• 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 margaretk30
Arizona
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 9th, 2015
Verified purchase

I had a problem with receiving cash back from one of the stores (Ebay). I emailed customer service regarding the issue. The issues was completely resolved in less than 20 minutes... not only did I get credited for immediate cash back, but also received hints on how to prevent this in the future. Thanks!

Service
Thumbnail of user kellyj44
Arizona
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 29th, 2015
Verified purchase

Such great customer service! Very nice and patient people to deal with. They answered all my questions and concerns that I had in a prompt and timely manner. I received my free gift card and my first big fat check very quickly. Hey you go shopping for all kinds of things, you might as well save with coupons and you even get a percentage of what you spend back. It really does work! I highly recommend!

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user corinnam
South Carolina
1 review
1 helpful vote
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December 2nd, 2014
Verified purchase

Incredibly customer-friendly experience. Ebates' customer service representative was very pleasant, professional and accommodating. My issue was handled quickly and efficiently... I wish all customer care departments would use Ebates as model for dealing with consumer concerns. Great Job!

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user lavonnew
South Carolina
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 22nd, 2016
Verified purchase

I recently booked thru a vendor that was supposed to pay 10% back. When I received my email from ebates it was substantially less. I emailed them about it and they gave me the balance. Great customer service.

Thumbnail of user florencen10
Illinois
1 review
0 helpful votes
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January 13th, 2018

Other companies should have customer service like Ebates. They always get back to you ASAP with an answer. Checks come the day they tell you that its coming. I've never had a problem. Love Ebates, They go Beyond.

Thumbnail of user joyceo36
New York
1 review
0 helpful votes
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July 31st, 2019
Verified purchase

I've used EBates for years. Now it's Rakuten. No difference on that score. I do sort of resent their now sticking their own shopping out there all the time but it's a mild irritant. Otherwise, all is good.

Thumbnail of user violac9
Arizona
1 review
2 helpful votes
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August 4th, 2019
Verified purchase

Have had an Ebates account for years and it always worked well (I received my reward. However, since Dec. I stopped receiving any rewards although I purchased many gifts. Recently it looks like it works at least occasionally.

Thumbnail of user cherylk32
Tennessee
3 reviews
0 helpful votes
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August 2nd, 2019
Verified purchase

I got started with Rakuten about 6 months ago and have already received checks! It is so easy to set up with navigation prompts that easily guide you through the process. I really appreciate the automatic activation when you visit a website that they offer rewards and there are special offers that come with about every store.

Thumbnail of user ajf1
Texas
1 review
1 helpful vote
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January 11th, 2014

I've used Ebates whenever I can remember to check their site first before online shopping. No problems so far and I have received the sign up giftcard and at least 2 checks. One thing to remember is that they usually don't send you a check until you accrue a certain amount. No complaints for a free service!

Thumbnail of user thomasd1632
Delaware
3 reviews
7 helpful votes
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June 13th, 2022

I've used this app for over a year now. When things post automatically it's great. When they say 'pending' you know it'll be a problem. I've had multiple purchases not show up and I've even emailed five separate times over a month period about one order and have yet to receive a response. They simply don't care.

Tip for consumers:
Watch your cash back like a hawk and pray someone actually responds which is unlikely.

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user madisonk4
Virginia
2 reviews
3 helpful votes
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April 22nd, 2015
Verified purchase

Today I received the best customer service from a gentleman named zach. He really went above and beyond to make sure that all of my questions were answered and that I was happy. Thank you so much zach!

Thumbnail of user kims180
Maryland
1 review
1 helpful vote
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July 24th, 2016
Verified purchase

I purchased a dress online at Macy's using Ebates and it was one size too large. I went to the store and exchanged it not knowing that they would credit me and then ring me up as a new purchase. A couple of days later I noticed that the cash I received from Ebates was now deleted. I emailed them questioning the transaction and they were very fast to respond. The correct thing would have been to return the dress at Macy's and re-purchase it through Ebates.
With Ebates outstanding customer service, they refunded me the full amount, understanding that I made a mistake. Thank you for working with your customers.

Thumbnail of user stevena61
Missouri
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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November 14th, 2016

The site itself is great if you do a lot of online shopping. They even have some in store ebates that can be used. However, this review is about the customer service. I reached out to get a new "big fat check" printed. Not only did they respond quickly, they apologized for the "delay" and got a new check printed and sent out to me without any hassle. THAT'S customer service

Thumbnail of user cc66
Illinois
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
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September 29th, 2013

I want to clarify some points made by critics here. Yes, you have to spend some time and attention to your shopping. Shop a little first, before going to Ebates so you know about what is available. Open a site through Ebates, and buy on that site opening, and you will get your rebate. You may or may not get other offers available, like free shipping, however, because some sites only give one discount. I have always found Ebates pays out on schedule without a fight, even on big ticket items.

