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    Rakuten

Rakuten

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Overview

Rakuten has a rating of 2.7 stars from 2,124 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 5th among Cash Back sites.

  • Service
    187
  • Value
    151
  • Returns
    64
  • Quality
    121

This company does not typically respond to reviews

Positive reviews (last 12 months): 20%
Positive
2
Neutral
0
Negative
8
View ratings trends
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Reviews (2,124)

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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 joshg426
New Zealand
1 review
1 helpful vote
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July 16th, 2023

My company has always used Commission Factory (Junction) and Rakuten. I always found Rakuten was harder to use and lacked some of the features CF has. Also it seems like affiliates are on all channels so there really isn't a need for two.

I decided to terminate my contract with Rakuten, which had been signed nearly 10 years prior. They said I would have to pay the fees for 7 months as the contract automatically renews every year, this seems unfair and just gave me a very bad impression of them.

Service
Value

Date of experience: July 16, 2023

Thumbnail of user shelly.transki
Ohio
1 review
4 helpful votes
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August 10th, 2023

I made a purchase through their website, as needed to earn cash back. My balance was near $100. However within a month, they removed the highest cash back bonus from my balance ($75), without a word.
I completed a Missing Cash Back form, to which they then requested the order details. Why do they need the details when the Shopping Trip information was right there with everything already?
They don't want to pay out, so they remove high cash back earnings. They've also re-designed the Shopping Trip page to where you cannot access any details past the current 3 months.

Tip for consumers:
This website isn't worth the hassle.

Service
Value

Date of experience: August 10, 2023

Thumbnail of user yanjid
Florida
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
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August 19th, 2023

The Rakuten team is beyond amazing! I had a 10% cash back from hotels.com from a limited offer but ended up only getting 2%. After I reaching out to Rakuten, the team help me to reach out to hotels.com for verification and they even went above and beyond, sent me several updates though out 4 months. Hotels.com was not responsive and honestly, I didn't really expect to get the cash back but I indeed received it after several months. I was truly amazed by the customer service at Rakuten as they really go above and beyond to help me. Thank you!

Service
Value
Quality

Date of experience: August 18, 2023

Thumbnail of user denism238
RU
1 review
3 helpful votes
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July 18th, 2023

They don't pay welcome bonus as was promised at the time of registration. First of all, I received a confirmation the full check was sent out to me, but in a while received a check $30 less, now they ignore me and don't answer to my messages

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: July 18, 2023

Thumbnail of user astkhikz
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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August 15th, 2023

After a long chatting with team members, they blocked my account and waved my sign up and refer a friend bonuses since they found that I created multiple duplicate accounts. However, it so not true!
Other accounts I referred to were my family members! In their policy, it says that family members can get a refer a friend bonus as well.
They simply didn't believe me, restricted my account and didn't return my bonuses by claiming that I duplicated accounts.
They don't trust their customers which his so unprofessional, I am so disappointed by this…

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: August 15, 2023

Thumbnail of user pamelah2061
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 17th, 2023

I placed an order for a mattress online using Rakuten allowing a 15% dcash back, which helped me afford my mattress however the cash back did not show up, so I called customer service and I spoke with the supervisor Marlene and she explained what it happened by me adding a store discount code. Also made the Rakuten services fall off and explained what not to do in the future to avoid this. She quickly added the 15% to my account which was awesome I would truly recommend Rakuten to anyone who shops online or in stores I have saved almost $4000 since 2018.

Service
Value

Date of experience: May 17, 2023

Thumbnail of user yarinalon68
Israel
1 review
7 helpful votes
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August 14th, 2023
Verified purchase

I accumulated almost $300 cashback in my account, the payment date came, the company closed my account with all kinds of excuses, and they took the money I accumulated $300, but the commissions they received from sites I purchased they earned at my expense, there are several other complaints online about their working method, they advertise cashback Higher than the competitors, but when the time comes to pay, they close your account, earn the commission, and simply disown you in disgrace.

