They have made good on all of it. I was contacted by the director of member services and he fixed everything. I was given a gift card for the checks I could not cash plus a little extra for my inconvenience all these months. He also assured me that, in the future, all rewards would be given to me in the form of gift cards.
If you are having problems with them, do contact customer service and get to the director.

Thumbnail of user johnj433
South Carolina
2 reviews
11 helpful votes
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November 10th, 2017

EBates works fine when you are making small purchases, but I took them up on their Lifelock offer of a 40% rebate. After getting the runaround with four different reps, they finally said I did not activate the proper code and therefore missed out on the rebate. First of all that is a lie because I know how to use eBates. Secondly, I provided more than ample proof that I bought a service from a company that they offer rebates with; the rep never said I didn't meet the conditions of the rebate, but that I missed out on a technicality. I don't suppose it had anything to do with the fact that they would have to fork over $78.

Thumbnail of user acexss
Canada
1 review
0 helpful votes
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August 7th, 2014
Verified purchase

I'm a new subscriber to Ebates and am looking forward to receiving cash back. In these economics times I appreciate being able to do that using this service. I was having trouble with the site and Ebates' CSR's are terrific. My Email to them was answered very promptly and provided resolution to my issue. I would strongly recommend the use of this site for all their online shopping.

Thumbnail of user melanieb53
Michigan
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 9th, 2016
Verified purchase

My EBATES check did not arrive, and so I sent a request to have someone look into the missing payment. It turns out that the error was entirely my fault. My address on file with Ebates was from 2 years ago, and so I simply had not updated my account. An Ebates customer service representative adjusted my address in their system, and my check will be mailed next month. I appreciate the quick and proactive solution provided. Thank you!

Thumbnail of user jessicab179
Tennessee
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 16th, 2016

I have been using Ebates for years and have never had any issues. I am always credited for the purchases I make (although my mom has had a few go missing--make sure to keep your email receipts and they will credit you!).

Recently, my account showed that my Big Fat Check was sent to me, but I did not receive it. I had moved but forgotten to update my address. I reached out to customer service, and they immediately looked into the problem, found another check that had not been cashed because it had been delivered to the wrong address, and reissued me BOTH checks! I opted to wait for the check, but they also offered to put the account into my PayPal account right away.

So responsive and helpful. I definitely recommend. If you are skeptical--don't be. I tell all of my friends - if you are going to shop online anyway, then why NOT start at Ebates?

Thumbnail of user joseg87
Colombia
1 review
1 helpful vote
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June 4th, 2016
Verified purchase

I have been in the middle of traveling and moving and missed out on a check, which they kindly voided it and sent a new one out. The representative (Jason) was very cordial, quick when responding and took care of my problem with no hassle what so ever!

Thumbnail of user dougb205
North Carolina
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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July 31st, 2019
Verified purchase

Since the site didn't acknowledge it was waiting for confirmation of my purchase from Advance Auto, I'll have to assume that's what's happening. Also, when I've gone to the site lately it's asked me to log in. Ebates didn't do that unless I was messing with my account.

Thumbnail of user craigd20
New Jersey
1 review
9 helpful votes
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September 24th, 2015

Recently made a $2000. 00 purchase from sears and went thru ebates for 6% cash back. When it didn't show up in pending i wrote c/s and gave them order # and all info. Needed they say with large sums it could take up to 45 days for sears to get back to them. They have the proof. NOT HAPPY

Service
Thumbnail of user suet58
Oregon
1 review
0 helpful votes
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October 26th, 2017

I have nothing but positive things to say about Ebates and the Ebates member services team. I needed assistance when one of my transactions was missing from my statement. Not only did I receive a reply in less than an hour, but the issue was resolved right then and there. Other companies could learn a few things from Ebates. They certainly set a standard of excellence!

And a special thank you to Melissa G. It was a joy working with you.

Thumbnail of user vivians87
New Jersey
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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December 25th, 2019

I love shopping with Rakuten - it is very simple... one click and you are earning money while you shop! Their customer service department is absolutely the best... they are patient, knowledgeable and prompt to resolve any issues in a very timely fashion. Will be referring friends and family so that they too can enjoy earning cash back while they shop.

Thumbnail of user laurac245
Ohio
1 review
1 helpful vote
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July 21st, 2017

Even thought I failed to make a online purchase by activating Ebates, they credited my account anyway. I thought this was out of the norm since the mistake was mine. I dad another purchase that Ebates was activated but not credited and they gave me the credit and took it on themselves to resolve the matter with the vendor. Excellent cash back program! No problems receiving quarterly pay outs either.

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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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