Rakuten: Cash Back and Deals


Rating: 3.5	Downloads: 10,000,000+
Category: Shopping	Offer by: Rakuten Rewards

The Rakuten: Cash Back and Deals app is a mobile platform designed to help users discover and utilize cashback offers and exclusive deals from thousands of retailers and online stores. It functions by aggregating promotions, allowing users to track earnings, and providing a convenient way to redeem discounts on everyday purchases, primarily serving bargain-conscious consumers looking to maximize savings on shopping activities.

Its key value lies in simplifying the process of finding relevant savings, enabling users to turn everyday spending into tangible rewards. By integrating cashback opportunities seamlessly into regular shopping habits, the Rakuten app makes saving easier and more rewarding, potentially reducing overall household expenses significantly.

App Features

Cashback Discovery Feed: The app scans participating websites in real-time, presenting users with the latest cashback offers, discounts, and vouchers tailored to their interests or browsing history. This saves time and effort, ensuring you only see relevant deals that actually save you money on things you might want anyway.
Deal Filtering and Search: Users can easily narrow down the vast number of available offers using various filters like category, minimum discount value, specific brands, and even expiration dates. The search function allows for quick lookups of particular deals or retailers, enhancing efficiency and precision in finding exactly what you need without scrolling through irrelevant options.
Integrated Redemption Process: When shopping through participating Rakuten partner sites using the Rakuten browser or link provided by the app, users can often see the applicable cashback offer directly on the checkout page. After completing the purchase, the cashback is automatically calculated and deposited into their Rakuten account, eliminating the hassle of manual coupon codes or waiting for separate refunds.
Account Balance and History Tracking: The app maintains a clear overview, showing users their current available cashback balance which can be withdrawn or used for future purchases. A transaction history log details all earnings and redemptions, providing complete transparency and helping users budget effectively based on their savings.
Personalized Notifications and Alerts: Users receive timely push notifications about expiring offers, newly found discounts on items they previously viewed or purchased, and significant cashback opportunities based on their preferences. This proactive approach helps users act quickly on limited-time deals, preventing missed savings and keeping them informed without constant manual checking.
User Profile and Settings Management: The app allows users to set their preferences for preferred store types, adjust notification settings (e.g., sound, banners), and manage linked accounts or payment methods if applicable. This level of customization ensures the app experience aligns with individual needs and enhances user engagement by making the interface more intuitive over time.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Generous Cashback Rates and Wide Merchant Coverage
Seamless Redemption and Tracking
Personalized Notifications for Relevance
Convenience of Comparing Deals in One Place

Cons:

Potential Complexity with Affiliate Links and Terms
Subscription Cost for Premium Features (Rakuten VIP)
Not All Merchants Participate or Have High Cashback Rates
Dependence on Partner Stores’ Pricing Stability

Similar Apps

App Name	Highlights
TopCashback	A well-established cashback app known for its extensive merchant list and competitive cashback rates on specific goods and services. Often features a simple UI and clear categorization.
CouponCabin	Focuses heavily on printable coupons and promo codes, integrating cashback offers alongside traditional deals. Emphasizes detailed store-specific discounts and weekly flyers.
Myntra Gift Cards	While primarily focused on fashion retailer Myntra, its gift card feature often includes cashback or discount codes which can be beneficial for Rakuten users shopping on that platform. It offers unique value for specific niches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I earn cashback using the Rakuten app?

A: You typically earn cashback by visiting participating retailers via the links or Rakuten-powered browser integrated with the app and completing a purchase. The cashback is automatically calculated at checkout and deposited into your Rakuten account balance.

Q: What are Rakuten VIP Rewards, and is the subscription worth it?

A: Rakuten VIP Rewards is a subscription service costing around ₹199/month (price may vary). It offers benefits like 10 cashback points (instead of 5) on every purchase, early access to sales and exclusive Rakuten-only deals, and other perks like travel insurance. Whether it’s worth it depends on your spending habits, but frequent users often find the higher cashback rate justifies the cost.

Q: Can I use my Rakuten cashback balance to buy gift cards?

A: Yes, typically you can use your available cashback balance within the Rakuten app to purchase gift cards for popular retailers directly from the app.

Q: Which websites or stores accept Rakuten cashback?

A: Rakuten partners with thousands of Indian retailers including popular e-commerce giants like Flipkart and Amazon, fashion brands like Myntra and Jabong, travel sites like MakeMyTrip and GoIbibo, digital stores like Amazon Music and YouTube Premium, and many others. You can find the complete list within the app or explore offers directly.

Q: How often is my cashback credited to my Rakuten account?

A: Cashback is usually credited to your Rakuten account balance within 5-10 business days after you make a qualifying purchase on participating websites. The credited amount is typically the exact value of the cashback offer applicable to your transaction.