Products used:
cashback

Date of experience: August 14, 2023

Thumbnail of user sfs5
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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April 3rd, 2019

A Loyal Customer since 2013. Ebates had always been professional. Every representative will always go beyond the call of duty to make it right. Ebates is a true service oriented company and I highly recommend everyone to use their services and start earning your cash back on almost everything you purchase online and expanding on purchases made in store.

Date of experience: April 3, 2019

Thumbnail of user seyd
Jamaica
1 review
1 helpful vote
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December 19th, 2018

Simply the best.
If you have a problem to the Ebates team, that's no problem, it will be solved thoroughly & efficiently. Their communication is World Class.
Deal & Promo info is just a sight for sore eyes when the pop up or when I received an email.
Special thanks to Ms. Kathleen, keep up the great work..

Date of experience: December 19, 2018

Thumbnail of user interlimited
Ukraine
1 review
2 helpful votes
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May 13th, 2023

As soon as you accumulate an amount above $20, your account will be blocked without explanation. I have been using the account for over a year. And as soon as I collected the amount, the account was blocked. NEVER USE THIS SERVICE. This is a scam.

Tip for consumers:
As soon as you accumulate an amount above $20, your account will be blocked without explanation. I have been using the account for over a year. And as soon as I collected the amount, the account was blocked. NEVER USE THIS SERVICE. This is a scam.

Products used:
cacheback

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: May 13, 2023

Thumbnail of user marianneo7
Texas
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 1st, 2018

Ebates will pay you for shopping any of the several participating stores in the Ebates network. This is real! You need this, unless you don't need money...
Ebates is so easy to use, the money is real. The customer care is exceptional. I had an issue yesterday, from the initial contact with Ebates to ask the question to the resolution that resulted in my Ebates earnings increasing was at most 4-5 Hours! Yes, I said HOURS not Days! The representative (Tim) was courteous, clear and concise. I've never had an online company resolve anything in less than 24/48 hours - until Ebates. Plus, the stores in their network are stores we all actually shop at, all the time! Put it on his way, sign-up at Ebates today... You have everything to gain and money to lose if you don't.
* I am giving this review freely on my own volition, I am not being paid or compensated in any way. Ebates is just so great I am obligated to spread the word. You'll feel the same as me once you start earning REAL money.

Date of experience: September 1, 2018

Thumbnail of user steveh12
Arizona
5 reviews
56 helpful votes
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January 1st, 2011

buy.com is one of my favorites. Have been buying from them for about three years. There prices are usually very competitive, web site is easy to use, but their customer service stinks. When you place your order make sure your shipping address is correct. Have received all orders in good condition and exactly what I ordered.

Date of experience: January 1, 2011

Thumbnail of user lindas258
Georgia
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 23rd, 2016
Verified purchase

I was having trouble with getting my cash back offer from an online purchase and they fixed it right away and also gave me info on fixing the internet shopping problems. Thanks Ebates for your efficient customer service!

Date of experience: March 23, 2016

Thumbnail of user coreyp52
Florida
1 review
0 helpful votes
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April 24th, 2019
Verified purchase

When looking for the best products with valid coupon without any hassle, its hands down the best Site to shop on and with. Plus Cash back bonus. Rakuten is Phenomenal simple as that, it will please you in one way shape or form.

Date of experience: April 23, 2019

Thumbnail of user danr58
New York
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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November 30th, 2015
Verified purchase

WHEW! It's said that one 'atta-boy" is worth ten "aw-
Shucks"... so here's an ATTA-BOY from me (or PC...'atta-
Person.')... Quite impressive to see a purchase that I just made
This evening already credited by you... You keep renewing my
Faith that some of these merchandising mechanisms truly do
Work the way they should. Many thanks! Cheers,

Date of experience: November 30, 2015

Thumbnail of user luisr127
New Jersey
4 reviews
8 helpful votes
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May 1st, 2019

One of the best incentives for shopping online. A simple click or two gets you paid! I've received over $100.00 dollars... and counting.
Their customer service is awesome!
Thank you Ebates/Victoria V.

Date of experience: May 1, 2019

Thumbnail of user kathym42
New York
1 review
1 helpful vote
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September 6th, 2014
Verified purchase

There was, a discrepancy with my cash back total. I sent an email. They replied within 10 minutes, & had the problem fixed almost immediately... this is what I call exceptional customer service! Kudos, to you!

