Skip to content
Go to Home Page
News

Rakuten deal alert: Earn 15% to 20% cash back at major retailers when shopping online

Sarah Hostetler
Contributor
,
Katie Genter
Katie Genter
Senior writer
Katie Genter is a digital nomad who has traveled full time since June 2017. She writes and edits stories about points and miles, and loyalty programs, often letting her personal experiences color these stories.
,
Summer Hull
Summer Hull
Director of content
Summer Hull has been covering (and using) travel tips, rewards credit cards and loyalty programs for over a decade. She has flown close to a million miles, often on points and miles and with her family in tow.
,
Kyle Olsen
Kyle Olsen
Points and Miles Expert
Kyle Olsen is the former points and miles reporter at TPG. He specializes in maximizing points and miles, elite status and credit cards so readers travel more comfortably and at a lower cost.
and
Augusta Stone
Augusta Stone
Associate credit cards writer
Augusta Stone is an associate credit cards writer for TPG. She joined the TPG team in 2023 and is excited to take fellow points and miles beginners with her on a journey toward maximizing rewards.
May 13, 2024
•
5 min read
Young Asian woman unboxing new purchase clothings from cardboard box that received from her online shopping retail delivery at home. She is happy and excited to see the content from the box. Online shopping, trustworthy parcel delivery service
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Editor's Note

This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. 

If you're looking to make some purchases before your summer travel plans, there's a big online shopping event this week to maximize your spending. Plus, you can use these promotions to score some big deals and stack up the savings.

Rakuten is one of the most popular online shopping sites that awards cash back for shopping online, and it has some very increased earning rates at popular retailers running from May 6-13. It's the online shopping platform's "Big Give Week" event.

This is how you take a good deal to a great one: Layering a hefty side of cash back on already discounted prices.

Remember, with Rakuten, you can choose to earn American Express Membership Rewards points instead of cash back if you want. So, instead of getting up to 15% cash back in the examples below, you could earn 15 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent; this can yield a significantly higher value overall if you maximize the points with travel partners.

Here's what you need to know about increased cash-back opportunities with Rakuten.

Increased cash back with Rakuten

ROCKAA/GETTY IMAGES

To earn cash-back rewards or Membership Rewards when shopping online, begin your shopping trip on the Rakuten website. Once there, search for your desired store and click to be redirected to the retailer's website. After you make a qualifying purchase, Rakuten will track your transaction and add bonus rewards to your account — generally within a day or two.

Here are some of the stores we see with increased cash back right now. Each of these retailers is offering 15% cash back or 15 points per dollar from May 6-13 through Rakuten. However, some are offering 20% off.

  • Adidas
  • Dyson
  • E.l.f. Cosmetics
  • Ulta Beauty
  • Expedia
  • Groupon
  • Hertz
  • Sunglass Hut
  • DSW
  • Staples
  • Office Depot
  • Hotels.com
  • Viator (20% cash back or 20 points per dollar)
  • Neiman Marcus (up to 20% cash back or 20 points per dollar)
  • Bergdorf Goodman (up to 20% cash back or 20 points per dollar)

You'll earn the cash back in addition to any earnings on the credit card you swipe. At most merchants participating in these promotions, you'll want to pay with a credit card that earns bonus points and miles on everyday purchases. Or, use one where you've added a Chase or Amex Offer for that retailer to stack your savings.

Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts
By signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Related: How to earn more points and maximize elite status benefits by double dipping

Bottom line

The summer holiday shopping season is upon us. Even if you only use this time of year to get better deals on the things you would buy anyway, note that the increased cash-back deals are in full effect. To ensure you choose the right option with the best rewards for your planned purchase, compare all the different cash-back sites before you buy.

Note, too, that if you are a new Rakuten shopper, you can earn a $40 cash bonus when you spend at least $40 on a qualifying purchase within the first 90 days. If you join Rakuten by May 13, you can also earn an extra 10% cash back boost (up to $50) to shop on the platform.

Many eligible merchants for these promotions also participate in credit card merchant offers. So, it's smart to check whether a merchant has an offer through Amex Offers, Chase Offers, Citi Merchant Offers and American Airlines AAdvantage's SimplyMiles program before making your purchase.

The best credit cards for Online Purchases in 2024

For additional options, check out our favorite cards for online shopping.

Related reading:

Featured image by D3SIGN/GETTY IMAGES
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.