Thumbnail of user kims109
Pennsylvania
1 review
0 helpful votes
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October 6th, 2015
Verified purchase

Being retired and on a fixed income I save where I can. Since I don't drive I get most items online. Amazing how between ebay bucks, ebates and other online retail % off savings can add up. Customer service is excellent. God bless you! Jesus is our hope for the future!

Thumbnail of user alvinr18
Kentucky
5 reviews
16 helpful votes
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January 12th, 2016

I bought a titanium diamond ring from Rakuten in November. They were all too happy to help me until they got their money. A stone fell out days later and after a month of emails i cannot get a response from them or the seller. Be careful out there people.

Thumbnail of user kathleenm122
Florida
1 review
11 helpful votes
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December 19th, 2017

Ebates picks and chooses which rebates they want to honor. Over the last several months I have to to keep track of every purchase, then fight with Ebates customer service to get my rebates. Making everything so difficult and unpleasant. Right now if someone asked me about Ebates I would have to tell them to watch everything to make sure you get your money as promised; or stay away from Ebates because they will honor their own site.

Thumbnail of user loriannc
Massachusetts
5 reviews
16 helpful votes
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June 11th, 2018

Shopping made Easy for me since 2013. I am shopping on-line anyway and just enter through Ebates to the store I want to shop at and as commercials states I get PAID to shop. Ebates also organizes my favorite spots on a guide making it even easier... Ebates has been awesome to deal with. If have questions about purchases... they respond quickly and with understandable explanations. Would Recommend to anyone (and you even get paid for that, too)... who shops On-Line. They pay you in the form you choose. I personally just want the check. But they again give options...

Thumbnail of user lisag63
California
1 review
1 helpful vote
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March 5th, 2015
Verified purchase

I love Ebates! It is great to get money back for things I am going to buy anyway. An awesome way to save money on online purchases. Customer service is also top notch. Any issues I have had are always resolved in a timely, professional, courteous manner. Ebates, you rock!

Thumbnail of user christinay4
New Jersey
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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December 22nd, 2014
Verified purchase

I've been using Ebates for just over a year. I am always so pleased to get a rebate (in the form of cash back), especially for merchants who never offer a deal, just by using Ebates. It is super easy to use and for every online purchase I make, I get a check in the mail a few times a year. For the rare occasional hiccup that sometimes can occur, I get the absolute best customer support. It's always a real person, not automated response. They are super friend and quick to help me out. You will be so happy once you sign up and start earning cash back today. Happy shopping!

Thumbnail of user giselleg2
New York
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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July 8th, 2015

Thank you Ebates Customer Care Center! I was having an issue with the link to verify my address and I contacted the Customer Care Center. Alexis R responded quickly and was kind enough to walk me through the steps after I told her what my problem. Not only did the second response come back quickly but she described in detail what I needed to do and I was done in minutes! It can be a little frustrating when technology refuses to work your way but with the kindness and patience Alexis showed, I was a very happy camper after my experience. Have a question, ask! They are awesome!

Thumbnail of user joannak8
Wisconsin
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
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September 14th, 2014
Verified purchase

I really thank you for your comprehensive reply. Ebates goes out of its way to be customer friendly! So often we get a recorded message on the phone or no reply. It's so refreshing to actually feel like a person and not just some number that a company is replying to. Ebates ROCKS! Please pass along this message to your supervisor, manager and higher ups! Ebates have never not responded... nor left me waiting for a reply. Many, many thanks!

Thumbnail of user annetteg5
North Carolina
1 review
2 helpful votes
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February 3rd, 2015

I bought a photo scanner from this site. It arrived in a reasonable time frame. However, the product did not work. I first contact the seller... no response. Then I got rakuten customer service involved. They gave me the run around for 2 weeks. Finally I contacted the people at Google (as Rakuten is a Google Trusted Store). As soon as Google stepped in I received a full refund, a $10 gift certificate to use on Rakuten (not that I will buy from them EVER) and a $25 gift card from Google for all my troubles.

Thumbnail of user denac3
Pennsylvania
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 13th, 2016
Verified purchase

I noticed that I did not receive cash back from a recent Pep Boys order. I reached out to customer service and within hours they had researched my request and credited my account. I am very impressed with the turn around time!

Thumbnail of user bettyc183
Georgia
1 review
1 helpful vote
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April 28th, 2019
Verified purchase

It is very hard to use Rakuten in-store at Walmart. I don't know if the app works or not. Otherwise I love the online set-up and don't have to worry about searching for stores since the app pops right up on a valid site. Thank You

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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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