Date of experience: September 6, 2014

Thumbnail of user briant42
Kentucky
5 reviews
16 helpful votes
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May 26th, 2015

I've used Ebates for several years now and have received $296 cash-back. Ebates is a solid organization all around. The business-model fits perfectly because it benefits both the site and the consumer simultaneously. Their referral promotions are more than generous. They cash-back site options are the most extensive of any of these types of services. Customer service is top-notch.

As a poor, deal-hunting student, Ebates is an awesome service. The percent-back may not seem like much (usually 2-5%), but given the fact that this stacks with any coupon code you may find, it's free money that actually adds up quickly. Browser extensions make activating cash-back super easy, and I've never once failed to receive the cash back in a timely manner. Incorporate into your online shopping routine to save a few dollars here or there for very little hassle. Highly recommended.

Tip for consumers:
Awesome service. Incorporate into your online shopping routine to save a few dollars here or there for very little hassle.

Service
Value
Quality

Date of experience: May 26, 2015

Thumbnail of user briannahw
New York
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 12th, 2016
Verified purchase

Because of my latest experience I will forever be a loyal customer and shopper with ebates! Absolutely BEYOND expectations and helped me in every way they could. Very fast responses- excellent reps. Thank you guys!

Date of experience: May 12, 2016

Thumbnail of user amandad41
Virginia
1 review
0 helpful votes
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October 13th, 2015
Verified purchase

I must compare Ebates.com with another cash-back site, SavingStar.com. Ebates is fast, responsive, and on-point when responding to customer concerns. Ebates rewards customers for purchases incredibly fast. The competitor offers poor customer service, has admitted to being six weeks behind in replying, and worst of all, does not honor its own cash-back incentives. Bottom line? No comparison. Ebates wins out every time!

Date of experience: October 13, 2015

Thumbnail of user lul45
Massachusetts
4 reviews
8 helpful votes
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January 26th, 2024

The company uses vague and unfair terms to their advantage. Here are the problems:
1 They do not pay you the promised amount on time. I will receive less than 50% of the promised amount next month. I also did not receive my cash back on time last month.
2 They tell you the difference will roll over because some transactions were confirmed after the cut off date even when your portal shows otherwise. There is no way to tell what was confirmed or what was not on your end.
3 It takes a long time for their customer service team to respond, and they always provide useless information. They copy and paste the vague terms listed on their website.
2 Data collection and privacy problems. Given their unethical practice and unfair terms, you are selling your data cheap.Yes, they track. They make up excuses and alter terms and conditions liberally.
I almost forgot to mention that some confirmed transactions magically disappeared from my account (especially those with a higher rebate).
I am going to deactivate my account to cut the loss.

Service

Date of experience: January 26, 2024

Thumbnail of user miker124
Ohio
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 13th, 2015
Verified purchase

The customer service team was able to resolve my issue of missing transaction/points very quickly and gave me the credits I was due even though they were waiting for a merchant response on it. Great job!

Date of experience: March 13, 2015

Thumbnail of user myrnan3
Virginia
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 22nd, 2015
Verified purchase

Fantastic, SPEEDY experience with customer service today re a missing check... they were super helpful and quick on replies and fixing the issue. It's so refreshing to have such a smooth fix! Many thanks!

Date of experience: March 21, 2015

Thumbnail of user lindam268
Florida
5 reviews
6 helpful votes
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March 12th, 2017

I have been using Ebates for a few years now. It is so easy to receive cash back for shopping. They have an excellent customer service department that usually responds immediately or within a reasonable amount of time. I would recommend this to anyone who not only shops on line, but also in stores!

Date of experience: March 12, 2017

Thumbnail of user yuliag2
Minnesota
2 reviews
11 helpful votes
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January 12th, 2018

My estimated cash back was supposed to be 10% for purchasing airline and hotel tickets which I took a screenshot of and overnight the percentage somehow dropped to 1% only. They are fraud. Will not used them again.

Date of experience: January 12, 2018

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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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