How to Save Money in 2024 with Rakuten Browser Shopping Extension and Mobile App
In today’s economy, saving money is more important than ever. One tool that has become my go-to for maximizing savings while shopping online is the Rakuten Browser Shopping Extension and Mobile App. I’ve been using Rakuten for a couple of years now, and I don’t shop without it anymore—it’s that good! Let me share how you can save money in 2024 by taking advantage of Rakuten’s simple but effective cashback system.
Why Rakuten is a Must-Have for Online Shoppers
Rakuten is a cashback platform that partners with thousands of retailers, offering shoppers like us an easy way to get money back on our purchases. If you shop online as much as I do, using Rakuten is a no-brainer. Here’s why:
- Cashback on Almost Every Purchase: From clothing to electronics, Rakuten offers cashback at a huge variety of stores. Some of my personal favorites include Walmart, Target, and Macy’s—but there are thousands more.
- Simple to Use: Whether you’re using the Rakuten Chrome browser extension on your laptop or desktop, or the mobile app on your phone, it’s incredibly easy to activate your cashback. All I do is go to the online store I want to shop at, click “Activate Cashback” in the extension, and let Rakuten track my purchases. It automatically adds the cashback to my account.
- Big Cashback Payouts: Rakuten pays you quarterly, so every three months you receive all the cashback you’ve earned in one easy payment. My last check from them, which I received in August 2024, was for $166.99. Since I’ve started using Rakuten regularly over the past year, I’ve earned a total of $387—that’s just for shopping like I normally do!
How to Get Started with Rakuten
If you’re new to Rakuten, here’s how you can set yourself up to start saving:
- Install the Rakuten Browser Extension: For those using a Google Chromebook like I do, the Rakuten extension is compatible with Chrome. You can also install it on other browsers like Safari and Firefox. Once installed, it will notify you when you’re on a partner site and prompt you to activate your cashback.
- Download the Rakuten Mobile App: For shopping on the go, the mobile app works seamlessly. It’s available on both iOS and Android devices, allowing you to get cashback from your phone or tablet.
- Start Shopping and Earning: Once you’re set up, simply browse and shop at your favorite stores. Rakuten takes care of the rest by tracking your purchases and adding cashback to your account.
- Sign Up with My Referral Link: If you haven’t signed up for Rakuten yet, you can do so using my referral link here. Not only will you start earning cashback right away, but Rakuten often offers new users a welcome bonus!
Troubleshooting with Temu (And How I Handle It)
While most retailers seamlessly credit cashback to your Rakuten account, I’ve run into issues with Temu. They’re the only store where I consistently have to manually submit missing cashback requests. My solution? I keep all my Temu order receipts in an organized email folder. Each week, I go to Rakuten and submit any orders that didn’t track correctly. Fortunately, Rakuten’s customer service team usually resolves the issue within a week or two.
If you encounter a similar problem with any store, I highly recommend keeping your order receipts handy for easy reference.
My Cashback Journey with Rakuten
To give you a sense of what you can expect, here’s a breakdown of my cashback earnings since I started using Rakuten:
- I’ve earned a total of $387 since joining, but I’ve been actively using Rakuten for just about a year now.
- My last quarterly check from August 2024 was $166.99.
- Whether you shop a little or a lot, those savings add up over time—making Rakuten a valuable tool in your financial toolkit for 2024 and beyond.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Rakuten Cashback
- Look for Double Cashback Offers: Rakuten frequently runs promotions where certain retailers offer double or even triple the normal cashback rate. Keep an eye out for these deals to maximize your savings.
- Stack Coupons and Cashback: Rakuten lets you apply coupon codes at checkout, so you can combine discounts with cashback to save even more.
- Refer Friends: Rakuten offers a referral program where you can earn bonus cashback for each friend you refer who makes a qualifying purchase.
Final Thoughts: Save More with Rakuten in 2024
Whether you’re shopping for clothes, electronics, groceries, or household essentials, Rakuten is a simple, free tool that helps you get cashback on your everyday purchases. I’ve saved hundreds over the past year, and with the rising cost of living, every little bit helps.
Install the Rakuten browser extension on your laptop or desktop (I use it on my Google Chromebook) and download the mobile app today. You’ll be amazed at how quickly the savings add up. Sign up using my referral link here: www.rakuten.com/r/BLISSF268?eeid=28187 and start earning cashback on your shopping trips right away!
Do you already use Rakuten? What’s your biggest cashback payout? Let me know in the comments!
